Child mental health services cut

St. Clair Child and Youth Services is laying off staff to cover a budget shortfall. Two full-time positions have been axed that will impact prevention and treatment services, said executive director Rick Shields.

St. Clair Child and Youth Services is laying off staff to cover a budget shortfall.

Two full-time positions have been axed that will impact prevention and treatment services, said executive director Rick Shields.

He said the government’s practice of not adjusting funding to inflation is taking a toll on the children’s mental health sector.

“This not only negatively impacts our employees, but will result in reduced capacity to provide for critical psychological support for vulnerable children, youth and families,” he said.