McGuinty Government Expanding Mental Health Services To Support More Children And Youth
Investment Will Boost Innovative, Community-Based Services
TORONTO – The McGuinty government is strengthening mental health services for children and youth by investing in more than 200 local programs across the province, Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Children and Youth Services, announced today.
"We're working to ensure our children get the best start in life, but the reality is that thousands of Ontario's children struggle with mental health problems every day," Bountrogianni said during a visit to Toronto's Child Development Institute, which provides counselling services and behavioural supports to children 12 and under.
"Whether it's bullying or violence in our schools, depression, anxiety, or various other mental health issues many of our kids face, these community programs will help Ontario's children and youth succeed in school and go on to become healthy, productive adults."
The government is investing $13 million to create 113 new programs and expand 96 existing programs across the province. The new and expanded programs will help children and youth from birth through to young adulthood. Programs will target young people with social and behavioural problems, mental health and psychiatric disorders, and those already involved with or at risk of becoming involved with the youth justice and child protection systems.
One program specifically targeted for expansion is telepsychiatry, which will get an increase of $260,000 to provide more psychiatric services to remote communities.
"Mental health problems are invisible barriers that too many children face," said Nada Martel, President of Children's Mental Health Ontario. "These new programs in communities across Ontario can help thousands of children and youth meet their challenges and realize their full potential."
The new funding announced today is part of a $25 million boost the government is providing for children's mental health services this year – the first major funding increase in more than a decade.
This new investment will grow to $38 million in 2005-06, including $26 million for new and expanded community-based mental health services.
"By investing in children and youth today, we're investing in Ontario's future," Bountrogianni said.