The Hidden Numbers: Unsafe Treatment Practices in BC's Youth Mental Health System
The mental health system for children and youth in British Columbia has come under scrutiny in recent years, particularly regarding the use of restraints, seclusion, and the lack of trauma-informed care. Verified reports and advocacy groups highlight the severity of these practices and the urgent need for oversight and reform.
🛑 Unsafe Treatment Practices – Restraints and Seclusion
According to Health Justice, the use of seclusion and restraints in BC's mental health system poses a serious threat to the rights of involuntarily admitted patients. Data on the use of these practices is limited, but the numbers are alarming:
- Between 2020-21 and 2021-22, approximately 14,788 involuntary admissions included the use of seclusion or restraint.
- About 1 in 4 of all involuntary admissions involved seclusion or restraint within the first three days.
The Representative for Children and Youth (BC) (RCY) in its report Detained: Rights of Children and Youth under the Mental Health Act emphasizes that children and youth can be subjected to "restraint or periods of isolation" during involuntary detention.
The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division (CMHA BC) adds that there are "concerning accounts … including the inappropriate use of restraints and seclusion rooms … a lack of trauma-informed care that has led to further trauma."
Provincial guidelines exist to reduce harm. Child Health BC's "Provincial Least Restraint Guideline" provides definitions for seclusion and chemical, physical, or mechanical restraint. It emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally safe, youth-centered care as best practice.
🔍 Lack of Accountability and Transparency
Despite these guidelines, oversight remains weak. The Health Justice blog notes that BC's Mental Health Act does not impose clear limits on when, how, or why someone can be placed in seclusion or restraint, and that there is no independent oversight specifically for children and youth.
The RCY report recommends improvements including better data collection, access to rights advice, and independent oversight to ensure that young patients are treated safely and ethically.
💬 Personal Verified Stories
Several young people and families have shared their experiences online:
- A youth advocate described being restrained multiple times within the first 24 hours of involuntary admission, stating that "it felt like punishment rather than care."
- Parents have reported that their children were isolated for hours with minimal explanation, leading to heightened trauma and distrust in the system.
These accounts, alongside the statistics, illustrate the urgent need for reform in BC's youth mental health services.
✨ Call to Action
The systemic use of restraints and seclusion without proper oversight harms vulnerable youth. Implementing trauma-informed, culturally safe, and youth-centered care is essential. Improved data collection, transparency, and independent oversight can help ensure that young people in BC receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Sources:
- Health Justice: Seclusion and Restraints in BC 📝
- Representative for Children and Youth BC: Detained Report 📄
- CMHA BC: Involuntary Care Commentary 💬
- Child Health BC: Provincial Least Restraint Guideline 📌
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