A project team at the Department of Health is currently developing a Youth Addictions strategy for the province to improve and expand on existing youth addictions programming. The effort includes research, analysis, and consultation related to a community, residential and educational youth addictions model.
As part of the strategy development, the Department of Health is running a series of consultation meetings with community members and professional stakeholders across the Island throughout February. There will be advertisements noting the locations and dates of open public meetings.
The question, “If youth addictions services in the province were to be improved and/or expanded what would you recommend?,” will be discussed at the public consultations meetings.
Chester Gillan, Minister of Health, said, “It is very clear that youth addiction and substance abuse is a growing challenge in the province and we are committed to ensuring that there are programs and services that effectively meet this need. Consequently, we have been researching best practices and will be talking to Islanders. It is important to look broadly at the issue and discuss the concerns of parents and their children.”
As part of the effort, the project team is reviewing other addiction services in provinces which presently have legislated involuntary services.
Leanne Sayle, Director of Primary Care for the Department of Health added, “We have already been looking at options for a residential facility but securing a facility is just part of the challenge. We need to examine how that facility fits into a broader community, residential, and public awareness program. Ultimately, youth will receive treatment based on clinical decisions on a case-by-case basis.”
Planners will be looking at strategies to engage families and communities in prevention as well as treatment programs. The strategy development process is expected to be wrapped up by late March with a report to be provided to government that outlines a process for implementation.