New On-line Resource for Children and Youth
Struggling with Mental Health Issues

Toronto, ONTARIO. On the eve of National Day of the Child, November 19^th, Kinark Child and Family Services will introduce a new website www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.ca providing mental health resources and support to parents, educators and professionals.

“Stigma is a huge barrier to people seeking help for mental illness in Ontario. We know that one in five children in Ontario struggle and only one in six of those receive help”, says Peter Moore, Executive Director.  “Kinark has answered the call with www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.ca.”

Using an online marketing approach, the site shares stories of children and youth as well as the latest mental health news for those looking for information, opinions, professional and peer support.  Blogs and support forums will feature current and relevant information to assist the growing needs of parents, teachers, professionals and youth.

According to Melanie Manchee, Vice President of Kinark’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Advocacy Committee, “www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.ca was created as part of an awareness campaign aimed to provide a better understanding of children and youth mental health issues and eliminate the stigma associated with.  It’s time to start the  conversation; it’s time to talk about children and youth mental health.”

The site is scheduled to go live during the second National Invitational Symposium on Child and Youth Mental Health in Ottawa on November 19^th, 2009 celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and National Child Day, November 20^th.

Kinark Child and Family Services is the largest children’s mental health organization in Ontario providing expert help to children and youth, their families and communities. Kinark offers everything from parenting advice to help for children and youth with chronic and multiple mental health issues. In addition, Kinark provides intensive treatment and support to youth in conflict with the law as well as an extensive range of programs for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Made up of 800 highly trained professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and child and youth workers, Kinark’s goal is to eradicate the stigma around children’s mental health in Ontario and beyond.

Contact Information:
Tracy Folkes Hanson
Director, Communications
647-402-6057
tracy.folkeshanson@kinark.on.ca