Photo by Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta
A second mental health classroom has opened in Red Deer Public Schools (RDPS).
The new Pines Alternative School mental health classroom joins the already operating Escuela Vista Grande School and the Wetaskiwin Outreach at C.B McMurdo School classrooms.
Through a partnership with CASA Mental Health, the provincial government is investing $70 million over three years to open 60 mental health classrooms across the province.
“Student well-being and mental health is our top priority. This expansion of CASA Mental Health Classrooms will ensure that our most vulnerable students will get the in-school support they need to help them succeed academically, build healthy relationships, and confidently transition into adulthood,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education.
Services available in the mental health classrooms include prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.
“This partnership with the Government of Alberta is bringing services closer to Alberta’s children and families. The goal is to provide mental health services earlier to more children and youth to prevent treatment in hospitals and empower them to thrive,” said Bonnie Blakley, chief executive officer, of CASA Mental Health.
The classrooms are designed to provide Grade 4 to 12 students who are facing complex mental health challenges with professional care without disrupting their education.
Each classroom is staffed with a full-time teacher, mental health therapist, mental health aide, other staff who support students in their recovery, and caregivers who provide resources to support students during and after the program.
“Services like this are important to the long-term success and well-being of children and youth who are right now facing some very difficult challenges with their mental health. Every kid deserves to know that help is available, and that they can recover and live fulfilling lives,” said Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
Classrooms will continue to open in a phased approach, with a total of 60 supporting about 140 Alberta communities by 2026. The classrooms are expected to help about 1,500 students annually.