A Review of Child and Youth Mental Health Services in BC

This review was commissioned by the Ministry of Children and Family Development [MCFD].
The purpose was to:

• review the Child and Youth Mental Health service system subsequent to implementation of the Child and Youth Mental Health Plan for British Columbia,
• identify remaining gaps in programs and services, and
• recommend next steps for continued service system improvement.

Consultations were held with community stakeholders, partners in other Ministries, service providers, families of children and youth with mental illness, and youth clients themselves from May to July 2008.

The review acknowledges the work that has been done to enhance services and build a broader continuum of support for children and youth in B.C. who are affected by mental health issues. It also offers recommendations to further improve services. Introduced in February 2003, B.C.’s CYMH plan was the first of its kind in Canada and the province has been recognized for its leadership in the field.