BC United MLA Sturdy introduces legislation designed to protect minors struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.

Today in the B.C. Legislature, BC United MLA Jordan Sturdy introduced legislation designed to protect minors struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.

The Safe Care Act, 2024, would authorize a parent, adoption director, child and family services director, or safe care director to apply to the Provincial Court for the limited involuntary apprehension of a child facing serious harm through addictions and mental illness.

When introducing the bill, Sturdy highlighted the story of his constituent, Brenda Doherty, who lost her 15-year-old daughter to a deadly drug overdose after being released prematurely from the hospital.

“This bill is a last-resort tool that will provide further options to parents seeking to keep their kids safe, while also respecting the rights and well-being of the youth,” said Sturdy. “Had this legislation been adopted years ago, Brenda’s daughter may still be here today.”

“Any decision to implement involuntary care should not be taken lightly,” added Elenore Sturko, BC United’s Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Addictions, Recovery, and Education. “However, we stand firm in our belief that there are times when compassionate involuntary care is necessary to save lives.”

The Safe Care Act builds on BC United’s Better is Possible plan that allows for the limited use of involuntary treatment to protect vulnerable youth and adults at risk of harm to themselves or others.