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By Josh Hall

Alberta taking new actions for youth affected by pandemic

Jun 1, 2022 | 11:28 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta says it is taking action to support children and youth who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A cross-ministry action plan is informed by the government’s Child and Youth Well-being Review, which came up with 10 recommendations for the short and long-term.

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services, says the recommendations were formed following feedback from experts, researchers, educators, professionals, as well as parents and youth, it’s also stated in a release on Tuesday.

“The pandemic has been difficult for most, but it has been especially challenging for vulnerable children, youth and families. This action plan lays out the next steps to help those most affected through programs and resources focusing on well-being and resiliency,” says Schulz.

As outlined in a government news release, the new actions include:

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• Expansion of mental health and behavioural supports in schools
• Working across ministries to expand prevention and early intervention supports for youth, including expanding youth mental health hubs, phone and virtual supports, and access to mental health supports in schools
• Targeted funding of more than $110 million over three years to enable schools to support students for pandemic-related issues such as learning loss, school nutrition, and mental health supports
• Improving school nutrition in Alberta and issuing a call for proposals from non-profit organizations to collaborate with schools to pilot innovative ways to support vulnerable youth.
• Early childhood educators will receive more training on mental health needs in children from birth to age six.

Ongoing actions include:

• A $1-million expansion to province-wide in-person and virtual mental health counselling services through Alberta’s Family Resource Network.
• A $7.3-million expansion of youth mental health hubs, providing young Albertans with a one-stop-shop for services that improve their mental health and overall wellness
• $390 million for Alberta’s Broadband Strategy to improve internet connectivity for children and families living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across the province, supported by a matching dollar-for-dollar investment from the Government of Canada for a total of $780 million
• More initiatives will be announced in the coming months

The government says it is committed to providing appropriate actions for Indigenous and newcomer youth as well.

Matt Jones, MLA for Calgary-Southeast and panel co-chair, says COVID-19 has affected all aspects of life for young people from every culture and community.

“The panel learned from experts on ways to ensure children and youth have the tools they need to process and cope in healthy ways,” says Jones. “We are working together to ensure young people across this province can live healthy lives and have access to tools and supports that will help them reach their full potential.”

According to the province, the Child and Youth Well-being Review took place between May and August 2021 and included two public surveys, 16 roundtable discussions, six telephone town halls, 15 more MLA-led roundtables, and 96 email submissions.