Prince Edward Island Bridge Model
The Prince Edward Island Bridge model is a risk-driven intervention model that brings service providers together to offer existing programs and supports to Islanders who are at acutely elevated risk (AER) of harm to self or others.
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 progressive information sharing process called the Four Filter Process to decide if there is acutely elevated risk of immediate harm. In a situation where there is an acutely elevated risk, the group will coordinate a response within 24 to 48 hours.
This coordinated response is 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 acutely elevated risk to accept an offer of services and supports. This Four Filter process follows strict rules of privacy and has been accepted as best practice when sharing information.
People at risk have the right to refuse the offer of assistance. Accepting the offer of assistance and support is strictly voluntary (other agencies may need to take action as per provincial legislation i.e. Adult protection/child protection). The Bridge program helps people to take the steps necessary to improve their situation. This method connects people in high risk situations to existing services and programs that can help them.
Bridge Service Provider Members
- Education
- Child Protection
- Social Programs
- Housing
- Municipal Police Services
- RCMP
- PEI Family Violence Prevention
- Probation
- Health PEI
- 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. There are now over 150 hub/situation tables established across Canada and the US. The results can include reductions in emergency room admissions, child protection cases, prosecutions, violent crime and reductions in the victimization of youth. It is an upstream model of risk reduction.
Prince Edward Island's approach is unique as it is a Provincial and accepts referrals and offers services and supports Island-wide. The Situation Table includes representatives from all three levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal), 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