Province makes children’s mental health a Priority

Algonquin Child and Family Services
News Release

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Algonquin Child and Family Services (ACFS) – The Minister of Children and Youth Services, the Honourable Mary Anne Chambers, recently announced a provincial increase of $24.5 million annually to the children and youth mental health sector. With the Nipissing/Parry Sound area this will amount to an increase of $256,911 to ACFS.

The President of ACFS, Ms. Kathleen Turnsek expressed gratitude on behalf of ACFS for these dollars. She noted one in five children and youth experience a mental health difficulty and these dollars will assist with the extensive demand and wait for ACFS services.

There have been only two occasions in the past fifteen years when the budgets of children’s mental health agencies have increased. The last time was 2004. This government is beginning to respond to our sector and clearly understands the need for early intervention, to give children and youth diagnosed with mental health issues the best possible future.

The seven most common mental health issues affecting children and youth are anxiety disorder, depression, conduct disorder (bullying, vandalism etc.), attention deficit hyperactivity, eating disorders, schizophrenia and bi-polar (manic depression).

Children’s Mental Health Week will be celebrated from May 7th – 13th in Ontario!

Please look forward to ACFS events during this week.

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