Ontario is supporting 600 new mental health workers across the province who are helping children, young people and their families get quicker and easier access to the right mental health services and supports in schools, communities and courts.

These new workers include:

• 144 nurses working directly in schools to support the early identification and treatment of students with potential mental health and/or addiction issues.
• 260 new workers in community mental health agencies to provide kids access to services closer to home.
• 21 new workers in the court system to keep youth out of the justice system and refer them instead to community-based services.
• 175 additional new workers in schools, who will provide kids support to address their mental health needs.

Ontario also is enhancing supports to prevent youth suicide with a focus on early intervention and peer-to-peer support.

Helping kids get the supports they need is part of the McGuinty government's Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy that is delivering high-quality, timely services and supports to kids and families while building awareness of mental health issues and reducing stigma.

• Find out how Ontario is helping children and youth with mental health challenges succeed.
• Read Open Minds, Healthy Minds: Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.