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BCGEU exploring alternative services model for Victoria Youth Custody Centre

BCGEU/NUPGE staff and members at Victoria Youth Custody Centre looking for ways to fully use the facility.

Vancouver (27 Jan. 2014) – Members and the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) staff have been exploring ideas and suggestions about potential alternate uses for the underused capacity at the Victoria Youth Custody Centre (VYCC). There have been a range of options suggested.

BCGEU/NUPGE staff and members examine alternate uses for underutilized capacity at Victoria Youth Custody Centre

As part of this exploration, the union recently met with the B.C. Representative for Children and Youth. One of the topics of discussion was to look at the possibility for utilizing part of the VYCC for the creation of a unit to provide child and youth mental health services. The demand for child and youth mental health service is often exceeding available capacity at existing resources such as Ledger House. The Representative's office indicated an interest in being kept up to date as alternative uses for the centre are explored.

In order to move forward with an examination of alternatives, the union is drafting a brief that will be presented to government officials and other interested community stakeholders. The brief will include topics such as:

  • Exploring alternative capacity usages for the centre
  • Looking for member input to cover all potential options
  • Explaining the need to protect a valuable public resource for the long term
  • Reaching out in the community to explore options and to seek support
  • Exploring repatriation of housing youth females at both VYCC & Prince George Youth Custody Centre

The union will be meeting with the group of newly elected VYCC stewards and interested members to seek their input as the process moves forward.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE