The B.C. government says it is embarking on a multi-year plan to double the number of substance abuse treatment beds for youth in B.C.
The province is spending $36 million through to 2022-23 to create 123 new beds for people aged 12 to 24.
Locations are being determined in collaboration with health authorities.
"For too long, young people and their families have faced long waits for treatment and a fragmented mental health and addictions system," said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, this morning in Victoria (Aug. 13).
"Especially in these challenging times, young people shouldn’t have to wait for care. There’s much more to do, and we’re going to keep building a full continuum of mental health and addictions care for everyone in B.C."
The first round of new beds is expected to be in place by the end of the fiscal year.
There are currently just 124 withdrawal management and treatment and recovery beds for youth in the province.
