B.C. to open 18 long-term involuntary care beds in Metro Vancouver [Video]

The British Columbia government has created 18 new beds dedicated to long-term involuntary care at a Metro Vancouver mental health facility.

The new beds at Alouette Homes in Maple Ridge, B.C., are designed for people who need involuntary care under the Mental Health Act outside the criminal justice system, Health Minister Josie Osborne told a news conference on Tuesday.

“I want to be clear that while Alouette Homes is located next to the Alouette Correctional Centre, it is not the same as the involuntary care beds that were opened last month at the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre,” Osborne said.

“Those were beds designed specifically for individuals in custody, but Alouette Homes is different. It’s for people living with complex mental health disorders who need long-term therapeutic care in a supportive home-like environment.”

WATCH | The CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s B.C. division discusses involuntary care: B.C. Health Minister …