Mission, BC—More support for children and youth in need of mental health and substance use care will soon be available in Mission with the expansion of BC’s Integrated Child and Youth teams into the city.
The announcement took place at the Mission Youth Centre on Thursday morning, with Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Children and Family Development Mitzi Dean, and local MLAs Pam Alexis and Bob D’Eith all speaking to the importance of the program.
The Integrated Child and Youth teams are part of B.C.’s strategy for mental health and substance use care. The ICY teams bring services together in a multidisciplinary team setting, providing wraparound care.
“These resources come to our community at a critical time,” said Mayor Paul Horn. “Youth mental health diagnoses have been on the rise in Mission for years, and COVID has worsened the problem. Our area has been underserved and families tell us that they don’t know how to find or coordinate the help they need, so this program will literally be a lifesaver for many of our neighbours.”
Each team supports children and youth within a school district area from early years to age 19.
“This is a big announcement for us in Mission,” said School Trustee Chair Shelley Charter. “It is such a good opportunity for our children, students, and staff to work with the Ministry and have these types of programs. We’re grateful.”
“This is a big step forward and it’s really going to benefit the children and youth in this community,” added School Trustee Randy Cairns.
“The Covid pandemic has resulted in significant fallout for our young people and their families,” said Kirsten Hargreaves, Manager of Social Development. “Now more than ever we need to offer safe spaces, places and people for our young people to attach to that provide connection, meaning, mattering and navigation through hard things. We strongly uphold collaborative values in Mission and look forward to working closely with this new team”
Watch the Announcement
Read the full press release from the Province of British Columbia on their website.
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Media Contact
Taryn Hubbard
Manager, Communications and Public Engagement
City of Mission
604-820-3732
thubbard@mission.ca