Despite earlier reports, outpatient youth mental health services provided by Saplings Mental Health Services in partnership with Northern Health will continue in Fort St. John. However, its emergency inpatient program will not.
Northern Health confirmed the outpatient program for youth aged six to 19 experiencing mental health crises will continue operating in the city. Representatives from the group will continue assisting these youth beyond the walls of the local hospital.
“There was no plan to cancel or not renew the contract for outpatient services. The change coming in April 2026 will mean that formerly contracted services in acute and emergency care settings will be provided by Northern Health,” the regional health authority explained.
However, when Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy addressed the Minister of Health, Josie Osborne, during the Question Period in Victoria last month, he said both contracts were on the table.
“We have recently learned the fact that March 31, 2026, the contract for Saplings’ inpatient and outpatient care will be terminated,” Kealy told Osborne. He then asked if either contract would be renewed and urged her to do so.
“This (cancellation) leaves children and youth who needs mental health support with no services – essentially returning to the very crisis that led to Saplings’ creation in the first place,” Kealy told members of the Legislature.
Osborne responded by saying the province would emphasize preventative care, but did not comment on either contract during that meeting.
Now, with the confirmed termination of the inpatient program, Northern Health said young people having a mental health emergency should seek medical care from representatives of the health authority.
“Children and youth who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis will be supported by the Northern Health mental health and substance use liaison staff in the emergency department, as well as by Northern Health’s new child and youth mental health and substance use regional support team. This team provides assistance to emergency departments, including in Fort St John, for assessment, treatment planning, consultation and resource navigation to support children youth and their families,” said Northern Health, explaining the changes coming to emergency youth mental health care this April.
