Advocacy Concerns
The F.O.R.C.E.'s current, but not exhaustive, areas of concern regarding provision of services in child and youth mental health:
- Lack of framework and services that facilitate the continuum of mental health across the lifespan and across service sectors and ministries.
- Competencies/training of staff in working with families: whole family mental health, including siblings and support for parents with mental health issues.
- Multiple assessments/diagnoses driving available treatment and support versus the function and functional needs of child/youth along with diagnosis.
- Multiple age restrictions and limitations for accessing services: Hospitals, Provincial Treatment Centres, Child & Youth Mental Health, Community Living BC, Day Treatment Programs, etc...these restrictions can facilitate that NO DOOR IS THE RIGHT DOOR.
- Lack of residential options for complex and chronically ill children & youth.
- Greater school-based options for students with complex mental health issues.
- In-home support and peer support for families.