June 15, 2023
The funding will create eight integrated youth services (IYS) sites across the province that will bring community-based services for youth ages 12 to 25. Support will range from mental health services, including counselling and peer support, to social services, such as housing and income assistance. The province plans to open the first site by Mar. 2024 and seven more are set to open by Mar. 2027. There’ll be two in each of the province's four health zones. No referral is necessary. A team from IWK Health's mental health and addictions program will lead the project. The IYS model is found in five Canadian provinces, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.