Monday, September 08, 2014
Huron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth
Child and Youth Mental Health – Exciting News for Huron-Perth Centre
Since November 2012 the Ministry of Children and Youth has been working to develop and implement a new service framework for the Child & Youth Mental Health Services. This work, known as “Moving on Mental Health” promises to create a system for Ontario where previously there has only been a fragmented array of services that look different in every community. The model envisions a provincial system that relies on Lead Agencies in 34 defined service areas to provide services that align with a newly defined core basket of services, and to do so in collaboration with the broader community that works with children and youth.
Mid August Minister Tracy McCharles, the Minister of Children and Youth Services, announced that Huron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth has been selected to be the Lead Agency for the service area of Huron and Perth. A total of 14 Lead Agencies have been selected in Phase 1 of the system transformation and the remaining decisions will occur at a later date.
Terri Sparling, CEO for Huron-Perth Centre says: “This is an exciting time to be in children’s mental health services. It is an honour and a privilege to play a part in the formation of a provincial system that will provide a range of services available in every community and which defines standards of service across the province. The model offers a vision for children’s mental health services, something that has been lacking until now. It is a vision that each lead agency can then work to achieve in collaboration with other key community partners, as new opportunities arise.
Betty Beer-Vanrooy, newly elected Board President adds: The children and youth of Huron and Perth counties define our future. We are hopeful that the transformation and alignment of children’s mental health services throughout our region and across our province will bring increased support and benefits to our families. As lead agency for Huron Perth we are excited to collaborate with our local and provincial partners to help build the range of services that should be present in every community.”
From Larry Marshall, Executive Director for the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society: “We were very excited to hear the recent announcement and want to congratulate the Board, Management Team and staff in being selected as the lead agency in Huron and Perth Counties. This announcement by the Ministry reinforces the role that the Huron Perth Centre for Children and Youth has held in our community for a number of years with demonstrated leadership and dedication to improve services for children and youth in our community. We look forward to continuing to work with them to enhance Mental Health Services for children, youth and families in Huron and Perth Counties.”
For more information on these changes visit: www.movingonmentalhealth.ca.
Huron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth is an accredited community-based children’s mental health centre to serve children, youth and their families who struggle with mental health issues. The Centre also provides a range of youth justice services and some specialized adult services. The Centre has offices in Stratford, Listowel and Clinton. Services are free and confidential with funding from a variety of sources including the Ministry of Children & Youth Services. Huron-Perth Centre has been serving children, youth and families since 1977 and is proud of its many partnerships with a variety of agencies, schools, service clubs and others who help the Centre respond to the needs of our community. It is through partnerships, donations and special events that help the Centre to maximize limited funding. The services offered at Huron-Perth Centre reach over 1000 kids every year.
Quick Facts:
- 1 in 5 Ontario children and youth has a diagnosable mental health problem - that's about 500,000 kids and teenagers. Most have mild or moderate illness that is treatable.
- Research has proven that early intervention is critical to providing kids with a hopeful and healthy future. The services offered by community-based mental health centres such as Huron-Perth Centre often prevent mental health problems from escalating. In fact, about 75 per cent of children and youth who get counselling and treatment at community mental health centres emerge better - a remarkably good success rate in the mental health field.
- Parents usually can approach accredited agencies directly; a doctor’s referral is not required. Services are provided at no cost to clients. Children’s mental health disorders can be very difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of a disorder in children are often different from the symptoms experienced by adults. It is important that your child receive an accurate diagnosis, especially before considering medication.
- Ontario is the only province that offers youth mental health services outside the health system, a model that has been in place since 1971. Community-based child and youth mental health services are funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and work in collaboration with other professionals and community partners to meet the needs of children, youth and their families.
Media Contact:
Terri Sparling
CEO
Huron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth
1-519-273-3373 ext 2230
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