Dealing With a Crisis
A crisis is when there is a safety issue for the child or family. You can use these pages as a guide for crisis intervention.
Step 1 - Call 9 1 1
If you fear for your safety or the safety of your child, do not hesitate to call 9 1 1.
Step 2 - Hospital
Go to the Emergency Ward of your local hospital
"Beds are limited so be prepared to wait and advocate." - Donna Murphy
In some hospitals there are services specifically for youth.
Youth Crisis Response Team
Available in some form in all health regions, who will:
- Give an initial assessment through the Emergency Ward
- May provide counselling on an out-patient basis
- or arrange for transfer to other hospitals
BC Children's Hospital
Phone - 875-2345
- Urgent Assessment Clinic available at the BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver - 604-875-2654
- In-Patient Wards
- CAPE (Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Emergencies) Unit - 3 beds, for emergency, temporary and short term crisis only
- Children's In-Patient wards:
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Typically, there is a wait list for these beds. It is recommended if you anticipate you may need a bed, get your child's name on the wait list.
Be pro-active, know the psychiatric services your local hospital provides.