The family of a teenager who tragically passed away in a homeless camp in British Columbia is advocating for a change in the province’s laws regarding involuntary treatment for children struggling with addiction.
The 17-year-old, who has been identified as Jack, was found unresponsive in a tent at a homeless camp in Maple Ridge on December 20th. He had been living in the camp for several months, battling a severe addiction to drugs.
According to Jack’s family, he had been struggling with addiction since the age of 14 and had been in and out of treatment programs. However, due to his age, he was unable to receive involuntary treatment, which his family believes could have saved his life.
In British Columbia, the Mental Health Act allows for involuntary treatment for individuals over the age of 19, but not for minors. This means that parents and guardians are unable to force their children into treatment, even if they believe it is necessary for their well-being.
Jack’s family is now pushing for a change in the law, advocating for the inclusion of minors in the involuntary treatment clause. They believe that this change could have saved their son’s life and could potentially save the lives of other young people struggling with addiction.
In a statement, Jack’s mother expressed her frustration with the current laws, stating, “We were powerless to help our son. We watched him spiral out of control and there was nothing we could do to stop it. It’s time for the government to step up and protect our children.”
The family has started a petition calling for the change in the law, which has already garnered over 10,000 signatures. They are also working with local politicians to bring attention to this issue and push for legislative change.
In response to the family’s advocacy, the British Columbia government has stated that they are reviewing the Mental Health Act and considering changes to allow for involuntary treatment for minors. However, they have not provided a timeline for when these changes may be implemented.
In the meantime, Jack’s family is urging parents and guardians to be vigilant and seek help for their children struggling with addiction, even if it means going against their wishes. They hope that their son’s tragic death will bring about much-needed change and prevent other families from experiencing the same heartache.
The loss of Jack has shed light on a gap in the current laws and has sparked an important conversation about the treatment of minors with addiction. It is now up to the government to take action and ensure that all individuals, regardless of age, have access to the necessary treatment for their well-being.
