People in Upper Skeena at risk of harm or victimization will benefit from a $45,000 grant for the creation of a community-based team of front-line workers to deliver better, faster access to services.

The teams, known as situation tables, are made up of representatives from health, public safety and social service agencies. They 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.

“As we’ve seen with various situation table groups across the province, they’re an important tool to offer different resources to those at risk of crime and gangs, as well as substance abuse and homelessness,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By investing in situation tables, we’re giving service providers the tools they need to provide rapid support to at-risk people, while freeing police resources to focus on other duties.”

Funding is provided by the Province through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach (OCR-GO). OCR-GO has invested more than $1.35 million since 2017 to develop new situation tables and enhance existing ones.

“By bringing together front-line workers from multiple agencies and not-for-profits with the RCMP, our responses to people in crisis better meet their individual needs,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Situation tables both conserve police resources and connect people to the care they need. I am optimistic that this powerful tool will help Upper Skeena support its most vulnerable people and prevent problems from getting bigger down the road.”

Quotes:

Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine –

“Situation tables improve the ability to provide at-risk people the right care they need, with a community-focused approach. With this initiative, we can make sure we’re using the correct resources in Upper Skeena to help create a safer, more caring community.”

Gail Lowry, mayor, District of New Hazelton –

“On behalf of council, the District of New Hazelton is very pleased to receive funding that will enable us to establish a situation table. There are many individuals and families in the Upper Skeena that are struggling with untold issues and rely on various community organizations for support. A situation table will help bring these organizations together and foster a community approach that will improve the safety and well-being of our vulnerable community members and their families.”