WHEREAS many chronic offenders suffer from both mental health and addiction issues concurrent disorders; AND WHEREAS the corrections system is not equipped to deal with people who have concurrent disorders which result in criminal activity; AND WHEREAS chronic offenders suffering from concurrent disorders are repeatedly involved with the criminal justice system with little or no chance of rehabilitation: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to develop a long-term, multi-faceted strategy to help people suffering from concurrent disorders to avoid becoming chronic offenders, including integrated health and psychiatric care, criminal justice reform, and access to affordable housing.
Ministry of Health The Province of British Columbia has made it a priority to build a comprehensive system of mental health and substance use MHSU services throughout the province, making record investments totaling 1.3 billion annually. The Ministry of Health Ministry, health authorities and the Ministry of Justice are committed to addressing the needs of individuals with MHSU problems in contact with the justice system through a collaborative and integrated response. BC Corrections attempts to link offenders to community MHSU resources and has partnered in a number of integration projects. The Ministry has partnered with health authorities and the Ministry of Justice, Policing and Security Branch, to develop overarching guidelines for a provincial protocol for police agencies and MHSU services on their respective roles and responsibilities to provide an effective, resource-efficient and integrated response to the needs of people with MHSU problems who come into contact with police. In addition, the project will identify challenges and mitigation strategies to better support an individual with a MHSU problem when arrested and charged with a criminal offense. Additionally, Healthy Minds, Healthy People: A 10 Year Plan to Address MHSU in BC includes an action to develop guidelines, service protocols and tools to ensure that adults with a mental illness andor problematic substance use, who are in contact with the criminal justice system, have access to appropriate transition and support services.