December 5,2025
RED FM News Desk
The Province of B.C. has issued new guidance to help doctors determine when young people under 19 can be admitted for involuntary mental-health or substance-use treatment under the Mental Health Act, particularly when they are unable or unwilling to seek help. The guidance also clarifies when parents or guardians can request such admission to ensure youth receive potentially life-saving care.
Premier David Eby and medical experts say the guidance is needed because some young people face severe, overlapping mental-health and addiction challenges that can result in brain injury or death. Developed by Dr. Daniel Vigo, the guidance outlines how involuntary care can be used therapeutically while remaining the least restrictive option. Families who have lost children to mental-health or addiction issues say the new guidance offers a chance they previously did not have.
B.C. has also fully implemented a system guaranteeing that anyone detained under the Mental Health Act—including youth—can meet with an independent rights adviser to understand their situation and legal options.
Currently, the province has over 2,000 mental-health beds available for involuntary care, with additional beds planned. This initiative is part of a larger effort to enhance mental-health and substance-use services, including more treatment and recovery beds, youth centres, and supportive housing.
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