A Review of Child and Youth Mental Health Services in British Columbia

A review of B.C.’s Child and Youth Mental Health Plan was commissioned by the Ministry of Children and Family Development to understand the impact of the plan on British Columbians and identify next steps to continue to improve service. Consultations were held with community stakeholders, partners in other Ministries, service providers, families of children and youth with mental illness, and youth clients themselves between May and 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.