This paper is set within the context of my academic journey during my Bachelor of
Social Work and Master of Education programs. As well as my lived experience from working
within the Saskatchewan Education System. I became interested in youth and mental health at
the beginning of my education journey in 2007 and have spent the last ten years working with
young people in various mental health roles.
Throughout my work experience I have consistently witnessed the importance of having
mental health supports available during regular school hours and after hours. Many students
struggle with mental health which affects their ability to focus and learn in class. Students are not
getting the mental health support they need from the education system and many schools are
seeing budget cuts. I assert that it is the education system's responsibility with the support of
municipalities and the provincial government to provide mental health support for students
during school hours and after school. The education system must both teach our children and
offer additional support to bring equity into the classroom and launch students on a path towards
scholarly success.
I am advocating for support consistency by having the school's counsellors on site during
regular school hours. This consistency implies that these services will develop into a
standardized plan across all schools. The risk of not implementing these changes is that students
could struggle to obtain good grades and have difficulty attending school regular.
