Prince Edward Island Bridge Model
The Prince Edward Island Bridge model brings service providers together to offer programs and support to Islanders who are at very high risk of harm occurring soon.
The service providers come from a number of government and non-government agencies. They meet around a Situation Table to find ways to help individuals or families who are at risk of harm. This could include issues of homelessness, mental health issues, violence or abuse.
The Situation Table group uses what is known as a Filter Four Process to decide if there is a very high risk of harm. In a situation where there is an acute risk, the group will coordinate a response within 24 to 48 hours.
The fourth step of the Four Filter process involves either a “door-knock” visit to the home of those at risk, or finding another direct way to offer assistance.
Using this process, professionals are there to listen with compassion and to encourage anyone who is at high risk of harm to accept an offer of services and support. This process follows strict rules of privacy.
People at risk have the right to refuse assistance. Accepting the offer of support is strictly voluntary. The Bridge program helps people to take the steps necessary to improve their situation. This method connects people in high risk situations to services and programs that can help them.
Bridge Service Provider Members
- Education
- Child Protection
- Social Programs
- Municipal Police Services
- RCMP
- PEI Family Violence Prevention
- Probation
- Public Health
- Adult Protection
- Mental Health and Addictions
- Victim Services
History of the model
In Canada, the COR/Hub model was used for the first time in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The model was first developed and used successfully in Scotland.
Many communities across Canada and the USA now use this model. The results can include reductions in emergency room admissions, child protection cases, prosecutions, violent crime and reductions in the victimization of youth.
Prince Edward Island's approach is unique as there is one Situation Table for the entire province. The Situation Table includes representatives from the three levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal), First Nations and non-government organizations with links across the province.
Contact:
Please note: Referrals to Bridge come from the participating agencies.
For general information on the Bridge Model:
Email: bridge@gov.pe.ca