Reforming and Modernizing the Mental Health Act for Children and Youth
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- General Report
This report urges the provincial government to modernize the Mental Health Act and ensure that it addresses the unique needs and circumstances of children and youth living with mental health challenges. The report includes research from the Society for Children and Youth of BC relating to child and youth capacity and participation in legal and administrative proceedings, including healthcare decisions and the voluntary and involuntary civil detention of children and youth under mental health legislation.
I feel like people always assumed I wasn’t capable of making good decisions because I was young, which was very frustrating and made me feel like I was too stupid or like I didn’t know anything. I don’t think this was the case, people just didn’t want to listen to me.
Youth
Nearly
children and youth are experiencing a mental health disorder in BC, at any given time.
Putting Children and Youth at the Centre, 2025
More than
children and youth are served each year through MCFD's Child and Youth Mental Health services.
Putting Children and Youth at the Centre, 2025
There are more than
hospitalizations of children and youth under the Mental Health Act each year.
Putting Children and Youth at the Centre, 2025
Key Themes
Recommendations at a Glance
Consider the Rights & Unique Needs of Children & Youth
- MCFD includes a requirement that legislative proposals be considered that would establish either stand-alone mental health legislation for children and youth or a separate and distinct part of a modernized Mental Health Act that addresses the rights, unique needs and circumstances of children and youth.
