Three Island cities are set to receive a $30,000 grant each to help support people who are at risk of harm or victimization.
The cities of Duncan, Nanaimo and Campbell River will all be receiving the benefit, which will be used to create a community-based team of front-line workers to deliver better and faster access to services, says the province.
The teams, known as “situation tables,” are made up of representatives from health, public safety and social service agencies.
The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General says these teams will proactively identify vulnerable individuals or families who have a significant probability of criminal offending or experiencing harm or victimization and rapidly connect them to services before they experience a negative or traumatic event.
“We want to see all people, particularly those who are vulnerable and high risk, receive the right support and services they need, when they need them,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“By investing in creating these teams in communities throughout the province, we’re helping front-line workers rapidly connect with people in crisis, while freeing up police to focus on serious and organized criminal activity.”
Sheila Malcolmson, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, also says these situation tables could take the pressure off of police.
“To better connect vulnerable people with the services that can prevent crisis, crime and disorder, situation tables problem solve one case at a time, so at-risk individuals get the help they need,” said Malcolmson. “In 2019, 54% of situation table cases were transferred from police to social services, so police could focus on criminals instead.”
The total of $90,000 for the three Island cities is provided by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach.
Since 2017, the office has invested more than $1.1 million to develop new tables or enhance existing ones, with another $240,000 to provide funding to seven more communities this year.
There are currently 10 situation tables operating in B.C., with work underway on 11 more.
READ MORE: B.C. fails to meet deadline to house those sheltering in Victoria parks
Rebecca Lawrence
