People in Port Alberni at risk of harm or victimization will benefit from a $30,000 grant to create a community-based team of front-line workers to deliver better and 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 committing criminal offences or experiencing harm or victimization, and rapidly connect them to services before they experience a negative or traumatic event.

“Situation tables strengthen the co-ordination and effectiveness of social services for high-risk individuals,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The goal is to assist vulnerable individuals and to increase public safety for everyone in the community.”

Funding is provided by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach (OCR-GO). Since 2017, the OCR-GO has invested more than $1.2 million to develop new tables or enhance existing ones. In 2021-22, the office is providing more than $230,000 to eight communities.

There are 15 situation tables operating in B.C., with work underway on nine more.

Quotes:

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions –

“When people are in crisis, they need compassionate support and individualized problem-solving. That’s why our government is bringing together front-line workers from multiple agencies, not-for-profits and law enforcement. Situation ables both conserve police resources and connect people to the care they need. I am grateful that a situation table is coming to Port Alberni and optimistic that this powerful tool will connect its community members with services and solve problems before they grow.”

Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim –

“We know that working together is the best way to provide supports to the people who need them most. Situation tables are one way that our community can come together to care for the most vulnerable people in Port Alberni and help connect them to the resources and services they need.”

Sharie Minions, mayor, City of Port Alberni –

“We are grateful to Alberni Drug and Alcohol Prevention Services for pursuing this initiative, and to the Province for investing in creative and collaborative programs that achieve measurable results, not only for those involved, but also for communities as a whole.”

Learn More:

For more information on situation tables, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/policing-in-bc/ocr-go/situation-tables