January 14, 2004

Dear

Additional money is urgently needed for Children’s Mental Health Services in Ontario. Health studies indicate that the resources in this area are being stretched beyond limits. The lack of adequate funding in the past years is not meeting the increasing demand for children’s mental health services.

The Ipsos-Reid poll (2001) reveals that one in ten Ontarians report having a child with mental health or emotional problems. When that number is compared to the number of parents in Ontario, the poll suggests that one in four Ontario parents is dealing with a child with mental health problems.

The Ipsos-Reid poll also states that 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.’ And yet for years, the policies and practices of the current government have reduced services, and created long waiting lists for treatments at a time when the need for mental health services has increased.

Without the support and benefit of services, many children with mental health problems and their families struggle to survive. Mental health services reduce symptoms such as aggression, anxiety, violence and depression. They help families deal with the stress of raising children with a mental illness and most importantly help keep families together.

The combined effects of untreated mental health problems and under-resourced services for these children paint a disturbing picture across our communities. The result will be inescapable if these facts are ignored or inadequately addressed.

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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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