FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is working with New Brunswickers to improve services for children and youth with complex mental health and behavioural needs.
It is creating a network of excellence that will provide a range of services for these children and youth. As one part of the network, the provincial government is entering into a service contract with Dots NB, a non-profit organization focused on the mental health of children.
"Our government is committed to doing better for our youth and children with complex needs," said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé. "The network is a significant step in improving the range of care, services and community resources for children and youth with complex needs.”
The goal is to enable these children and youth to get the “step-up” services they need and then enable them to “step-down” to the services available in the community where their families and support networks are located.
This continuum will provide primary, secondary and tertiary levels of services that increase in intensity when the child or youth requires it and decreases when those services are no longer needed.
"The objective is to engage youth, families and communities in working together to improve adolescent mental health services," said Dubé. "By working together with our stakeholders, we can build a better system that is truly on the side of those who depend on it."
Under the service contract with Dots NB, communities will help youth, family and residents develop sustainable strategies to improve prevention and early intervention as well as treatment and services.
"Now that we have connected the dots and secured the commitment of the provincial government to ensure our most vulnerable youth and their families receive the right help at the right time, we need to keep connecting those dots from community to community around the province," said Maureen Bilerman, executive director of Dots NB. "To truly transform kids' mental health in New Brunswick, we need to all be rowing in the same direction – youth, families, community members and government alike."
Meanwhile, the provincial government is issuing a request for proposals for the supply and operation of a 15-bed treatment centre for children and youth with complex needs. The centre will help assess and develop treatment plans so that services delivered within communities will be as effective as possible.
"This facility will be the first of its kind in New Brunswick," Dubé said. "It will improve the quality of life for these children and youth because it will enable them to obtain the services and treatment they require as close to home, family and friends as possible."
The private sector will supply and operate the facility, while the provincial government will provide clinical services and teaching resources. The departments of Social Development, Health, Education and Early Childhood Development as well as Public Safety will deliver integrated support services to children, youth and their families through the network.
"The importance of the network cannot be overstated," said Dubé. "With the support of youth, families, the private sector and stakeholders, we will be able to provide a continuum of support services that best responds to children and youth with complex needs."
The deadline for submissions to the request for proposals is Feb. 28, 2014.
