Jurisdiction Hampers Mental Health: Child Advocate

Jurisdiction Hampers Mental Health: Child Advocate

Friday, May 06, 2011 at 14:54

Saskatchewan’s Children’s Advocate says he worries breakdowns in jurisdiction are hampering the recoveries of children suffering from mental health issues.

Bob Pringle says the problem occurs when First Nations kids are taken into care by the province, given medication to help them deal with things like depression, and eventually allowed back onto their reserve.

He says very often the federal government won’t continue funding the drugs they’re on, hampering their recovery.

However, a spokesman with Indian Affairs says the jurisdiction actually belongs with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.

No one with that office was immediately available to speak on the issue.