If things go as planned, Kitchener youths who are dealing with mental health issues will have a program that will help them to transition from the children’s' to the adults' system.
A group of organizations are working with each other to help address some of the difficulties that young people can face when they move from the system that has been set up for children to the one that has been put in place for adults.
Aaron Stauch, is the co-chair of a committee that is investigating ways to bridge the gaps that exist between what’s available for those under 18 through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and those who are over this age which are administered by the Ministry of Health and Long term Care. According to Mr. Stauch, the problem can be that young people can face long waiting lists for some program and services for adults, or they may not exist at all.
While they wait, their mental health can deteriorate. The can also be a lot of stress surrounding the transition itself. A booklet printing company can produce materials that can give individuals and families information about the assistance they can receive to help them navigate through the transitional period and what supports have been put in place to help them.
The hope is that the pilot program will be ready for implementation in November.
