Keeping people safe in Dawson Creek with early intervention program

DAWSON CREEK -

Summary

• City of Dawson Creek has received a $50,000 grant to implement a Safe Community Situation Table
• City of Dawson Creek is one of 50 communities to implement a situation table
• Situation tables are community-centred with front-line workers connecting vulnerable people with preventative supports

__________

People in Dawson Creek who are at risk of harm or victimization are benefiting from a $50,000 grant to implement a Safe Community Situation Table, a community-based model bringing together a diverse range of front-line workers to deliver better, quicker access to services.

"Situation tables support safe communities, ensuring police and front-line responders can access improved services for people in crisis or at risk due to mental health, addiction, brain injuries or other complex needs," said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "Public safety challenges are best addressed through a collaborative, co-ordinated and community-based approach. That's why having these essential stakeholders at the table is so critical to getting people in crisis the supports they need."

The Dawson Creek Safe Community Situation Table will launch this year, comprised of community partners and agencies from the health, law enforcement, education, human services and non-profit sectors. The partners will meet weekly to address issues pertaining to their community, such as mental health and addictions, homelessness, poverty, violent repeat offending and survival crime.

"Keeping our community safe means working together," said Darcy Dober, mayor of Dawson Creek. "This funding helps bring local partners to the same table so we can step in earlier and better support people facing tough situations. It's about connecting people to the help they need and making Dawson Creek a stronger, more caring community."

Community-centred support

Safe Community Situation Tables provide a structured, collaborative approach to managing complex or urgent circumstances by bringing together key groups and using systematic processes to mitigate risk and develop action plans to respond more effectively and efficiently to the needs of each individual. Furthermore, aggregate data analysis helps policymakers assess gaps and risks in their local communities.

The situation tables are considered a best practice for improving community safety and well-being by enabling community front-line workers to:

• proactively identify risks through real-time information sharing
• reduce long-term demand on emergency and police resources
• leverage and co-ordinate existing community assets and relationships between health supports, victim services, and culturally safe support and services
• plan and deliver collaborative interventions before an incident occurs
• reduce increased risk in people's lives

Investing in public safety

Since 2018, more than $3.5 million has been provided in grants to B.C. regions and communities to facilitate local situation tables, Indigenous intervention circles and other related initiatives. There are 56 funded situation tables and intervention circles in B.C. Of these, 42 are operational, while the other 14 are under implementation.

Learn More: