Election Advocacy – It’s Time to Speak Out

As parents and concerned citizens we are very aware of the need to make our concerns about Children’s Mental Health in Ontario known to government. We are all too well aware of the consequences faced by children and their families as a result of lack of service. Without treatment children end up in jail, on the street, or in hospital emergency rooms. Their problems become more severe. They enter the adult world needing frequent support, constant supervision, protection, or detention.

In light of the upcoming provincial election this is an opportune time for us to draw attention to the pressing issues facing children with mental health problems and their families. CMHO has outlined the following questions to help individuals raise these important issues with local candidates.

Take the time to meet with candidates in your community and find out:

• Do they agree that mental health services are an important part of the community’s children’s services network, and critical for children and families?
• Are they committed to supporting children with mental health problems and their families?
• How do they plan to support those who provide community-based services for children with mental health problems and their families?
• How will they ensure that children with mental health problems and their families have immediate access to mental health care in times of crisis?
• What will they commit to doing to ensure that mental health services for children and their families are adequate to meet the increasing need in your community

Children’s Mental Health Service Fact Sheet*

• The Ontario Child Health Study identified children’s mental health as a major issue
• Canada’s youth suicide rate increased 400% in the last 30 years
• In the last ten years, Statistics Canada figures show an increase of 121% in youth violence
• According to Ontario’s Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy, 80% of young offenders have mental health needs
• The Ontario Government Task Force on Strict Discipline identified mental health problems as a prime cause of deviant behaviour
• According to the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 18% of children and youth in Ontario have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Ontario treats only one in six of these children

* Children’s Mental Health Ontario