Point Edward, ON – November 7, 2024

St. Clair Child & Youth Services (SCCYS) is excited to announce a $900,000 investment by the Judith and Norman Alix Foundation to launch a new innovative mental health program for children and youth in Lambton County. The Intensive Outreach Treatment (IOT) Program is a 3-year pilot, aimed at providing flexible and accessible mental health services to children and youth, and is set to begin January 2025.

Over the past year, SCCYS has been collaborating with local agencies and other stakeholders to better understand the local needs and identify a model to address the gap in the system for those young people with more complex mental health needs.

“We have seen a 25% increase in children and youth with complex mental health needs over the past four years. The support of the Judith and Norman Alix Foundation allows us the opportunity to launch a treatment model that ensures that children, youth, and their families receive the care they need in a familiar and supportive environment,” said Craig McKenzie, Executive Director, of St. Clair Child & Youth Services.

The IOT program will deliver individual therapy, family therapy, social skills training, and parent/caregiver coaching in clients' homes or a community setting, making services more accessible and personalized. This holistic approach will integrate services across health, education, and child welfare sectors, providing a seamless and coordinated care experience. The program targets children and youth with complex mental health issues, offering intensive services to prevent the worsening of their conditions. Intensive case management will ensure smooth transitions and continuous support, helping families navigate the mental health system effectively.

The integration of support through partnerships with multiple service providers is a key component of the IOT model. This will include the launch of a newly developed Enhanced Mental Health Respite Program delivered by Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, along with specialized education supports offered in partnership with the Lambton Kent District School Board.

Michelle Holbrook, Executive Director of Rebound, expressed her support for the new program: "As an organization that has been serving youth in our community for over 40 years, we recognize the critical importance of accessible mental health services. The Intensive Outreach Team aligns perfectly with our mission of supporting young people where they are. We're excited to see how this program will complement existing services and provide much-needed support to youth with complex needs."

"We are thrilled to support this innovative program that addresses a crucial need in our community. The Intensive Outreach Team's approach aligns with our foundation's goal of enhancing the lives of Lambton County residents. We believe this investment will have a significant positive impact on the mental health landscape for youth in our area," said Joe Alix, on behalf of the Judith and Norman Alix Foundation.

The IOT follows an evidence-based Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) approach – like the adult program operated by Bluewater Health – providing intensive services in homes and community settings to reduce the severity of issues.

The IOT program is aligned with the Government of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness strategy and the strategic goals of the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team, aiming to reimagine community-based care and create healthier communities through an integrated and innovative approach. By reducing the need for high-cost, institutional programs and decreasing reliance on emergency hospital services, the IOT program is expected to significantly enhance the mental health landscape for youth in Lambton County.

"We are committed to creating a mental health system that is responsive to the needs of our community. The Intensive Outreach Team is a significant step forward in ensuring that children and youth receive the intensive support they need and deserve. While this is exciting news, we recognize that sustainable funding will be necessary to support this much-needed service beyond the 3-year pilot," said McKenzie.