The report shows that many Manitoba youth are struggling with substance abuse

The Manitoba Advocate for Youth and Children (MACY) on Tuesday released alarming numbers on the growing number of youth struggling with substance abuse and called on the provincial government to address the huge need for youth addiction services in Manitoba.

“The numbers, they speak for themselves,” said Sherry Gott, a Manitoba youth and child advocate. “I hope they see the statement today and take action.”

Since the end of 2019, MACY has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of drug addiction advocacy cases, primarily affecting women and local youth. In the last five years, 56 teenagers died from drug and alcohol addiction.

“Analysis of child mortality reviews for adverse childhood experiences, domestic substance use, family violence and neglect highlight common risks of major concern.”

After consulting with various stakeholders and people living with addiction, Sherry Gott says cultural programming and outreach services are needed.

“Once they're healed, there needs to be support in the communities,” Gott said.

As a foster parent for over 12 years, Jamie Pfau knows all too well the difficulty of finding the resources her foster children need. And they say that the concerns of foster parents are heard too often.

“Manitoba's child welfare system is fully responsible for this mess,” Pfau said.

“When you, as their caregiver, know what they need and there's nothing in the province to help them, it's very inconsiderate and heartbreaking.”