 |
| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
|
| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – Canada’s first comprehensive, provincial mental health plan for children was released today by Gordon Hogg, Minister of Children and Family Development and Gulzar Cheema, Minister of State for Mental Health.
“Mental disorders are the most prevalent group of health problems affecting our children,” Hogg said during a presentation to open cabinet. “They affect families of all social and ethnic backgrounds. They supersede all other health problems in both the number of children affected and the degree of impairment. These children are most visible when they are socially isolated, depressed, quit school, become addicted to substances, come into conflict with the law or, most tragically, end their lives in suicide."
The 68-page Child and Youth Mental Health Plan is the first of its kind in Canada. It describes a framework for service delivery changes and a plan for resourcing and implementation over the next five years. The plan addresses the often-difficult transitions for children with mental illnesses, both as they move into the adult mental health system and as they move between hospital and community mental health services. The recommended service enhancements to children and youth with mental disorders will be integrated into the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s community-based service delivery system so problems can be identified before they become crises.
“Our research indicates that about one in every seven children under the age of 19 is likely to have a serious mental disorder that impacts their functioning and development,” said Cheema. “That means about 140,000 of our B.C. children and youth experience mental disorders that impair their ability to participate in activities at home, at school, with peers and in their communities. Their family members often need help to cope with the associated stresses and challenges. Early intervention in the treatment of problems such as anxiety, depression and psychosis can make an enormous difference to the success of these children in school and as adults.”
“The document combines the best available evidence, research and emerging scientific and medical knowledge with the thoughtful input of families and individuals who have direct experience with mental health issues,” said Hogg. “We are grateful to the hundreds of educators, researchers, health care practitioners, service providers and parents who contributed during our extensive consultation process.” The Child and Youth Mental Health Plan is part of the government's New Era commitment to establish co-ordinated, community-based mental health services for children and youth and focus on early identification of at-risk children.
-30-
A complete copy of the Plan is available online at http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/mh_publications/cymh_plan.htm
More information on the research is available at http://www.mheccu.ubc.ca/index.cfm
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
