Kids mental health centres close

Community Action, April 19, 2004

TORONTO -- Children's Mental Health Centres in Sarnia, Leeds-Grenville, and Kingston have been hit with program cuts, shutdowns and layoffs. Others are expected to follow, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union reports.

OPSEU claims the cuts will put more pressure on the health care system, the education system, and the justice system, "all of which are more expensive and less appropriate ways of dealing with children in crisis." It will also put pressure on the children's aid system.

"The whole system of children's mental health is a house of cards ready to collapse," said Deb Gordon, Chair of OPSEU'S Child Treatment Sector. "The average wait she noted for treatment for children and families in crisis is currently 21.6 weeks."

OPSEU recommends ending competition for funding with other sectors such as Children's Aid, and the development of Social Policy that ensures stable funding for children's mental health centres.

OPSEU'S Child Treatment Sector represents about 2,000 child and youth in 27 child treatment centres.

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