Following the development of a strategy framework and recent public consultations in December, the Youth Substance Use and Addictions project is now working through a detailed planning effort to build on programs and services in the province.
"Government is committed to enhancing programs and services related to youth substance use and addiction, and a thorough planning phase is an essential component in our overall strategy," says Doug Currie, Minister of Health and Minister of Social Services and Seniors. "As a follow up to recent public consultations, we have gathered community and government stakeholders and formed an Advisory Committee and Working Groups. They are dedicated to examining best practices and setting recommended directions for action over the coming months and years."
Don Gorveatt, Manager of Community Mental Health and Addictions and Project Advisory Committee Co-Chair, said, “Programs and services exist across the Island to help youth who are dealing with substance use and addiction. However, the community has told us that much more needs to be done to address their needs. We need to look broadly and focus on more than facility-based services. The challenge is to provide a range of accessible and effective programs and services.”
Andy Lou Somers was recently named Co-Chair of the Project Advisory Committee. Ms. Somers said, “As planning groups establish themselves, we realize the complexities of developing new programs and services related to youth substance use and addiction. We recognize that it is important to build a solid foundation of services so that those who are at risk, or in early or late stage addiction, have the supports they need to deal with their challenges. We are thinking about ways to realistically and effectively achieve these goals.”
Working Groups are meeting regularly and are working to establish general directions and detailed planning in the areas of prevention, education, early intervention, treatment, counselling, and aftercare. The groups are meeting with addiction experts who are providing education on best practices in programming and services. They are discussing what may be possible and effective over the short and long term and will forward recommendations to government.
“We have a range of community and government stakeholders at the planning tables including concerned parents, aboriginal groups and youth, along with education, social services, addiction and justice professionals,” said Don Gorveatt. “The planning groups are discussing what services currently exist on PEI and how they can be improved. We also have a project coordinator and other staff supporting the group planning efforts.”
The youth substance use and addictions strategy framework and results of the public consultations in December can be viewed at www.gov.pe.ca/go/youthstrategy . Information on development of youth substance use and addiction programs and services will be communicated as planning groups formalize their recommended directions with government.