Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

The South Okanagan ‘Situation Table’ has 16 confirmed participants who are hoping to make a big difference in the lives of people in crisis.

During the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee meeting on Oct. 4, Diane Vaykovich gave an update on the table’s progress. 

She noted they have been working closely with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in establishing the program to help vulnerable people.

Vaykovich said the table participants represent the Oliver RCMP, the Okanagan Correctional Centre, family support worker, youth worker, the school district, the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Vaykovich said these participants will receive training in how to access and help individuals in need of intervention.

For example, the team will meet and identify someone in crisis and approach that person (knock on the door) with an offer to help. The individual in crisis could be suffering from job loss or another personal situation that could lead to crime.

Vaykovich stressed that everything is kept confidential.

Committee member Martin Johansen said this table will engage youth and adults in Oliver, Osoyoos and the rural areas.

Fellow member Aimee Grice said she views the table not only as crisis intervention but a preventative measure prior to a person committing a crime.

Johansen said the program is not necessarily looking at preventing a theft or a robbery, it’s engaging an individual who is starting to have dealings with the RCMP and the criminal system. 

It could be a student in school who is suddenly missing classes or whose marks are dropping. 

“You may find out that somebody’s lost their job and there isn’t food in the house,” Johansen said.

He noted the table would likely have the most impact on youth whose lives are starting to go sideways due to other influences.

Johansen said instead of just giving someone a card to put them in touch with someone else, the table will give them a “hand” of support, offering them an immediate link to what they need.

“That’s the difference; here’s my hand as opposed to here’s a phone number, see you later.”

Grice said it is literally a knock on the door, with the goal that within 24 hours, support is available.

Committee member Sue McKortoff said it happens much more quickly than making an appointment for six weeks down the road, which doesn’t work for the individual who needs help now.

Johansen said the program will also reduce the workload and service calls for the RCMP. 

“The situation table has proven itself across the country that it has made a huge impact in reducing the calls for service out of the RCMP.”

Grice said you can use the analogy of stealing a loaf of bread to feed your starving family. “The idea is you get to them before they need to steal the loaf of bread.”