The BC government has introduced amendments to the Mental Health Act to improve the care and safety of youth under the age of 19 who are experiencing severe problematic substance use by providing short-term involuntary emergency stabilization care following an overdose.

Based on the advice of the BC Children’s Hospital and other child and youth advocates, the changes will enable hospitals to keep youth safe immediately following an overdose and are designed to prioritize the best interest of youth and facilitate better connections to voluntary culturally safe care.

Youth living with severe problematic substance use who are admitted to a hospital following a life-threatening overdose can be admitted for stabilization care for up to 48 hours or until their decision-making capacity is restored, for a maximum of 7 days. This short-term emergency care will be provided at hospitals throughout the province where there is an existing designated psychiatric unit or observation unit. Following the period of stabilization care, youth will be connected to supports and services in the community. For more information, visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MMHA0032-001139 [9].