B.C. says parents of youth admitted involuntarily under Mental Health Act must be informed
published on December 9, 2025 by Alec Lazenby in Vancouver Sun
The province’s newly released guidelines for placing youth with substance use and mental health challenges in involuntary care could lead to traumatic experiences that leave them less likely to seek help in the future, advocates are warning.
On Friday, Premier David Eby and adviser Dr. Daniel Vigo released new guidance to physicians clarifying that struggling youth can be detained under the Mental Health Act if they are deemed a risk to themselves or others.
It also includes a stipulation that parents must be notified if this occurs, and mentions that all people involuntarily detained have the right to speak to an independent rights adviser if they wish to challenge their admission…
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