Voices of youth living with addictions highlighted in Manitoba child advocate report – Winnipeg [Video]

A new report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth paints a picture of the state of addictions services for young people in the province and what needs to change.

It draws on feedback from dozens of young people and more than 120 service providers that work with youth.

Some of the concerns youth identified include limited access to services, long wait-lists, geographic barriers, and a lack of integrated mental health support and harm reduction services.

Those working in the field say some of the problems they see include underfunding, staff shortages and a lack of collaboration between agencies.

The advocate says her office has seen a significant increase in the number of people trying to access addictions services, and has previously called on the province to develop a youth-focused addictions strategy.

Sherry Gott says systemic and structural changes are needed to address the growing number of youth seeking …