Policy Documents From Other Jurisdictions
Below are publications from other jurisdictions (Canadian and International) that outline current policy directives in child and youth mental health. These documents present interesting approaches and models that you may want to draw from in your own policy work.
Canada (Nation-Wide)
Children's Mental Health Research Quarterly
The Quarterly is produced by the Children’s Health Policy Centre at Simon Fraser University, and is a new venture in communicating high-quality research evidence to policy-makers, practitioners, families and community. Its purpose is to provide regular updates on the best currently available research evidence in children’s mental health. Each issue focuses on a specific theme and includes:
- In Commentary - a response to questions from policy-makers and practitioners
- In Review - an original systematic review of recent research
- In Focus - a synopsis of the best emerging research being published by others
- In Practice - views from policy-makers and practitioners on using research to inform their work in BC.
Various authors. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Children's Health Policy Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University(2007 - )
All volumes can be downloaded from this page (HTML, 1 page)National Invitational Symposium on Child and Youth Mental Health
This Symposium brought together interested parties from across Canada who share a vision of the health and well-being of youth and children. Speakers included Senator and Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Michael Kirby, discussing his vision and plans for the Commission as well as the importance of including the voices of people living with mental illness in the development of the Commission's strategies; and Dr Stan Kutcher, Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health at Dalhousie University, emphasizing Canada's legal obligations to provide health services to its citizens and talking about the advances in comprehending the complexities of child and adolescent mental health problems.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Child Welfare League of Canada(Septmeber 17 - 18, 2007)
Backgounder (PDF, 3 pages)CWLC National Mental Health Scan (PDF, 39 pages)
Improving Mental Health Outcomes in Canadian Youth: Values, Knowledge and Participation (PDF, 21 pages)
Presentation by Professor Stan Kutcher (Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health & Director, WHO Collaborating Center, Dalhousie University)
Presentation by Wendy Heffern (Government of Alberta)
Mental Health, Mental Illness, and Addiction
In February of 2003, The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology embarked on a major study of mental health, mental illness and addiction. Senator Kirby was asked to chair this review after the Romanow report referred to mental health as the "orphan" of Canadian health care.The Honourable Michael J.L.Kirby (Chair), The Honourable Wilbert Joseph Keon (Deputy Chair) Ottawa, Canada: The Standing Senate Committee On Social Affairs, Science And Technology(2003 - 2005)
Progress Report (MS Powerpoint, 24 slides)October, 2004.
Report 1, tabled November, 2004. Based on public hearings held Feb 2003 to May 2004.
Report 2, tabled November, 2004. Based on public hearings held Feb 2003 to May 2004.
Report 3, tabled November, 2004. Based on public hearings held Feb 2003 to May 2004.
Report 4 (Interim Report), tabled October, 2005.
Final Report, part 1, tabled May, 2006.
Final Report, part 2, tabled, May 2006.
Bringing Children's Mental Health 'Out of the Shadows'
This article reviews the recommendations laid out in "Out of the Shadows at Last: Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addictions Services in Canada" (Hon. Michael J.L. Kirby & Hon. Wilbert Joseph Keon). The authors criticize the inherent emphasis on adults that is found in the report, and call for a public health strategy that not only provides effective treatment for children with established disorders, but also promotes social and emotional well-being for all children, which will help prevent long-term mental disorders from taking root in childhood.
McEwan, K., Waddell, C., & Barker, J. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Canadian Medical Association Journal, 176:471-472(Feb 13, 2007)
Link to Entire Article (PDF, 2 pages)A Public Health Strategy to Improve the Mental Health of Canadian Children
Reviews research evidence and suggests 4 public policy goals that constitute a public health strategy to improve the mental health of Canadian children:
- promote healthy development for all children
- prevent mental disorders to reduce the number of children affected
- treat mental disorders more effectively to reduce distress and impairment and
- monitor outcomes to ensure the effective and efficient use of public resources.
Waddell, C., McEwan, K., Shepherd, C., Offord, D, & Hua, J. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Can J Psychiatry, 50:226-233(March, 2005)
Link to Entire Article (PDF, 8 pages)Children's Mental Health: Preventing disorders and promoting population health in Canada
The authors conclude that there is good evidence on preventing conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression in children. However, Canada's current policy and program planning doesn't reflect this evidence. They recommend that knowledge exchange activities are needed to properly convey these findings, and to build new linkages with policy partners.Waddell, C. et al. British Columbia, Canada: Canadian Population Health Initiative, Canadian Institute for Health Information(2003)
Link to Summary of Project (PDF, 1 page)Child Psychiatric Epidemiology and Canadian Public Policy Making: The state of the science and the art of the possible
This review concludes that - given the high prevalence rates of child psychiatric disorders - increasing clinical services alone will not suffice: A multifaceted mix of strategies is required, and epidemiology can assist policy-makers to plan a mix of programs and services.
Waddell, C., Offord, D., Shepherd, C., Hua, J., & McEwan, K. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Can J Psychiatry, 47:825-832.(November, 2002)
Link to Entire Article (PDF, 8 pages)British Columbia (Province-Wide)
Child and Youth Mental Health Plan for British Columbia
The Ministry of Children and Family Development, supported by the Ministry of Health Services, embarked on a children’s mental health planning process in order to address concerns related to the mental health needs of British Columbia's children and families. This document outlines BC's plan which focuses on prevention and early detection, recognizing that early diagnosis, intervention and treatment can greatly improve the chances of successfully handling the challenges of mental illness.Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Ministry of Children and Family Development(Feb, 2003)
Backgrounder (HTML, 1 page)Feb 7, 2003
Feb 7, 2003
May 5, 2008
Feb, 2003
Highlights of the CYMH Plan Implementation (May 20, 2008)
Report Highlights Improved Mental Health Services (May 20, 2008)
Outlines key successes, strategies and initiatives undertaken in four areas; reducing risk, building capacity, improving treatment and support, and improving performance (since implementation of the plan)
Alberta (Province-Wide)
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Research: Alberta Research Activity and Research - Environmental Scan 2009
This environmental scan focuses on Alberta research in the area of child and adolescent mental health. This includes information about individuals and organizations involved in activity in the area, as well as funding opportunities and specific research activity. The goal is to provide the reader with a resource for locating provincial resources and individuals involved in the area of child and adolescent mental health research.
Pazderka, H., Bergerman, L., MacIntyre, B. & Clelland, S. Edmonton/Alberta, Canada: Alberta Health Services - Alberta Mental Health Board. Alberta Mental Health Partnership Program(2009)
Environmental Scan (PDF, 88 pages)Children's Mental Health Plan for Alberta: Three Year Action Plan (2008 - 2011)
This Plan provides direction and funding over the next three years for strategies to improve access to mental health services for infants, children, youth and their families. It also addresses the needs of children and youth at risk. Alberta Health Services is responsible for the health service delivery components of this Plan. The development of the this Plan was informed by Positive Futures, and findings from community and stakeholder consultations. It builds on major initiatives undertaken by the Alberta government, including the Health Workforce Action Plan and the work of Alberta’s Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada(August, 2008)
The Plan (PDF, 11 pages)Positive Futures - Optimizing Mental Health for Alberta
Adapted from the Policy Framework (2001), and launched in September of 2006, this 10-year strategy supports a common and integrated approach to optimizing the mental health of children and youth ages zero to 24 and their families. It is aligned with Alberta's Provincial Mental Health Plan and other strategic government initiatives.
Edmonton/Alberta, Canada(Sept, 2006)
Executive Summary (PDF, 4 pages)The Strategy (PDF, 20 pages)
Advancing the Mental Health Agenda: A Provincial Mental Health Plan for Alberta
In the spring of 2003 - at the request of Alberta's Minister of Health and Wellness - the process for developing a provincial mental health plan was launched. The Plan identified children’s mental health as a priority, and emphasized a need for increased recognition, awareness and understanding of:
- the needs of children and youth with mental illness
- the benefits of effective prevention, early intervention and treatment programs
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Provincial Mental Health Planning Project, Alberta Health Services(April, 2004)
The Plan (PDF, 87 pages)Resources, Publications and Events to Support Children and Youth's Mental Health Initiatives
The Alberta Mental Health Board has developed a number of resources and publications designed to support children and youth's mental health initiatives.
Alberta, Canada: Alberta Mental Health Board
A Call to Action: The Alberta Suicide Prevention Strategy (PDF, 44 pages)A Provincial Mental Health Plan for Alberta identified the general population, school-aged children, and vulnerable populations such as Aboriginal youth as priorities for suicide prevention (2005)
Three new suicide prevention initiatives (2006) that directly relate to specific goals and objectives of The Alberta Suicide Prevention Strategy: 1. Community Help, 2. Active Postvention, 3. Intentional Overdoses
This program brings together people at the grassroots community level to help children learn how to self-protect their mental health from an early age. Teachers and other school personnel, parents, health care professionals and community organizations all work together, providing help within the school setting.
A program that teaches everyday Canadians how to spot the signs of mental health problems and how to respond as a first responder. Every school in Alberta will have a person trained in MHFA Canada by 2010.
A Policy Framework: Mental Health for Alberta's Children and Youth
In 2001, a cross-ministry Children’s Mental Health Framework Steering Committee, under the direction of the Alberta Children and Youth Initiative (ACYI), prepared a provincial policy framework to optimize the mental health of Albert’s children and youth. The Framework was an essential first step in the development of an integrated approach to mental health for Alberta’s children and youth and their families.Alberta, Canada: Children's Mental Health Framework Steering Committee, Alberta Mental Health Board(July, 2001)
Policy Framework (PDF, 10 pages)Saskatchewan (Province-Wide)
A Better Future for Youth: Saskatchewan's Plan for Child & Youth Mental Health Services
Aims to improve the overall mental health and well-being of Saskatchewan's young people, and builds on the province’s many initiatives that are helping children achieve a bright future. Based on the vision that "All our children develop and participate in healthy families and communities. Every effort is made to achieve the optimal growth and development of our children by ensuring they are valued, healthy, safe, secure, culturally connected, socially responsible, knowledgeable and skilled."Canada : Government of Saskatchewan.
The Plan (PDF, 6 pages)Enhanced Support for Children's Mental Health
On Budget Day, the Government of Saskatchewan announced increased funding for children and youth mental health services. Minister Addley detailed how these investments will enhance access to quality mental health services for the province's young people.
Saskatchewan, Canada: Government of Saskatchewan(April 26, 2006)
News Release (HTML, 1 page)It's Time for a Plan for Children's Mental Health
This review was initiated due to repeated issues or concerns being raised with Saskatchewan's Child Advocate Office regarding the quantity, quality, and accessibility of mental health services for children and youth. Recommendations in this report were the catalyst for creating a comprehensive plan of action (A Better Future for Youth) to ensure adequate and appropriate children’s mental health services throughout Saskatchewan.Parker-Loewen, D. Canada : The Saskatchewan Children's Advocate Office(April, 2004)
Media Release (PDF, 6 pages)The plan (PDF, 94 pages)
Ontario (Province-Wide)
Open Minds, Healthy Minds - Ontario's Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy
The strategy will focus on creating a more coordinated and responsive mental health system in Ontario. "Open Minds, Healthy Minds" is broad and comprehensive, building on the recommendations provided by the Minister's Advisory Group in "Respect, Recovery, Resilience" Recommendations for Ontario’s Mental Health Strategy". The strategy will target children and youth for the first three years, focusing on fast access to high-quality services, early identification and support, and helping vulnerable children with unique needs. The strategy will also focus on building awareness and support around mental health and addictions issues by reducing stigma and discrimination, identifying problems and intervening early, as well as delivering more high quality and timely supports.
Toronto, ON, Canada: Queen's Printer for Ontario(June 2011)
The Strategy (PDF, 26 pages)Esprit ouvert, esprit sain (PDF, 26 pages)
Minister's Advisory Group on Mental Health and Addictions
The Advisory Group -- which worked separately from the Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions -- included consumers, family members of individuals with mental health and addiction issues, health care providers and researchers from across the province. The Group's advice helped the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care lay the foundation for a 10-year mental health and addictions strategy.
Toronto, ON, Canada: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care(2009)
Terms of Reference (PDF, 3 pages)Description of the Group's mandate and objectives (February 10, 2009)
A discussion paper developed by the Minister’s Advisory Group. It sets out a framework for the proposed Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, and was used at a series of roundtables and other public forums to seek the views and advice of Ontarians who are familiar with mental health and addiction services as well as those who are not (July, 2009). Chaque port est la bonne porte.
Report to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care From the Minister’s Advisory Group on the 10-Year Mental Health and Addictions Strategy (December 2010). Respect, retablissement, resilience: Recommandations pour la Strategie de sante mentale et de lutte contre les dependances de l'Ontario (Rapport présenté à la ministre de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée par le Groupe consultatif ministériel de la Stratégie décennale de santé mentale et de lutte contre les dépendances (Décembre 2010).
Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions
The Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions was formed by the Ontario legislature to help develop ways to improve access to mental health and addiction services in the province. This committee travelled all across Ontario, spanning 18 months, 30 days of hearings, 230 presenters and 300 submissions.
Toronto/Ontario, Canada: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care(2009)
Backgrounder - 'All-Party Committee Examining Mental Health And Addiction Services' (PDF, 2 pages)Committee Findings to Help Build Long Term Mental Health and Addiction Strategy (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, February 24, 2009). In French.
(March 31, 2010). In French.
(2nd Session, 39th Parliament, August 2010). In French. Statement Issued by Minister Of Health And Long-Term Care Deb Matthews & Minister of Children and Youth Laurel Broten (HTML, 1 pg).
4-part episode about the Mental Health System that aired on Focus Ontario with Sean Mallen (aired: week of September 4, 2010). "An all-party committee investigating the state of mental health and addiction care in this province say the system is fractured. Former political aide Catherine Pringle joins host Sean Mallen to discuss the issue."
We are your Sons and Daughters
The Child Advocate's Report on the Quality of Care of 3 Children's Aid Societies outlines the need to move away from institutionalized care; the province should move away from institutionalized-group homes to more family-style care.Finlay, J. Ontario, Canada: Office of Child & Family Service Advocacy(June, 2007)
Report (PDF, 109 pages)A Shared Responsibility
The Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) developed a policy framework to provide strategic direction for ongoing improvements over the next decade. This framework was designed to foster collaboration amongst everyone who shares responsibility for the healthy development of Ontario's children and youth: families/caregivers, communities, service providers, government and all child- and youth-serving sectors.Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Ministry of Children and Youth Services(November, 2006)
Framework (PDF, 38 pages)Child Welfare Transformation in Ontario
The Ministry of Community and Social Services developed and implemented significant Child Welfare (CW) reforms between 1998 and 2000. Following these reforms, the province embarked on a transformation agenda for CW including:
- Nov 2003: moving CW services to the new Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS)
- 2002 - 2003: completing a system-wide Child Welfare Program Evaluation
- 2004 - 2005: establishing a Child Welfare Secretariat to address findings and recommendations of the Program Evaluation
- 2005: releasing a Strategic Plan for a flexible, sustainable and outcome oriented service delivery model
- Nov 2006: proclaiming Bill 210, the Child and Family Services Statute Law Amendment Act
- April 2007: introducing new standards for child protection.
put forward recommendations in: child and system outcomes, integration, accountability, efficiency and sustainability (Released Feb, 2004)
outlines the CW transformation agenda, organized around seven key priorities (June, 2005)
Presented at Advancing the Advocacy Agenda. By Bruce Rivers, Executive Director, Child Welfare Secretariat (April, 2006)
this Auditor's report prompted the provincial goverment to create an accountability office to oversee CAS, and monitor whether they are meeting requirements for care and protection of children (Submitted to the Legislative Assembly, Fall 2006)
Ontario's Mosaic of Children's Treatment Services
Provides a descriptive bird’s-eye view of how ambulatory treatment services are distributed, coordinated and utilized in Ontario. Services examined include medical and nursing, rehabilitation and developmental, and mental health. Specifically this included well child, newborn and minor assessments, general assessments, and consultations for three classes of physicians [generalists, pediatric specialists, and "other" (otolaryngology, ophthalmology, optometry, psychiatry and chiropractic)].Dick, P., Kavanagh, L., Spalding, K., & McKeever, P. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences(Jan, 2005)
Executive Summary (PDF, 4 pages)Link to all Sections of the Report (HTML, 1 page)
South West Region (SWR) Children's Mental Health Project
The Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) South West (SW) Region undertook a 3-phase review of the children's mental heath services system in 2001.- Phase I - review and mapping of the CMH services system; the creation of First Principles, and a vision for CMH services.
- Phase II - release of An Ideal Model Final Report.
- Phase III - a 3 year implementation phase. Documents released so far: Highly Specialized Services and Supports and Core Services and Supports
London, Ontario, Canada: Ministry of Community of Social Services(Sep, 2001)
Core Services and Supports (PDF, 93 pages)Highly Specialized Services and Supports (PDF, 131 pages)
Ideal Model Final Report (PDF, 47 pages)
Summer 2004 Communiqu (PDF, 6 pages)
New Brunswick (Province-Wide)
Advancing Health Care by Putting Patients First
Michael Murphy, New Brunswick's Health Minister, announced on April 1, 2008 that $154 million will be invested in new and enhanced health services over the next four years as part of the new Provincial Health Paln. The development of a mental health strategy is a key initiative in this Plan which calls for a review of current mental health services in order to examine strengths and gaps.Provincial Health Plan - 2008 - 2012 (HTML, 1 page)The Provincial Health Plan sets out a vision and strategic direction to guide the transformation of NB's health-care system. It builds on existing strengths and responds to emerging priorities (April 1, 2008)
Chronicles the lives of seven young people who suffered due to shortcomings of services provided by several government departments in New Brunswick. Among the resport's 48 recommendations: Designating a minister responsible for child and youth services; Establishing a community-based facility for youth with mental-health needs; Ending the practice of sending youth to jails that are ill-equipped to deal with their needs (Richard, B., Office of the Ombudsman; Fredericton, NB, Jan 2008)
(May 21, 2008)
International
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policies and Plans
Addresses mental health in the prenatal period, childhood and adolescence. Adopts a broad definition of child and adolescent mental health. Provides guidance on developing and implementing a child and adolescent mental health policy and plan.Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization(2005)
English (PDF, 85 pages)French (PDF, 115 pages)
U.S. Public Health Service, Report of the Surgeon General
This report is an outgrowth of the Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health, and provides a comprehensive 'call to action' to address the "growing numbers of children who are suffering needlessly because their emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs are not being met by those very institutions which were explicitly created to take care of them."
Satcher, D. Washington, DC, United States: Department of Health and Human Services(2000)
Report (PDF, 53 pages)Every Child Matters
A cross-government programme in the UK that works with local partners to achieve better outcomes for children and youth. The aim is to join-up services so that every child can achieve: 1. being healthy; 2. staying safe; 3. enjoying and achieving; 4. making a positive contribution; 5. economic well-being.Nottingham, United Kingdom: Department for Education and Skills(2003)
Description of the Framework for Service Delivery (HTML, 1 page)Every Child Matters - Summary of Green Paper (PDF, 15 pages)
Inventory of Key Documents of the 'Every Child Matters' Programme (HTML, 1 page)
National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services
This is 10-year programme intended to stimulate long-term and sustained improvement in children's health. By setting standards, the NSF aims to ensure fair, high quality and integrated health and social care from pregnancy, right through to adulthood. One of the standards in the NSF addresses child and adolescent mental health.Department of Health, Department for Education and Skills London, United Kingdom: Crown copyright(September, 2004)
Standard 9 - The Mental Health and Psychological Well-being of Children and Young People (PDF, 58 pages)Policy Guidelines on Child and Adolescent Mental Health
"These are the first national policy guidelines for child and adolescent mental health that have been available in South Africa. They address mental health in the prenatal period (conception to birth), childhood (birth to 9 years) and adolescence (12 to 18 years). They adopt a broad definition of child and adolescent mental health: Child and adolescent mental health is the capacity to achieve and maintain optimal psychological functioning and well being. It is directly related to the degree of age-appropriate bio-psychosocial development achieved using available resources."Pretoria, South Africa: Department of Health(April 2009)
Document (PDF, 26 pages)For Professionals
Announcements
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National scan of child and youth mental health policies, programs and services (2008)