JONES CRITICIZES MINISTER FOR FAILING TO HELP PROVINCE’S CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

(Queen’s Park) – Today, Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon called on the Minister of Children and Youth Services to improve mental health services for children and youth.

“Yesterday’s Auditor General announcement highlighted many concerns about the Minister’s lack of oversight of mental health services for children and youth,” Jones said.

“After 13 years and audits in 2003 and 2008 and this year, the Auditor General found that the Minister is still not monitoring the delivery of services to ensure children are receiving adequate treatment,” Jones said.

“As a result there has been a 50 per cent increase in hospitalization of children and youth with mental health issues,” Jones said.

“The Minister’s lack of action on mental health has reached a crisis. These children have nowhere to turn. They need help and they need it now,” Jones said.

“After 13 years of inaction, it’s time for the Minister to act on the recommendations made by the Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions and the Auditor General,” Jones said.

To read more about what Jones is doing in the Legislature please visit: www.sylviajonesmpp.ca.

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For more information, contact:
Christopher Dacunha
416-325-1898
sylvia.jonesla@pc.ola.org