The following was released by the Government of Alberta on May 27, 2021:
The Child and Youth Well-Being Review was established to better understand the full scope of the psychological, social, educational and physical affects related to the COVID-19 pandemic on children and youth.
The panel will engage with a wide range of Albertans, including researchers, educators, health care professionals, and mental health experts, as well as parents and kids.
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.
Why we are doing this
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.
Some members of the expert panel have been compiling data in this field since the pandemic began and will contribute to research and recommendations.
Get involved
Online survey
Albertans are invited to share their thoughts and ideas with the panel through an online survey from May 27 to July 31, 2021.
Telephone town hall
Albertans will be invited to attend a telephone town hall to learn more and ask questions. Check here for dates and information on how to register – it will be posted soon.
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholders will be invited to participate in panel-led virtual round tables.
Receive updates
Get regular updates on the progress of the Child and Youth Well-Being Review.
Outcomes
The government wants to hear from Albertans, review available data and expertise, and ensure government and community supports are working for kids and families.
The panel will learn from researchers, educators, health care professionals, and mental health experts, as well as Alberta parents and kids. It will then provide recommendations to government in the fall of 2021, to help support young people both now and into the future.