When BC Premier David Eby announced on September 15th that the involuntary care program for people who use substances will be built in correctional facilities in the province, the BC Association of Social Workers (BCASW) made a statement about using caution in this decision. The BCASW letter stated “we have asked the BC gov to take an evidence-based approach to this problem and the same holds true for the planned involuntary care program.”
Involuntary Care is a measure that can be taken if a person is certified under the Mental Health Act, meaning they can receive treatment for a mental disorder against their will. According to the Mental Health Act BC, a medical professional can only certify for involuntary mental health treatment under these circumstances.
Michael Crawford, the BCASW President felt that this decision was rushed into legislature without proper consultation regarding the civil rights of people who use substances.
