A mental health classroom is being introduced in Foothills County as part of the Government of Alberta's plan to improve mental health services in schools for youth throughout the province.
The CASA Mental Health Classroom, beginning operations at Senator Riley School in High River this month, will provide intensive, school-based mental health support for students across Foothills School Division's (FSD) schools in Grades 6 to 10 who are experiencing mental health challenges affecting their learning and well-being, with the classroom accommodating up to 12 students at a time from anywhere within the school division's boundary.
"We are thrilled to partner with CASA Mental Health to bring this innovative and evidence-based program to our school division. The CASA Classroom will provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for students who need extra help to manage their mental health challenges and achieve their academic and personal goals. It will also offer valuable resources and guidance for their families and caregivers, as well as our staff and community," said Chris Fuzessy, FSD superintendent.
CASA Mental Health, deemed by the Government of Alberta a valued partner and the second-largest provider of community-based mental health services for children and youth in the province, is a non-profit organization focusing on supporting youth with complex mental health challenges.
The CASA Mental Health Classroom will operate for the full school year throughout two semesters, with intakes in September and February — students from across the division can be referred to the program, which comes at no cost to their families, by school-based teams and in consultation with their parents or guardians.
The classroom, one of 17 currently operating throughout the province, is staffed with a full-time teacher, mental health therapist and therapy support assistant, along with specialized staff to provide accessible supports including a registered nurse, therapy support navigator and a consultative psychiatrist or CanREACH-trained physician.
"The CASA Classroom is a unique and exciting opportunity for our students who experience mental health challenges to receive specialized therapeutic support and intervention within a school setting. This program will help them develop the strategies they need to navigate and utilize the supports available and thrive in their learning and life. I am proud to be part of this collaborative initiative that aligns with our vision of engagement, support, and success of each learner," Cora-Leah Schmitt, FSD director of inclusive learning and student well-being, said.
The Government of Alberta is providing CASA Mental Health with $197 million investment over a period of three years, including $70 million for the CASA Mental Health Classroom program.
The investment is part of the government's work towards building the Alberta Recovery Model, which is based on the belief that recovery and wellness is possible, no matter what mental health or addiction challenge someone may face.
“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. Our government is going to continue with investments like this that change the lives of children, youth and their families," said Dan Williams, minister of mental health and addiction.
“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 supports they need to help them succeed academically, build healthy relationships and confidently transition into adulthood," said Demetrios Nicolaides, minister of education.
As of September, 17 CASA Mental Health Classrooms are operating throughout Alberta — more than double what was available last school year — and a total of up to 60 classrooms are planned to support about 1,500 students each year in about 140 Alberta communities by 2026.
