The B.C. Coalition to End Youth Homelessness published its second Special Report on COVID-19 and youth homelessness in July 2020. The report recommends unique, youth-centred ways to increase income levels for youth at risk of homelessness and the development of a BC Youth Housing Action Plan that provides a continuum of housing and access to rental subsidies. The report also recommends increasing youth safety and security online to mitigate risks of exploitation and online bullying.
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Mental health
Recommendation 31: Low-barrier support that provides drop in programming or short, easy life-skills workshops such as budgeting, employment, career training, mental wellness, and social activities. Youth recommend non-clinical activities such as walking with a community support worker.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 32: Services should be extended and provided after-hours and on weekends, as we all know that crises do not happen during 9-5.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 33: Develop a “no wrong door” policy by ensuring all organizations know what resources are available and what youth need supports to ensure no youth falls through the cracks. Mental health organizations should partner with non-profits to provide youth with clinical supports and workshops. There should be one referral document for all services such as the Wrapforce program in Kamloops and the One Door initiative in Kelowna.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 34: Provide youth with in-house mental health and cognitive assessments, so they are able to access CLBC and other supports in a timely manner.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 35: Partner with non-profits to provide health services onsite to youth to reduce their risk of community transmissions by going to a walk-in clinic.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 36: Utilize First Nations healing knowledge and link this in with support to help youth get connected to the land, nature and community.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 37: Increase peer support opportunities and engage youth voice in paid focus groups or online surveys.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 38: Provide health-care and law enforcement professionals with regulated mental health crisis and de-escalation strategies to better support youth.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 39: Obtain data from Mental Health teams and hospitals to better understand the long-term impacts of COVID-19. Reconsider the 14-day isolation period for youth struggling with mental health and substance use concerns.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 40: Increase harm reduction services for youth, including appropriate supplies, naloxone kits and training to use safely. In particular, youth in Williams Lake requested harm reduction services.-
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