The Foundry Work and Education Program: A vocational rehabilitation program

In BC, one in four young people live with a mental health or substance use disorder that impairs their functioning. Current gaps in care include lack of support for youth in areas such as poverty reduction, employment, education, and housing. In 2021, 13% of young people in BC aged 15 to 29 years were not involved in education, employment, or training. A promising solution is vocational rehabilitation, where patients build tangible skills and focus on career training as a form of treatment. Foundry is a BC-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for youth aged 12 to 24 years and their families or caregivers. The Foundry Work and Education Program began in 2015 as part of a $15 000 pilot project. The program used an individual placement and support model of employment, an evidence-based model shown to be effective across 28 randomized controlled trials. To date, 92 of the 273 youth who participated in the program have secured and maintained competitive employment, and 7 have returned to school to complete their GED or pursue postsecondary education. The program has been developing partnerships, building community, and reducing systemic barriers and discrimination faced by young people. It is critical that further research and funding be provided to expand and replicate similar programs for all Canadians.