The City of Toronto is presenting a staff report to improve how those staying and working in the emergency shelter system are kept safe. The measures in the Shelter Safety Action Plan (SSAP) will help ensure staff are better protected, clients are safe and the shelter system is more resilient.
If adopted by the Economic and Community Development Committee on Tuesday, November 26 and at Toronto City Council in December, this plan will implement 14 actions over the next three years, delivering on the recommendations from the Shelter Safety Study which was commissioned by the City and conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). That study observed that the rate of incidents in the shelter system was similar to issues experienced in other service settings, showing the far-reaching impacts of the mental health crisis.
Safety is one of the most frequent concerns in the shelter system. Staff and clients deserve to be treated with respect, and violent, abusive or harassing behaviour is not tolerated. Factors that contribute to these behaviours are complex and the SSAP takes steps to address the root causes. The plan was developed in consultation with shelter providers, community stakeholders and people with lived experience of homelessness.
Steps in the Action Plan include:
In addition to the SSAP, several actions have already been taken to ensure the safety of clients and staff including trauma-informed de-escalation training, implementing a risk alert system for clients with histories of behavioural issues and investments in mental health and harm reduction services.
Key actions taken to date:
The Action Plan is available on the City’s website.
Quotes:
“Health and safety are paramount in shelter settings, where some of our most vulnerable residents are receiving help. The steps in the Shelter Safety Action Plan will allow for important strides forward in keeping staff and people experiencing homelessness safe.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Important research commissioned by the City of Toronto and CAMH has provided a roadmap on actions we can take to increase safety in shelter settings, for both staff and residents. This new plan proposes important steps like increasing training and support, while also expanding work underway to address mental health supports, harm reduction services, and crisis intervention and resolution within our shelter system. A shelter can be the first step towards a permanent home, but connections to health care and support services are also critical.”
– Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), Chair, Economic and Community Development Committee
“Our research into Toronto’s emergency shelters shows how far reaching the mental health crisis is across our communities. We are pleased the City of Toronto has accepted and is undertaking action to advance our recommendations for how to improve safety in shelter settings, based on research evidence that was inclusive of the perspectives of many people experiencing homelessness, shelter staff, and key informants.”
– Dr. Nick Kerman, Scientific Associate, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
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