The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that their recent $1.7 million expansion of funding to Family Services Saskatchewan, covering free, rapid access counselling services to children, youth and their caregivers, has officially reached Moose Jaw.
Young people can access support for challenges ranging from stress and depression to family conflict, addictions, and domestic violence.
Kandice Hebert, counselling co-ordinator at Moose Jaw Family Services, confirmed that the agency is fully ready for the expansion.
"This expansion was announced/confirmed in April 2023, so we started our hiring process this past summer and have the position filled," Hebert said. "Our agency was funded for one full-time Child and Youth Rapid Access Counsellor. The position is Monday to Friday with 20-25 (one-hour) appointments available weekly, for an average of 80-90 appointments available monthly."
In total this year, the province is providing Family Services Saskatchewan with $3.2 million in annual funding: $1.7 million in new funding for expanding rapid access counselling services to children and youth, and $1.5 million to provide ongoing services to adults and families.
"Connecting young people to timely, accessible counselling services is an important step to address the mental health issues many children and youth are facing today," said Tim McLeod, MLA for Moose Jaw North and provincial cabinet minister for Mental Health and Addictions.
"Today's expansion of rapid access counselling to children and youth is a good example of how more people are getting the help they need, which is a key focus of our new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions."
"We are excited to launch the Child and Youth Rapid Access Counselling program in Moose Jaw and surrounding areas," Tara Jones, executive director at Moose Jaw Family Services, said in the government's Nov. 10 release.
"This service is designed to address the unique mental health needs of our children and youth while providing support to their families. Thanks to the funding we've received, we can offer this important service at no cost to families."
Hebert said the new Child and Youth Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) position serves Moose Jaw and rural families within the jurisdiction of Moose Jaw Family Services.
Similarly to the existing adult RAC counselling program, the new child and youth counsellor will travel to some rural communities to provide in-person services, in addition to always-available virtual counselling.
"As well, similarly to adult RAC in the province, if someone was unable to book a session (right away) for their youth and really needed it, or was uncomfortable seeing a counsellor in Moose Jaw, any of the child and youth counsellors across the province available through RAC or available to be booked through counsellingconnectsask.ca are available. No one is limited by their geography," Hebert explained.
"Sessions are 100 per cent covered in the program, regardless of where you are booking from in the province. Regarding differing program guidelines, child and youth counselling will operate similarly to our adult counselling.
"The main differences will exist around consent, as anyone under the age of 16 requires consent from their parents or primary guardian. As well, our child and youth counselling is looking to involve parents/caregivers as much as possible in the counselling process to support best outcomes."
To find services near you, or to book a virtual session, visit www.counsellingconnectsask.ca.
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