ENHANCED SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Details about increased resources for mental health services for Saskatchewan's children and youth were announced today by Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley.

On Budget Day, the Government of Saskatchewan announced an additional $1 million for this year and $2 million each future year for children and youth mental health services. In a Regina news conference today, Minister Addley detailed how these investments will enhance access to quality mental health services for the province's young people.

"Every child in our province deserves the opportunity to develop to his or her fullest potential," Addley said. "The initiatives I am announcing today are further steps as we continue to address the needs, gaps and barriers in mental health services for children and youth. Taken with other initiatives such as the children's hospital within a hospital and the youth focus of the Premier's Project Hope, they reflect this government's commitment to our young people."

Early identification, along with early intervention, and treatment, supported by outreach, residential and respite services will all be enhanced this year. These enhancements will include:

· Hiring of five mental health specialists in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert;

· Creating 11 new parent-therapist residential spaces for children and youth with primary mental disorders who cannot live at home;

· Adding three mental health professionals to the new Early Psychosis Intervention Program in Regina to serve youth at the first onset of psychosis;

· Adding resources to reduce the number of clients waiting for intervention services at the Autism Resource Centre in Regina;

· Providing mental health outreach and respite services to an additional 440 children and youth across the province; and

· Distributing a new booklet for youth that addresses depression and suicide. The booklet will be distributed to schools, doctors' offices, tribal councils and other organizations.

These enhancements to child and youth mental health services in Saskatchewan are in response to concerns raised in the Children's Advocate 2004 report, It's Time for a Plan for Children's Mental Health. They are also based on extensive stakeholder consultations held in 2004-05.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kimberly Kratzig Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083