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Community Social Services: Biweekly Bulletin Oct. 04, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

October 04, 2024

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Table of contents

  • Health
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Mental Health
  • Opportunities
  • Homelessness
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Toxic Drugs
  • Career Opportunities
  • Housing
  • BC Election
  • Good News

Health

‘A Plan to Make a Plan’: Experts Speak out on BC’s Involuntary Care Proposal | Healthy Debate

British Columbia’s involuntary care proposal has sparked debate among experts and political figures. Premier David Eby announced plans to expand involuntary care for individuals with mental health issues, brain injuries, and addiction, proposing new secure facilities and hospital beds. Some see the move as politically motivated, while critics argue it conflates mental health crises with substance use disorders and lacks evidence for effectiveness. Concerns include increased overdose risks following forced treatment, trauma for young patients, and the inadequacy of voluntary treatment options. While some view the proposal as a necessary intervention, others fear it could lead to harmful outcomes without addressing the root causes of the overdose crisis, such as the toxic drug supply.

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Reconciliation Book Club

Bone Black

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on October 23, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Bone Black” by Carol Rose GoldenEagle. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Mental Health

Youth Mental Health Declining on Southern Vancouver Island: Survey | Chemainus Valley Courier

The 2023 BC Adolescent Health Survey for South Vancouver Island reveals a decline in youth mental health compared to previous years. Only 58% of youth rated their mental health as good or excellent, a drop from 71% in 2018 and 80% in 2013. Anxiety disorders affected over a quarter of youth, with many reporting that anxiety prevented them from participating in extracurricular activities. Despite these challenges, more youth had supportive adults in their lives, with 75% able to turn to a family member in times of need. McCreary Centre Society’s executive director, Annie Smith, highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health and noted that supportive adults play a protective role.

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Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members stay up to date with what is happening across the community social services sector. Check our calendar for training opportunities, webinars, and events.

Homelessness

Province Stifling Civic Response to Homelessness: Penticton Council | Penticton Herald

Penticton City Council criticized the provincial government, particularly agencies like BC Housing and Interior Health, for failing to support the city’s efforts to address homelessness adequately. While the council works on establishing a new temporary winter shelter, they expressed frustration with the lack of commitment from these agencies, accusing them of only providing superficial funding without delivering necessary services. Councillor Ryan Graham and other members voiced concerns that the shelter project could collapse if provincial partners don’t fulfill their obligations. The council called for backup plans and stronger financial commitments, emphasizing the need for continuous services, including overnight security and on-site medical care, to ensure the shelter’s success.

Related:

Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at The Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Toxic Drugs

BC Mayors Voice Discontent over Province’s Response to Drug Crisis | Todayville

Several BC mayors have expressed dissatisfaction with the province’s response to the ongoing drug crisis, criticizing the drug decriminalization project and the lack of adequate resources for harm-reduction and treatment services. Mayor Brad West of Port Coquitlam highlighted an increase in public drug use and ineffective policing after decriminalization, leading municipalities like his to ban drug use in public spaces. Other mayors, such as Leonard Krog of Nanaimo, advocate for involuntary care to treat addiction and mental health issues, though they remain skeptical of its potential impact. Meanwhile, Victoria’s Mayor Marianne Alto supports harm reduction but stresses the need for a more comprehensive approach. Across municipalities, frustrations with long wait times for treatment, under-resourced facilities, and inadequate shelter options have underscored the challenges in addressing the crisis at both local and provincial levels.

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Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Housing

BC Housing Warned about Project Issues but Kept Quiet: FOI Docs | CBC

Freedom of Information (FOI) documents reveal that BC Housing was warned about potential public backlash over abuses of an affordable homeownership program tied to Victoria’s Vivid condominium project. The program, aimed at helping middle-income families, faced allegations that a third of the units were sold to individuals who violated program terms by owning additional properties or failing to live in their units. Despite these concerns, BC Housing did not publicly address the issue and agreed to relax ownership restrictions. The agency has since repurchased 19 units and filed lawsuits against purchasers. Some buyers, including real estate agent Janet Yu, have contested the claims, with legal battles continuing.

Related:

BC Election

How Do British Columbia’s Three Main Parties Compare on These Election Issues? | CBC

Read the promises of British Columbia’s three main political parties on the pressing issues in the 2024 provincial election. The CBC will update these as parties add to their platforms ahead of the election.

Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

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