January 14, 2004

Dear

In Ontario mental health services for children, youth and their families have been under funded for many years. According to the Ipsos Reid poll (2001), 88% of Ontarians believe mental health treatment for children and youth should be an important priority for the provincial government, including 67% who say it is very important. For years, the policies and practices of the current government have reduced services and created long wait lists for treatment at a time when the need for mental health services has increased.

One in every four families in Ontario is dealing with a child with mental health problems. These families struggle without the support, treatment and benefit of services which reduce symptoms such as aggression, anxiety, violence and depression.

Children’s mental health services help families deal with the stress of raising a child with mental illness and most importantly help keep families together.

The combined effects of untreated mental health problems and under-resourced services paints a disturbing picture across our communities. An entire generation of children is being starved of the services that they require in order to become socially adept and productive individuals throughout life. If the facts are ignored and inadequately addressed, the future results will be inescapable, and the costs enormous.

The government of Ontario must take action to ensure that immediate and stable funding is provided to meet the needs of all children and youth who require mental health services.

Sincerely

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