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Minister of Children's Services Rebecca Schulz. (Government of Alberta)
First one is tonight

Province hosting phone town halls on child wellbeing during pandemic

Jun 24, 2021 | 12:49 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The provincial government wants to know how your children have fared during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last 16 months or so has been a tough time for all Albertans, but the Child and Youth Well-being Review panel wants to get a better grasp of how it has impacted youths.

“Preliminary research, including from the Hospital for Sick Kids, shows a majority of children and youth experienced harm to their mental health during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“COVID-19 has affected all aspects of life for children and youth from every culture and community. The panel will learn from experts on ways to ensure children and youth have the tools they need to process and cope in healthy ways.”

The panel is hosting a trio of telephone town halls over the coming days to gain input from the public as well as what the government can do to better support youths.

  • Thursday, June 24 from 6-7:30 pm
  • Saturday, June 26 from 10-11:30 am
  • Tuesday, June 29 from 6-7:30 pm

In addition to the town halls, there are also two surveys targeted at adults and youths that are both open until the end of July.

The goal is to figure out solutions to address gaps in accessing mental health, social, and educational supports, as well as services and programs.

Recommendations will be made to the province based on the feedback received in the fall of 2021.

More details on all of the consultations here.

(Lethbridge News Now)