New On-line Resource for Children and Youth Struggling with Mental Health
Issues

TORONTO , Nov. 17 /CNW/ - On November 17 , the eve of National Day of the Child, Kinark Child and Family Services will introduce a new website, www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.ca, which provides mental health resources and support to parents, educators and professionals.

"Stigma is a huge barrier to people seeking help for mental illness in Ontario. We know that one in five children in Ontario struggles and only one in six of those receives help", says Peter Moore , Executive Director. "Kinark has answered the call with www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.ca."

Using an online marketing approach, the site shares stories of children and youth as well as the latest mental health news for those looking for information, opinions, professional and peer support. Blogs and support forums will feature current and relevant information to assist the growing needs of parents, teachers, professionals and youth.

According to Melanie Manchee, Vice President of Kinark's Board of Directors, "www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.ca was created as part of an awareness campaign aimed to provide a better understanding of children and youth mental health issues and eliminate the stigma associated with. It's time to start the conversation; it's time to talk about children and youth mental health."

The site is scheduled to go live during the second National Invitational Symposium on Child and Youth Mental Health in Ottawa on November 19th, 2009 celebrating the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and National Day of the Child, November 20th .

Kinark Child and Family Services is the largest children's mental health organization in Ontario providing expert help to children and youth, their families and communities. Kinark offers everything from parenting advice to help for children and youth with chronic and multiple mental health issues. In addition, Kinark provides intensive treatment and support to youth in conflict with the law as well as an extensive range of programs for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Made up of 800 highly trained professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and child and youth workers, Kinark's goal is to eradicate the stigma around children's mental health in Ontario and beyond.

For further information: Tracy Folkes Hanson, Director, Communications, [phone], [email protected]