Ontario Launches Support for At-Risk Youth with Mental Health Issues

Supporting Youth with Mental Health Issues and Setting Them Up for Success

Ontario is investing $390,000 in a research pilot project to help stop the cycle of homelessness for Toronto youth.

The pilot, which will improve the health and quality of life of 30 previously homeless youth, includes:

• Social support for youth, including guidance from both a transition support worker and a trained peer support worker to help them address challenges such as mental health issues
• Counselling for groups to address complex trauma and for families to help them reunite and resolve issues
• Psychotherapy for those whose level of distress cannot be addressed through counselling.

The project will help youth move past basic survival into a period of stability, which is one of the biggest challenges facing homeless youth. It will also help encourage youth to go back to school or find employment, as well as provide critical support and intervention to help youth overcome barriers and maintain positive momentum.

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and have the best possible start in life. Providing mental health supports and helping youth break the cycle of homelessness is one way Ontario is working to support families and create positive environments for our children and youth to reach their full potential.

Here is the MP3 audio file from the announcement: