Update:
Premier Doug Ford announced this afternoon that the Ontario government will spend $24.3 million on mental health for children and youth.
Ford says the funding will be used to hire additional staff, increase access to counselling and therapy, create new programs to help manage stress, depression, and anxiety, address eating disorders and other challenges faced by children and youth.
A breakdown of the other targeted investments include:
- Supports for families and caregivers of children and youth with mental health and addictions challenges.
- $5.8 million for youth wellness teams at 10 Youth Wellness Hubs across Ontario. These youth-friendly service locations are designed for youth, and offer walk-in access to primary care and mental health and addictions services for people between the ages of 12 and 25.
- $3.7 million for a new eating disorders program. This early intervention program will help prevent and support children and youth up to the age of 25.
- $2 million for the implementation of an Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program for families, children and youth. This new program will provide evidence-based mental health supports for children, youth and their families that will help them develop skills to manage stress, depression and anxiety.
- Funding for children and youth mental health services delivered in congregate settings
- $800,000 for the creation and operation of Eating Disorders Ontario
Original story:
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is expected to make an announcement at 1 p.m. today at Queen's Park.
The announcement comes a day after the province decided to extend COVID-19 orders under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) another 30 days.
Ford will be joined by Minister of Health Christine Elliott, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo and Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues for today's press conference.
Village Media will carry the livestream, so stay tuned.
