CHILD AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES UNDERWAY

Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley today provided an update on enhancements to child and youth mental health services in Saskatchewan.

In April 2006, Saskatchewan Health announced a $1 million enhancement under Saskatchewan’s Plan for Child and Youth Mental Health Services.  These funds have been provided to the Regional Health Authorities to enhance the quality, quantity and access to mental health services for the province’s children, youth and their families.

“The mental health and well-being of our children and youth is a priority in building their future and the future of the province,” Addley said.  “The investment in child and youth mental health services enables health regions to address the mental health and wellness needs of vulnerable children and youth living in remote, rural and urban areas.”

Several initiatives are underway.  Saskatchewan Health, the Department of Community Resources, and the Five Hills Health Region have collaborated to develop and enhance family based residential services for youth with mental health disorders who can no longer live at home.  Two therapeutic homes are expected to be operational in the near future.

This expansion includes a safe, supportive home setting that attends to the care needs of young persons between the ages of 16 to 21 who are affected by severe and persistent emotional and behavioural concerns.  The expanded plan was developed by working together with Community Resources to develop a model of care that could be practically applied in the Five Hills Health Region.

“The Five Hills Regional Health Authority would like to thank Saskatchewan Health for the additional funding which has made the expansion of children’s based residential services possible,” Five Hills Regional Health Authority chairperson Dale Toni said.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca