The lack of effective and available mental health services for children and youth in our province is a great concern that must be addressed by government, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones. Jones was responding to recent CBC reports and stories from affected parents who believe their children are falling through the cracks of the mental health system.

The Janeway is set up to handle five children with various mental health issues, but can accommodate seven under certain circumstances. The hospital admits adolescents suffering from eating disorders, mental illness, attention deficit disorders, anger problems and other related issues facing young people. This facility is only meant to be used on a short-term basis. There are no long-term treatment facilities for young people facing mental health issues within Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The problems being faced in our youth mental health system outpaces the clinical treatment capacity available to families in our province,” said Ms. Jones. “Disorders among children and youth are often left untreated and in some cases progress to more serious problems. Clinical services alone cannot achieve a marked reduction in the burden of suffering associated with mental disorders in children and youth.”

According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, mental health problems among children and youth have increased in recent years and are predicted to increase by 50 per cent by the year 2020.

“This is a growing problem that cannot be ignored and must be addressed. There are many children in our province ending up in programs such as Choices for Youth or under the care of Child, Youth and Family Services due to undiagnosed and untreated mental illness.

“Speaking with families affected by these mental health issues it is obvious that children and adolescents encounter long delays in getting professional help, and the lack of alternate care or approaches within our province is adding to that stress. Families who want effective care for their children are being forced to leave the province and are faced with huge financial and relationship burdens as they try to help their children.

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