Youth mental health program to begin this fall in Sudbury

David Squarzolo, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services for Rainbow District School Board, with Mark Fraser, Chief Executive Officer with Compass. Rainbow District School Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass.

The Rainbow District School Board and Compass are teaming up to deliver a new live-in treatment program for youth ages 12 to 17 called ‘Step up Step Down.’

It is intended to provide a safe, affirming environment where youth requiring intensive mental health support can build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and prepare for long-term success, the school board said in a release July 14.

A memorandum of understanding with Compass was signed by the school board July 6.

“As the region’s first fully-funded live-in treatment home, we are bringing DBT-based clinical care directly to those who need it most and closer to their home communities,” said Mark Fraser, chief executive officer with Compass which is an agency for Child and Youth Mental Health Services in the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin.

DBT therapy is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that blends cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and acceptance principles, the release said.

“We are creating a supportive environment where students can continue their education while receiving the care they need,” said Bruce Bourget, chief executive officer with the Rainbow District School Board.

Funded by the Ministry of Health, the program will operate in the former Cyril Varney Public School building on Gary Street in New Sudbury, and youth will reside in the facility for up to six months.

During their stay, youth will attend school on site to stay on track academically while receiving integrated academic and mental health support from Rainbow District School Board educators and Compass clinical staff, the release said.