Provincial Facts

• 15 to 21% of children in Ontario suffer from mental health issues 

• Research shows that treatment works

• Ontario's 85 Children's Mental Health Centres treat 120,000 children

• 7,500 children are on the waiting list

• The average wait for treatment is five months

• Suicide is the the 2nd leading cause of death among 15 to 18 year olds

• It costs $128,000 to keep someone in youth detention for one year

• It costs $2,250 on average to treat one child for one year.

• The earlier a child receives treatment, the better success of the child living a productive life as an adult.

• The right opportunity at the right time can change a young person life.

• Investing in children is the mark of a compassionate society.  It is also enlightened self-interest since today’s children are Canada’s intellectual, economic and social future.