The Summit on Children and Youth Mental Health

Moving from Policy to Practice Through Collaboration

TORONTO, April 5, 2016 /CNW/ - The stark statistics show 1 in 5 young people struggling with mental health and only 1 in 6 who need help are actually getting that help. The Summit on Children and Youth Mental Health is designed to deepen knowledge about mental health among all those who work with children and youth, and to highlight evidence-based programs and services.

On April 7 and 8, 2016 the Ontario Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health is holding its fourth Summit at the Allstream Centre, located at 105 Princes' Boulevard in Toronto. The Summit is designed to inspire and demonstrate how the power of our collective voices, commitment and efforts can bring a sense of urgency and action to the vital issue of children and youth mental health. The Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health unites health, mental health, community and education sectors and the voices of families and youth in a movement to promote the priority of social and emotional health as a part of child development in Ontario. The Coalition is committed to making sure that Ontario gets it right as its Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy continues to roll out.  

The Summit features internationally recognized speakers and in-depth, interactive sessions offering evidence-based practices, research and resources.

• On Thursday April 7 at 7:30 p.m. speaker Neil Pasricha, author of The Happiness Equation, will deliver his dynamic, interactive keynote.
• On Friday April 8 at 9:00 a.m., a panel of experts will review the current research and practice on mental health and service utilization amongst immigrant and refugee children and youth. As Syrian newcomers arrive in Ontario, we have an opportunity to promote resiliency and reinforce networks of support for all newcomer children and youth who may be struggling with mental health problems as a result of trauma or migration stress.
• On Friday April 8 at 11:00 a.m., Dr. Richard Koestner of McGill University will describe a major theory of motivation which highlights the importance of supporting children's basic psychological needs for relatedness, competence, and autonomy.

The Summit program is further enriched by the diverse resources on display at the exhibitor booths. The Summit will host a powerful Student Art Exhibition Just Beneath the Surface showcasing the work of students and graduates from Stephen Lewis Secondary School (Peel DSB) on the theme of mental health and well-being. 

To access the complete Summit program, click (English) or (français).

Twitter: Summit Hashtag #scymh16

SOURCE Ontario Public School Boards' Association

Jeff Sprang or T.J. Goertz, OPSBA Communications, [phone]