Local mother speaks out after son falls through cracks of social system

Aug 2, 2022 | 6:39 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – After spending seven years bouncing around between various housing programs the mother of a local 25-year-old wheelchair-bound man is speaking out.

CKPG News has agreed to protect the identity of the 25-year-old for his safety, choosing to refer to him as ‘Jacob’ for this story.

His mother Terryll said her son suffers from mental illness, is wheelchair-bound, and has behavioural issues which make taking care of him extremely complex, so complex Terryll is not able to take care of him.

‘Jacob’ went into provincial care at the age of 18, and his mother said she has watched as he has gone from home to home, to Kelowna, and now back onto the streets in Prince George since April.

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“The province has tried all of their facilities, none of them are adequately equipped to manage somebody with a brain injury, mental illness, and physical disability,” said Teryll.

CKPG News reached out several times to Sheila Malcomson BC’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions for a response who declined our interview request.

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions issued a statement and said they understand the one-size fits all model does not work and are working hard to find individualized options that cater to everyone.

The Ministry said building complexes similar to what has been constructed on 1st Avenue in Prince George continue to be opened to add beds for those who need them.

by Caden Fanshaw

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Local mother speaks out after son falls through cracks of social system

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