Child & Youth Mental Health Algorithm - GPSC

Child and Youth Crisis ProgramProgram DescriptionThe Child and Youth Crisis Program(CYCP) is a collaborative initiativebetween Fraser Health and theMinistry of Children and FamilyDevelopment, serving children, youthand their families living in the FraserHealth region.CYCP provides crisis response to childrenand youth between 6-18 years of agewho are in an acute mental health crisis.These children or youth may displaybehaviours, thoughts and feelings thatare considered by the individual, familyor others to be markedly different fromtheir normal state and which seriouslyinterfere with their activities of dailyliving.These behaviours, thoughts or feelingsmay include suicidal/homicidal ideation,changes in mood, symptoms ofpsychosis, and/or self-injuriousbehaviour, which may or may not beinduced by substance misuse.Services ProvidedThe CYCP provides assessment, briefcrisis intervention and resourcecoordination including a referral toother relevant agencies when required.The crisis clinician will assess andintervene with the child or youth andtheir family as soon after the initialreferral as possible. CYCP is able tooffer up to six subsequent follow-upsessions with the child or youth andtheir family.In addition, following an assessment byCYCP, if further psychiatric consultationis required, arrangements can be madefor the child or youth to see apsychiatrist through the program.Referral ProcessReferrals to the Child & Youth Crisis Programare made by telephone.At the time of initial referral, basicdemographics, presenting problem(s) andrelevant collateral information will begathered. If the referral does not meet theprogram mandate, possible alternate referralsources can be discussed.If the referral is appropriate and telephoneresolution does not occur, the crisis clinicianwill meet with the child or youth and theirfamily as soon as possible.When possible, the child or youth and theirfamily will be seen in their own communityor at a mutually agreed upon, safe location.CYCP currently acceptsprofessional referrals only