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As the new school year approaches, parents are expressing their worries about significant changes in mental health counseling services for students in anglophone schools. Megan Trites, a mother from Moncton, N.B., recently shared her concerns regarding her 11-year-old daughter, Kylie, who has been receiving support for anxiety and ADHD.
After forming a strong bond with her counselor, Kylie was devastated to learn that her counselor would no longer be available to her this September.
Impact of counseling on student well-being
Kylie’s journey has been challenging, having gone through multiple counselors before finally connecting with one who understood her needs.
Trites noted that since working with her current counselor, Kylie has shown remarkable improvement in her mood and academic performance. “She thrived with her and had a very good connection,” Trites remarked, emphasizing the importance of continuity in mental health support for children.
The integrated service delivery program, which allowed counselors to visit students in schools, had been a lifeline for Kylie, providing her with the necessary tools to manage her emotions.
Uncertainty surrounding new changes
However, recent announcements about restructuring the child and youth teams have left many parents, including Trites, feeling anxious and uncertain.
The Anglophone East School District assured that support would continue, but the specifics of how services would be delivered remain unclear. “Kylie is devastated. She is very upset she won’t see her counselor anymore. That was her confidante,” Trites expressed, highlighting the emotional toll these changes can have on students.
Government response and future outlook
In a recent legislative session, the issue was hotly debated, with Rob McKee, the minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, acknowledging the changes but failing to provide a clear picture of what the future holds.
“It just means the resources will continue to be in place, it’s just the way that they are managed,” he stated, indicating a shift towards a more decentralized approach. Parents are left hoping that these changes will not disrupt the vital support their children need.
With only weeks left in the school year, Trites is still seeking clarity on what mental health support Kylie will receive moving forward. The uncertainty surrounding these changes serves as a reminder of the critical need for stable and accessible mental health resources for students, ensuring that they can thrive both academically and emotionally.
