Anti-racism Response Model Protocol Development Project For the North Cariboo Region, Quesnel, British Columbia
Prepared for The Immigration and Settlement Branch of The Ministry of Community, Aboriginal & Women’s Services
Written by Sue Whitehorn For The College of New Caledonia, Quesnel Campus And the Quesnel Anti-racism Response Task Force
March 2003
Anti-racism Response Model Protocol Development Project
for the North Cariboo Region Quesnel, British Columbia September 2002 - March 2003
Background In September 2002, the Immigration and Settlement Branch of the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services approached the community of Quesnel with a request to develop a community-specific protocol to address critical incidents of a racist or hate nature if they should occur. “The Ministry recognizes . . . (that) by facilitating respect and acceptance of the cultural heritage of all British Columbians, multiculturalism promotes crosscultural understanding and actively builds bridges and partnerships among diverse communities and institutions. Further, it promotes the elimination of racism and discrimination as well as the right of all citizens to fully and freely participate in the social, cultural, economic and political life of the province. Finally, it aims to eliminate unfair barriers for greater equity and opportunity.� New Directions in Anti-racism and Multiculturalism 2002-2005 Settlement and Multiculturalism Branch, 2002
The community of Quesnel accepted the challenge and the following document is the outcome of the collaborative work of the many organizations, agencies, and dedicated individuals who contributed to the process.
Community The City of Quesnel is located at the junction of the Fraser and Quesnel rivers in the North Cariboo region of central British Columbia. It is located 120 km north of Williams Lake on Highway 97 and 116 km south of Prince George. Population of the City proper is 10,0440 with a total trading area of 23,000. Employment is primarily in the industries of forest products, pulp & lumber, tourism, agriculture, and transportation.
The community supports fifteen elementary schools, three secondary schools (one junior), an adult education facility (school district) and a post-secondary education campus that provides college and university program offerings.
Health services include one hospital; three medical clinics; public health; home support, intermediate, and extended care for the elderly; several dentists and dental clinics; two optometrists; three chiropractors; and alternative medicine practitioners. Quesnel is a diverse community with segments of the population consisting of First Nations (four local Bands)—total population of approximately 500; Chinese, 0.005%*; South Asian (includes East Indian, Pakistani, Punjabi, Sri Lanken), 13.7%; Black, 0.006%; Filipino, 0.004%; Southeast Asian, 0.003%; and Japanese, 0.002%. *Statistics Canada 2001 Community Profiles; percent of total population of Quesnel proper at that time (8, 500) “There is very little debate that racism is a problem of international scope and import. While it is fair to say that many Canadians recognize this, and are committed to overcoming racism internationally, there appears to be a refusal to recognize that racism is an issue in Canada, both presently and historically. One of the main problems, which make this denial possible, is a tendency to characterize the issue of racism according to very specific events. For example, when we think of the main examples of racism historically, the images that often spring to mind are of slavery in the United States, apartheid in South Africa or the Holocaust. What we fail to recognize are the daily examples of racism that made these events possible. Inherent in this limited understanding is a tendency to assume both that these problems are in the past and that they do not occur in Canada. In order to understand racism it is essential to first realize that racism is serious and pervasive . . .” Jennifer Foy, Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Anecdotal accounts of unrest and discomfort of some individuals in Quesnel would indicate that racism and bigotry seem to be accepted as a “natural” part of the environment at local schools, mills, business, etc. Improving communication and establishing cultural bridges have been a focus for the community for the last decade.
Diversity Awareness (1992-2001) In 1992 the College of New Caledonia, Quesnel Campus, was approached by individuals and health organizations and asked to deliver a program to enhance the community’s awareness of various ethnic groups in Quesnel. At that time, a group of interested and dedicated people gathered together and created the Coalition to Fight Racism. Since then, the College and community have partnered on many anti-racism programs in a continuing effort to make Quesnel a diversity friendly community.
Between the years of 1993 to 1999, the Value-Added Workplace Project (VAWP) provided for several diversity initiatives in the Quesnel region. VAWP, funded by Canadian Heritage, delivered sensitivity training and awareness workshops. At a Community Forum hosted by Multiculturalism BC in November 1999, discussion focused on two questions: i) What are priority areas requiring attention in the Quesnel region? And, what collaboration can support this work? ii) Where would you like to see multiculturalism headed in the next year, three years, long-term? The community identified the following priorities: • Bringing groups and people together, i.e. community partnerships, outreach to industrial sector and professions, etc.; • Providing information, i.e. pamphlets and information regarding social services and other resources in various languages, and a comprehensive public education campaign to raise awareness; • Educating, decreasing racism, increasing acceptance of diversity, i.e. increased education and resources in all areas of society— schools, colleges, universities, health care, government agencies, businesses, etc.; • Providing a building for a Multicultural Community Centre that might include job banks; and, • Changing the status quo, i.e. refine the English as a Second Language program, employing interpreters to help newcomers function in the community, etc. With the VAWP (later called the Diversity Initiative) program serving as a foundation, and using the outcomes of the Community Forum as a guide for future awareness and community development, Multiculturalism BC funded two consecutive years of the four-year Institutional Change Program (ICP) in Quesnel. The success of the Institutional Change Project (Phases II & III) offered in Quesnel was evident in the enthusiasm generated and growing momentum throughout the program. Combining funding provided by Multiculturalism BC and Canadian Heritage made possible a variety of events in the community including the -
Celebrating Diversity Art Display,
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Anti-racism Response Training (A.R.T.) Program,
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Train the Trainer Workshop, and
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Northern Action Against Racism Conference.
Both VAWP and ICP were supported by a Diversity Initiative Committee comprised of volunteers from various sectors of the community. Participant groups included: •
The College of New Caledonia, Quesnel,
•
Quesnel Multicultural Society,
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North Cariboo Mϑtis Association,
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Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce,
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School District #28,
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Quesnel Human Rights and Civil Liberties Association,
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City of Quesnel,
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Quesnel Native Friendship Centre, and
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R.C.M.P. Community Policing Division.
A New Approach (2002) Fall of 2002 saw the province’s Settlement and Multiculturalism Branch present its New Directions in Anti-racism and Multiculturalism 2002-2005. The Vision: Safe, secure and healthy communities. The Mission: To meet the settlement and adaptation needs of immigrants, and the multicultural and anti-racism needs of BC society, through the design, management and evaluation of funding programs and initiatives. “Within each participating community, municipal and provincial government partners, the local RCMP, and key community stakeholders will be engaged in steering committees to guide community efforts towards the eventual creation of a municipal protocol in responding to racism and hate activity. Representatives of these steering committees will later participate on regional and provincial committees; guiding and informing provincial efforts in multiculturalism and anti-racism to ensure that community needs are directly addressed. These representatives will also advise the Ministry of emerging hate activity and select new communities for inclusion in the provincial model.” A New Approach in Responding to Incidents of Racism and Hate in British Columbia Communities, Anti-racism and Multiculturalism Unit, October 2002
Quesnel was invited to participate in the development of a critical incident response mechanism that would respond to racism and hate activity. The Diversity Initiative Committee agreed to support the new initiative and became the Anti-racism Response Model Task Force. See Appendix B for List.
Project Development Preamble Hate-based or racist incidents have the potential to disrupt or destroy crosscultural understanding. They threaten the health and safety of communities. In developing the Quesnel ARM Protocol, it became clear that prevention is the most relevant strategy in eliminating hate and racism incidents. Time, energy, and financial resources need to be invested in education of cultural and ethnic differences. Becoming aware of, and learning to appreciate, the rich diversity of one’s community is key to eliminating critical incidents. Training people to become “active witnesses” to prejudice, discrimination, racism, and hate empowers them by providing skills/tools to act “in the moment” of witnessing an incident. Empowering individuals in such a way helps to minimize the mindset of complacency.
Project Activities The Anti-racism Response Model Task Force met on a monthly basis from September 2002 to March 2003. Through brainstorming and discussion sessions, the group established project parameters and anticipated outcomes. The goals and objectives identified included - Building on existing relationships with organizations and agencies in the community; see Appendix B - Identifying the key organizations and agencies for the document/procedure development; see Appendix B - Identifying existing protocol mechanisms within the community (i.e. School District policy); see Appendix C - Developing a protocol document that provides links to existing mechanisms and that outlines the overall procedures for providing service and support to victims of racist or hate-based incidents; see Flowchart attached as Appendix A - Identifying gaps in the community that may impede protocol implementation; and, - Providing a complete protocol document to the Anti-racism and Multiculturalism Unit by March 31, 2003.
The September 24, 2002, meeting provided opportunity for Task Force members to discuss a project timeline. The group also compiled a list of questions they felt needed to be addressed. • What makes us as a group act? • What will the action involve? • Define project parameters. • What sorts of incidents are we addressing? • The need for recognized/ established definitions. • Who in the community should be involved? (A list of possible agencies is provided in Appendix B.) • The need for subcommittees to reach all relevant agencies and gather information on existing protocols and mechanisms.
Discussion at meeting of October 24, 2002, focused on a draft of commonly accepted definitions of terms used. The group agreed to honour existing definitions relating to racial and hate issues. (See Appendix D for Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism Terminology Guide.) At the same time, the group identified the need for a community-specific definition for the term “critical incident.” A brainstorming session followed and consensus was reached on ”A shocking or personally upsetting racist or hate-based event that results in distress or harm to anyone within the community.” ARM Task Force members were aware of three existing protocols in the community, none of which directly addressed racist or hate-based incidents: • The City of Quesnel’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) Program • School District #28’s Student Emergencies Procedure • Quesnel Response Network Further information on each protocol may be found in Appendix C. It was agreed that a community survey would be conducted to identify agencies and organizations interested in supporting the ARM Project. Support may be in the form of linking existing protocol with the ARM Protocol and/or in the way of participating as a “responder” in the new ARM Protocol. Appendix E provides an example of the Community Involvement Questionnaire as well as a compilation of survey results.
Project goals and “success” were reviewed and clarified at the November 26, 2002, meeting. Three unique, but interconnected, outcomes were identified. i) A document in hand—ARM Protocol Document ii) Identification of steps to take if one finds oneself a victim, witness, or involved in a racist or hate-based incident. iii) Production of tools and implementation of an awareness campaign to promote the use of the steps identified NOTE: Item iii) falls outside the parameters of the 2002/03 Protocol Development. Please see the Recommendations section for further detail. The City’s ESS Program is a provincially mandated emergency response organization designed to provide basic services considered essential for immediate and continuing well-being of persons affected by a disaster* (within specified parameters and guidelines). Given the nature of the ESS, the ARM Task Force felt that its Project’s focus should shift to the development of a protocol for a racist or hate-based incident that did not involve a large sector of the community. *Definition can be found in Appendix C
Protocol Mechanism Introduction To be effective in offering an uninterrupted continuum of support to vulnerable groups and individuals, it is important to identify agencies and organizations willing to participate in responding to incidents, what services they provide, and where the organization fits in the sequence of events should an incident occur. Community protocols describe the community’s coordinated response to critical incidents. A community protocol describes how, in different situations, volunteers and agencies will connect with one another to support all involved in such an event. Agency protocols describe the ways an agency can support victims/witnesses of racism or hate incidents. The protocol outlines what an agency is prepared to do, and how they carry out that role. An Agency may be a(n): • Designated Agency: legally required to follow up on reports or incidents of racism and hate; • Emergency Responder: available to respond 24 hours a day. Emergency Responders are typically responsible for ensuring referral to a Designated Agency. • Support and Assistance Provider: mandate is to provide support and assistance to both capable and incapable vulnerable people. The Support and Assistance Provider works in partnership with Designated Agency and provides front-line services. • Advocate: assures adherence to the guiding principles and provides support/ assistance throughout the critical incident. Flowchart of Events A flowchart outlining the chain of events in responding to a critical incident in Quesnel is provided as Appendix A. The primary focus is on supporting the victim and/or witness(es). Both large- and small-scale incidents are addressed, although for the purposes of this document, greater detail is provided for smallscale incidents. The chart identifies the steps involved as well as agencies linked to the Mechanism. The parties involved in an incident include the perpetrator(s), the victim(s), and any witnesses. While it is clear that anyone committing a racist or hate-based offence needs assistance, the focus of this protocol document is to provide action steps for the victim(s) and witness(es). The protocol also outlines responsibilities and roles of agencies in implementing the response mechanism. It is understood that details of the perpetrator’s identity and action will be reported to a designated agency, that is, an agency required to follow up on reports or incidents of racism and hate.
Victim A summary of the action a victim may take is provided in the following steps. 1) Be safe. 2) Seek assistance—call the Crisis Line 992-5658; or call 911 3) Record some details of the incident. NOTE: These basic steps would be the theme of promotional material and an awareness campaign. Please see Recommendations section for more detail.
Witness(es) A summary of the action a witness may take is provided in the following steps. 1) Be safe and assist victim in being safe. 2) Seek assistance—call the Crisis Line (992-5658); or call 911 3) Confirm what you thought happened. 4) Record some details of the incident. NOTE: These steps would also be part of the theme of promotional material and an awareness campaign. Please see Recommendations section for more detail.
Advocate and Agency Response Process Advocates and supporting agencies carry out their responsibilities by 1) Assessing the personal safety of those involved. 2) Identifying individual or group responsible for the incident. 3) Determining an agency or support service for referral. 4) Checking in with victim(s) and witness(es). 5) Debriefing those involved.
1. Assess the personal safety of those involved If victim(s) heath and/or physical safety are at risk call 911 and ask for an Ambulance and Police. 2. Identify individual or group responsible for the Critical Incident Only when possible . . . - The advocate witnessed incident - The perpetrator has remained in the vicinity of the incident - The victim(s) reveals or knows the identity
3. Determine an Agency or Support Service for Referral The best service suited to the incident--the most appropriate being an agency the person(s) are known to: -
R.C.M.P. The City of Quesnel Emergency Social Services Director Victim Services Ministry of Children & Families Professional Counselling Services AMATA Transition House Women’s Resource Centre Mental Health Aboriginal Family Counselling Centre School counsellors If one is unsure of the appropriate agency, any of the above agencies/individuals can help direct the referral.
4.
Checking in with Victim/ Witness While waiting for support or agency involvement, and only if the advocate is comfortable with the process, check in with victims and witnesses. Ask them how they are holding up and gauge if they want to talk. Ask if they have someone to go home to/with. Explain some of the physical and psychological effects they may experience over the next eight to twelve hours (nausea, headaches, sleeplessness, anger, hopelessness, etc.).
5.
Debriefing those Involved The support service or agency handling the referral will arrange for professional counselling services or trained Critical Incident debriefing personnel to assist all those involved and wanting assistance.
A Large-scale Critical Incident The RCMP would be contacted and the situation deferred to them. The City of Quesnel Emergency Social Services may be engaged per provincially mandated parameters and guidelines.
Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion “Before we as a society can liberate ourselves from the grip of racism, we have to acknowledge that it exists, and that it is not something which has been blown out of proportion; neither is it the figment of some people’s imagination.” (Adrienne Shadd, in McKague, 1991) The development of a protocol is dependent upon many factors. The commitment of community agencies and dedicated individuals is key. This document provides not only a protocol, or “map,” to follow should a critical incident happen in our community; it also provides a framework for establishing an Anti-racism and Hate-based Critical Incident Mechanism. While the roles and level of involvement of community partners varies, the project will be most successful if it is a community effort. Many agencies and individuals in Quesnel deserve the credit for making this document possible. Not only did they provide advice along the way, their commitment to the elimination of prejudice, racism, hate, and discrimination in our community is evident in their continued support of projects that raise awareness, provide education, and promote the celebration of Quesnel’s mosaic society.
Recommendations Outlining steps for victims and/or witnesses of critical incidents in our community will only be effective if the steps can be implemented. The Quesnel ARM Task Force makes the following recommendations: 1. Prepare “beliefs” of the Project/Advisory Committee; present Project and/or beliefs to the City of Quesnel for endorsement/adoption. 2. Identify organization to champion the cause. Establish small group of key people that would continue to meet two-three times per year to ensure continued support and awareness of the Protocol. 3. Development of awareness resources such as posters, brochures, and “What to Do” wallet-sized cards. 4. Ensure that the resources are written at a Grade 5 literacy level to ensure its usefulness to a wide spectrum of the community—including those for whom English is a second language. The resources may also be translated into major languages of the community (TBD). 5. Ensure that promotional materials and resources are made highly visible—not only in appearance, but also in where they are made available in the community. 6. Launch an Awareness Campaign that promotes the material and 5-step protocol to schools, First Nations Bands, agencies, and organizations throughout the community. Include role-playing to assist with “locking” the steps into participants’ minds for future reference. 7. Determine steps for followup, i.e. assuring that victim continues to be supported and has access to resources needed; assuring continued support for witness; establishing ongoing community networking process. 8. Train professionals for dealing with an incident. Train individuals/ agency representatives as advocates. 9. Provide information “loop” for any reported incidents to ensure that information is not lost and that appropriate followup occurs. This may be linked with or a task of Recommendation #2 above.
Appendices
Appendix A
Flow Chart – Chain of Events
Appendix B
Task Force Membership Key Organizations/Agencies for Protocol Mechanism
Appendix C
Existing Protocols within the Community i) Emergency Social Services Program, City of Quesnel ii) Student Emergencies Procedure, School District #28 iii) Quesnel Response Network
Appendix D
Anti-racism & Multiculturalism Terminology Guide
Appendix E
Community Involvement Questionnaire
Anti-racism Response Model Protocol Task Force Membership/Key Organizations & Agencies 1.
Maggie Bello
Big Brothers/Big Sisters #4 282 Reid Street, Quesnel 250 992 7257
2.
Vicki Hartley
Quesnel Contact Line 324 Hoy Street, Quesnel 250 992 9401
3.
Bernice Heinzelman
Quesnel Multicultural Society 2151 Dragon Hill, Quesnel 250 747 1727
4.
Eric Kesteloot
City of Quesnel 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel 250 991 7479
5.
Jasu Kotak
SD#28 ELSA Program 240 McLean Street, Quesnel 250 983 6900
6.
Vinder Lalli
Women’s Resource Centre 690 McLean Street, Quesnel 250 992 8472
7.
Adrian Monych
Correlieu Secondary School 850 Anderson Drive, Quesnel 250 992 7007
8.
Coralee Oakes
Q & District Chamber of Commerce 679 Highway 97 South, Quesnel 250 747 0125
9.
Ron Paull
City Of Quesnel, Councillor 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel 250 992 2111
10.
Wilf Smith
Social Justice Committee 127 Grosz Road N, Quesnel 250 747 3324
11.
Keith Spencer
Aboriginal Education Centre 441 Shepherd Avenue, Quesnel 250 991 5550
12.
Sue Whitehorn
College of New Caledonia 488 McLean Street, Quesnel 250 991 7501
Community Links and Partners City of Quesnel – Emergency Preparedness Canada – Preface The Emergency Preparedness Canada discussion paper was developed to provide emergency planners with assistance in the design, set-up, and operation of emergency Reception Centres and Shelters to process and temporarily house (where necessary) citizens evacuated from an emergency site. The paper provides draft guidelines, which may not necessarily be agreed upon by all agencies concerned with the topic. The guidelines are intended, however, to advance interagency dialogue applicable to a wide variation of needs and causative factors. The guidelines presume application in a developed country such as Canada. While some of the principles may be applied, the focus of this document is not the type of evacuation or migration involving thousands of people in times of drought, famine, or conflict as may be found in some developing countries, where demands overwhelm available, and even external, resources.
Emergency Social Services – An Overview Emergency Social Services (plans and activities) are initiated to assist the survivors of a community disaster when the urgency and needs outstrip the ability of personal or regular social services programs to cope. While emergency health services deal with the injured in a disaster, emergency social services address the needs of non-injured survivors (although some of these may suffer from various psychological reactions as a result of the incident). Emergency social services usually involves five support mechanisms, each the subject of a sub-plan or module to the overall emergency clothing, lodging, food provision, registration and inquiry, and personal services (such as provision of resources, emotional support, interim financial assistance, etc.). As municipalities are expected to have a community emergency response plan, the providers of community social services resources should likewise have such a plan, embodying as a minimum, the five aspects noted above. Such a plan should also include volunteer and private social services providers, their coordination and supervision, and their integration within the municipality’s emergency plan.
School District #28
Rationale Emergent situations involving accident, injury or sudden illness of students require preparedness on the part of school staffs.
Policy It shall be the duty of the Principal to ensure school staffs are advised, in advance, of individual responsibilities, assistance available and necessary reporting in emergent situations involving students, as set out in the procedures forming part of this policy.
Quesnel Community Response Network The Quesnel Community Response Network (QCRN) is a group of people and organizations who together, provide support and assistance to adults Vision Vulnerable adults in the community of Quesnel have the right to live in an environment where they are protected from abuse, neglect or self-neglect.
Mission To provide coordinated assistance and services to adults who are, or may be, experiencing abuse, neglect or self-neglect. It is our aim to work towards the prevention of adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect.
Anti-racism & Multiculturalism Terminology Guide Bias An opinion, preference or inclination formed without any reasonable justification. A bias against or toward members of a particular group can be expressed through speech, nonverbal behaviour, written and visual material. Compounded Oppression (Commonly referred to as double or triple jeopardy). A condition in which persons or groups face more than one kind of discrimination, for example, racism and sexism/disabilities/sexual orientation/economic status. Discrimination The practice or act of making distinctions between people on the basis of prejudicial attitudes and beliefs which leads to the inequitable treatment of groups. Diversity The unique characteristics that all persons possess which identifies them as belonging to a group or groups. Diversity is a concept that includes notions of age, class, culture, disability, ethnicity, family, religion and sexual orientation. Ethnocentrism A belief in the superiority of one’s own ethnic group over others or within ethnic groups through one’s own cultural values, practices and norms. Hate Propaganda Ideologies and beliefs transmitted in written, verbal or electronic form in order to create, perpetuate or promote antagonistic and belligerent attitudes and actions directed against a specific group or groups of people. Intolerance Unwillingness to endure and/or lack of respect for the beliefs and practices of an individual or group by another individual or group. Mosaic A metaphor used to describe Canadian diversity. The concept of mosaic implies a pattern of distinct tiles which are interconnected to form a bigger vision. Multiculturalism The recognition, acceptance and promotion of Canadian society that continually evolves through the contributions of all the diverse cultural heritages of its people.
Oppression The domination of one group by a more powerful individual or group through physical, psychological, social or economic threats or force, and frequently by an ideology of dominance or superiority. Race A social construct in which a defined group is described. This group sees itself and/or is seen by others as being different from other groups in its common descent or external, physical feature, such as skin colour, hair texture or facial features. Racism A set of mistaken assumptions, opinions and actions resulting from the belief that one race is inherently superior to another. Racism may be present in organizational and institutional policies, programs, and practices, as well as in the attitudes and behaviour of individuals. Racial Discrimination The expression of racial assumptions and beliefs. The denial of opportunity or access to accommodation, facilities, services and employment because of race, ethnic origins or colour of that person or group or class of persons. Tolerance A level of acknowledgement which precedes acceptance and valuing of differences. White Supremacy The false and destructive idea or value that people who are white are culturally, racially or biologically superior to others. Xenophobia The sense, intuition or feeling that foreign person or incidents are dangerous. **Critical Incident An unexpected, shocking and personally upsetting event that may result in emotional and/or physical distress or harm.
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
Adult Community Living Services (MCFD)
Contact Person:
David Sutton Social Worker
Phone number: Fax number:
(250) 992 - 4267 (250) 992 - 4351
Role: r r t
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider (Limited) Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - Adults with mental handicaps (assessed I.Q. under 70) - Mental handicap from birth or incurred before 19 years of age Services Provided: - Residential - Day Programs - Supported Employment Referral Process: - By phone or in person - Self-referral, family, friends, advocates Hours of Operation: - Monday to Friday, 8:30 am. – 4:30 pm. - After hours through MCFD Help Line (toll free 310 – 1234) Accountability: As a designated agency, we are legally mandated to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, especially as they pertain to mentally handicapped adults under the Adult Guardianship Legislation. In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Investigate and offer services to those within the CLS mandate - Liase with and provide support to other agencies as appropriate and requested - Provide consultation with respect to individual cases
- Assist with problem solving and resource development where possible
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
Amata Transition House
Contact Person:
Tina Devito
Phone number: Fax number:
(250) 992 3385 (250) 992 7321 (250) 992 7329
Role: t t r r
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - Women & their children leaving abusive relationships Services Provided: - Food & Shelter & Child Care for clients - Telephone & drop-in support - Children Who Witness Abuse Counsellor - Referrals to other agencies - 10 week structured support group (Phoenix Program) - Video & Book Library - Accompany clients to other appointments such as legal, medical. Referral Process: - Self-referral by telephone or in person - Other Agencies Hours of Operation: - 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Accountability: - Funding Agency - Society Collective - Clients In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Provide information & offer referrals to appropriate agency - Provide emotional support and advocacy - Allow for a 3-day maximum stay for non-abuse issues
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
City Of Quesnel
Contact Person:
Eric Kesteloot
Phone number: Fax number:
(250) 992 2111 (250) 992 2206
Role: t t r r
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - All City of Quesnel residents - Outlying areas and tourists for some services Services Provided: - Victim Services - Transportation: Roads, Transit, Airport - Emergency Services – Fire - Community Leadership - Utilities (water & sewer) & Garbage Collection - By-Law Enforcement - Culture (Arts & Museum), Parks, Recreation Referral Process: - Self-referral - Other agencies Hours of Operation: - City Hall Office: 8.30AM-4.30PM Accountability: - Electorate through City Council In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Respond as required with the services we have available and the mandate provided by Council to respond.
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
Community Mental Health
Contact Person:
Debbie Wait
Phone number: Fax number:
Role: t t r r
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider - Limited Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - Adults over 18 years, primarily with a mental illness Services Provided: - Support - Counselling - Referral to other community agencies - Assessments Referral Process: - Self-referral - Physician referral - First contact is a telephone interview Hours of Operation: - Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Closed for lunch 12:00 – 1:00 Accountability: - Citizens of Quesnel - Northern Health Authority In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Refer to designated agency - Provide support, assistance and advocacy - Refer to alternate agencies as necessary
(250) 992 0616 (250) 983 6825
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
Quesnel Crisis Line
Contact Person:
Debbie Wait
Phone number: Fax number:
(250) 992 - 9414 (250) 992 - 2765
Role: t r r t
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider - Limited Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - No limits on eligibility Services Provided: - Support - Assistance - Referrals Referral Process: - Person calling is provided with names and numbers to call Hours of Operation: - 24 hours per day, 7 days per week Accountability: - Citizens of Quesnel - Northern Health Authority In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Receive reports - Provide support - Provide referral resources - Refer to designated agency
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
Quesnel Transit (McGruff Safe House Program)
Contact Person:
Roland Poitrois
Phone number: Fax number:
(250) 992 1109 N/A
Role: t t r r
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - Whole Community Services Provided: - Support - Referral to emergency services - Safe Haven (person can stay on bus until safe) Referral Process: - Self-referral (assistance available immediately) Hours of Operation: - Monday – Friday: 7am – 7pm - Saturday: 9.30am – 4pm (No Sunday Service) Accountability: - BC Transit - City of Quesnel, Emergency Services.
Mandate/Mission: The Quesnel RCMP & transit staff have joined forces to offer a safe place for people seeking help. This program is similar to the Block Parent Program except the busses are the safe houses. A person in trouble can wave down a transit bus for help. Bus drivers are trained to assist people in trouble and each bus is equipped to contact police and ambulance services. In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Refer person in need to appropriate agency.
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Provide support, assistance and advocacy
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
Quesnel Unit for Emergency Short Stay Treatment (Q.U.E.S.S.T)
Contact Person:
Debbie Wait
Phone number: Fax number:
(250) 992 0616 (250) 983 6825
Role: t r r t
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider - Limited Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - Adults over 18 in psychiatric/emotional crisis Services Provided: - Group and one to one counselling in safe & confidential setting - Access and referral to community agencies - Education and support Referral Process: - Self-referral, family, friend, community referral - Physician referral prior to admission Hours of Operation: - 24 hours – 7 days per week Accountability: - Citizens of Quesnel - Northern Health Authority Mandate/Mission Q.U.E.S.S.T. will provide residents of Quesnel and district, services focusing on crisis stabilization. Trained staff will provide telephone intervention, emergency outreach, and short-term community programs. Clients will be assessed as unique individuals, in order to support that person in achieving optimum potential of self and reintegration into the community. The mission will be achieved within a safe, therapeutic milieu, conducive to recovery, and in partnership with community resources. In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Receive reports
- Refer to designated agency as appropriate - Provide a safe, supportive environment.
Agency Protocols Agency Name: Quesnel Detachment, RCMP Contact Person:
Operations Supervisor
Phone number: Fax number:
992 9211 992 9312
Role: t r r r
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - All federal & provincial government agencies within Canada - All persons within Canada Services Provided: - Criminal Investigations - Assistance to the general public - Protection of Life and Property - Risk Assessment - Assistance in educating and promoting public awareness to youth, in conjunction and consultation with appropriate community partners, on issues affecting the well being of our community. Referral Process: - Self-referral, by telephone or in person - Referral from other agencies Hours of Operation: - 24 hours per day, 7 days per week Accountability: - Solicitor General of Canada - Attorney General of BC - Citizens of Quesnel, British Columbia, and Canada In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will:
- Conduct criminal investigation into reported or suspected criminal offences - Ensure that victims are supported, protected and treated with confidentiality.
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
Victims Services
Contact Person:
Teresa Williams
Phone number: Fax number:
(250) 992 3380 (250) 992 9312
Role: t r r t
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - A person, woman, man or child who has been the victim of a crime. - Any persons with questions regarding information on police or court process. Services Provided: - Information in the progress of police investigation - Information on police/court process - Crisis Intervention & Practical and Emotional support - Court Support/accompaniment - Referrals to other agencies Referral Process: - Self-referral - RCMP Referral - Referral from other agencies Hours of Operation: - Office Hours: 8.30AM-5PM Monday to Friday - Crisis call out: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to the RCMP Accountability: - Ministry of Attorney General - RCMP - City Of Quesnel In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Provide support, information and appropriate referrals - Provide case specific information if there is an ongoing investigation
Agency Protocols Agency Name:
Quesnel Women’s Resource Centre
Contact Person:
Vinder Lalli Sherry McMillen
Phone number: Fax number:
(250) 992 - 8472 (250) 992 - 6160
Role: t t r r
Designated Agency Emergency Responder Support & Assistance Provider Advocate
Clients Served: (Eligibility for Services) - All women Services Provided: - Counselling, support groups, volunteer services, library, parenting workshops - Communication workshops, education and awareness on women’s issues - Referrals to alternate services - Advocacy Referral Process: - By phone or in person - Self-referral - Referral through other agencies Hours of Operation: - Monday to Friday (9 am. to 3 pm.) Accountability: - Funding agencies - Collectively - Clients In the event of a Racist or Hate based Critical Incident we will: - Support and provide information to women who have experienced such abuse - Provide Advocacy
- Counsel to provide emotional support and referral when appropriate