People in Merritt at risk of harm or victimization will benefit from a $15,000 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 tables both conserve police resources and connect people to the care they need. I am grateful that a situation table is coming to Merritt, and optimistic that this powerful tool will connect its community members with services and solve problems before they grow.”

Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen –

“Breaking down silos and working as a team is the best way we can make sure people in Merritt are getting the supports they need. I’m happy to see front-line service providers taking this initiative and am grateful that we’re able to support them as a Province. Situation tables help the community to proactively support vulnerable people and connect them to the most appropriate resources.”

Linda Brown, mayor, City of Merritt –

“Merritt’s a wonderful community, but some of our residents face challenges and issues that they can’t manage by themselves. We’re delighted the provincial government is stepping in to help us establish a situation table, which has been used successfully in other communities. Working together, we can show support to our people and help to connect them to the services they need, stopping problems before they happen – which is not only good for the people directly helped, but for our entire community.”

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