Central Island Aboriginal youth to gain improved access to stabilization and transition residential care

December 22, 2014

“These new stabilization and transition beds for Aboriginal youth in the Central Island region reflect government’s commitment to strengthen residential resources in a safe, supportive environment for young people in need,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Youth will benefit from access to these beds, as well as care provided in a culturally safe manner.”

Island Health has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a provider for a short-term-stay, community residential withdrawal service in the Nanaimo area. The RFP calls for two beds initially with the possibility of additional beds at a later date.

“While the primary focus of this service is Aboriginal youth, these beds will be accessible to any youth population in need of stabilization and transition supports,” said Cheryl Damstetter, Island Health’s Executive Director, Mental Health, Family and Public Health.

Stabilization supports are provided to individuals experiencing substance use and other related harms and include a safe and supportive environment where youth can meet their basic physical needs such as food, warmth, shelter and hygiene.  The service also allows clients to to address their social needs to effectively make positive changes in their lives.

Transition supports are provided to individuals who may be transitioning into or out of a residential facility or withdrawal management services, or who are awaiting housing and may not have an adequate plan for continued treatment or an adequate level of support and safe housing. Transition supports are also important in a crisis situation where emergency shelter requirements need to be provided to reduce the risk of harm.

The RFP calls for the proponent to provide a safe, supportive and structured care environment that is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Island Health’s Youth and Family Substance Use Services in Central Island will deliver clinical support and aftercare planning.

Access to the service will be through self-referral and referral by health and human services providers such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development and Island Health.

The RFP is posted on the BCBID website, www.bcbid.ca and closes at 2 p.m. on January 23, 2015.

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Val Wilson

Manager, Regional Communications
Phone: 250.739.6303
Email: valerie.wilson@viha.ca

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