Manitoba’s Advocate for Children and Youth, Sherry Gott, is calling on the province to develop a youth-focused addictions strategy due to a significant increase in young people accessing addiction services. Over the past five years, Gott’s office has seen advocacy requests for youth with addictions rise from three per cent to 22 per cent. The majority of those impacted are young females and Indigenous youth. The advocate is also advocating for more education and awareness, cultural and land-based programming, and long-term support services. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of young people who have died from suspected overdoses.
One of the main concerns raised by the Advocate for Children and Youth in Manitoba is the rising number of young people seeking addiction services. Sherry Gott highlights the need for the province to keep up with this growing demand by developing a youth-focused addictions strategy. The increase in advocacy requests for youth living with addictions, which has gone up from three per cent to 22 per cent in the past five years, is particularly concerning. The majority of those affected are young females and Indigenous youth, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue in a culturally sensitive manner.
In addition to the rise in young people accessing addiction services, the Advocate for Children and Youth has identified a need for more comprehensive support services. Sherry Gott’s office has received feedback calling for increased education and awareness, as well as culturally specific and land-based programming to support youth in their recovery journeys. Long-term support services are also essential in ensuring that young people have the resources they need to overcome addiction challenges. The advocate’s findings also point to an increase in the number of young people who have died from suspected overdoses, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The call for a youth-focused addictions strategy in Manitoba is crucial in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, such as young females and Indigenous youth, who are disproportionately impacted by substance use issues. Sherry Gott’s advocacy work underscores the importance of tailored approaches that consider cultural and social factors influencing youth addiction. By emphasizing the need for education, awareness, and culturally specific programming, Manitoba can better support young people in their recovery journeys and prevent further tragedies related to substance use. Long-term support services are crucial in providing ongoing care and resources for youth struggling with addiction.
The Advocate for Children and Youth’s focus on youth addictions in Manitoba reflects a growing concern over the impact of substance use on vulnerable populations. The rise in advocacy requests for youth with addictions signals a need for targeted interventions and support services to address this issue effectively. By advocating for a comprehensive strategy that includes education, awareness, and culturally specific programs, the province can better support young people in overcoming addiction challenges. The increase in suspected overdose deaths among young people further emphasizes the urgency of developing and implementing initiatives to prevent these tragic outcomes and provide the necessary care and support for youth in need.
In conclusion, the Advocate for Children and Youth in Manitoba is calling on the province to develop a youth-focused addictions strategy to address the rising number of young people seeking addiction services. Sherry Gott’s work highlights the need for tailored approaches that consider the unique needs of vulnerable populations, such as young females and Indigenous youth, who are disproportionately impacted by substance use issues. By advocating for more education, awareness, and culturally specific programming, Manitoba can better support youth in their recovery journeys and prevent further tragedies related to substance use. The urgent need for long-term support services and interventions is underscored by the increase in suspected overdose deaths among young people, emphasizing the importance of taking action to address youth addiction effectively.
