The City of Nanaimo is working with community partners to develop a Situation Table (table) that consists of a multi-agency team focused on addressing specific situations where the probability of a vulnerable person or family experiencing harm is imminent, significant and cuts across multiple human service sectors. The table serves vulnerable individuals or families in situations of acutely elevated risk where risk prevention cannot be addressed by a single agency alone. Agencies at the table work collaboratively and rapidly to connect individuals and families to services before they experience a traumatic event.
Situation Tables help front line staff from the public safety, health, and social service sectors to identify vulnerable people and collaboratively and rapidly connect them to services before they experience a negative or traumatic event (e.g. victimization, overdose, eviction, etc.). Situation Tables empower agencies to reduce a broad range of risks that can impact a person’s well-being and safety.
Goals of the Situation Table are:
- Timely mobilization of resources;
- Increased awareness/knowledge of risks, trends and systemic issues;
- Achieve a reduction in the levels of harm and victimization;
- Improved collaboration and communication among service providers;
- Increased awareness of risks and needs among individuals and families;
- More proactive measures implemented; and
- Increased community safety and well-being.
Frontline professional from a variety of organizations participate in Situation Tables. This may include, police officers, child protection workers, mental health outreach workers, social workers, teachers, and probation officers. Members of the table meet regularly to review situations of acutely elevated risk to determine if an individual or family meets the criteria for imminent risk for harm and/or victimization. Through consensus, the Situation Table members coordinate interventions as necessary. Situation Tables do not perform case management. The purpose of the Situation Table is to address acutely elevated risk within 24-48 hours and connect individuals and families to services. Case management remain with the most appropriate agency as determined by the members of the table.
For more information about Situation Tables in BC go to: