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GNWT rolling out youth counsellors next school year

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2802rangelakeinclusiveH1 Michael Hugall/NNSL photo Range Lake North kindergarten teacher Jennifer Kravitz assists a group of hungry students get their snacks before recess on Tuesday. (February 27, 2018)

When students return to school next year they will be greeted by friends, teachers and newly appointed mental health professionals.

As part of a $1.5 million effort to combat mental illness in schoolchildren, the territory's Education Culture and Employment (ECE) office is partnering with the Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) to introduce Child and Youth Care Counsellors to classrooms.

The decision to introduce the new position was guided by the results of four separate youth engagement efforts that included feedback from about 130 youths from every region of the Northwest Territories, said ECE communications manager Jacqueline McKinnon

They're being introduced in the hopes of combating the effects of trauma suffered by children.

NNSL photo
Aurora Conway, left, Paige Hawthorn, Thomas Roberts, teacher Darryl Mitchener, Kaylie Locke-Setter and Sophia Roberts learn during Range Lake North technology class on Dec. 19. Next year, all will have access to Child and Youth Care Counsellors that will be employed across the territory.

Studies by the Mental Health Commission of Canada indicate between 15-to-25 per cent of children and youth suffer from at least one mental health problem or illness. The commission also notes 70 per cent of young adults report that their mental health problems began when they were children. For these reasons, the two departments decided additional counsellors were essential.

“Superintendents support this initiative as there is a demonstrated need in every school and community for enhanced mental health services for school-aged children and youth,” said McKinnon. "By establishing mental health experts in schools, this initiative will increase the mental health literacy of students and school staff.”

Education can be a powerful tool in removing the stigma around mental illness, said McKinnon.

During budget discussions the ECE said it would reallocate $1.5 million in internal funding to accommodate next year's rollout of counsellors.

“Children and youth in the NWT deserve qualified mental health experts to support their well-being, and that of their communities,” said GNWT Health and Social Services representative Damien Healy.

During the collective effort by the department's, ECE and HSS consulted several organizations including FOXY/SMASH, MACA Youth Ambassadors and HSS Back to the Trail youth gathering.

Schools will not only have to reallocate funds but may also reallocate personnel to fulfill the GNWT's plans.

Although the new counsellors will have a clinical practice background, McKinnon said guidance counsellors and teachers can notify ECE if they are looking to switch positions to fill the child and youth care counsellor positions.

“Overall, superintendents support this initiative as there is a demonstrated need in every school and community for enhanced mental health services for school-aged children and youth,” said McKinnon.

The proposed Child and Youth Care Counsellors will be introduced in four regions over the next four years beginning this fall.