About MHCB
The Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) in Schools Initiative works to promote positive mental health in children, youth, families and support individuals in the community who interact with children and youth. The MHCB initiative is based on research and best practice literature that demonstrates that mental and emotional wellbeing can be developed, nurtured and supported through promotion and prevention efforts.
MHCB provides the staffing and support required to implement an integrated, school-based community mental health promotion and prevention program, and works with community partners to facilitate access to early intervention and treatment services for those who require it. The programs are locally planned, coordinated and implemented through collaboration with Alberta Health Services zone operations and existing partnerships, school jurisdictions, parents, community agencies and other regional service providers.
Funding Announcement
On May 7, 2018 Alberta Health announced additional funding of $5 million dollars for the MHCB in Schools Initiative. This additional investment will allowed for the development of up to 15 new programs, expanding the reach to more than 100,000 students across the province.Â
The Wetaskiwin School District was one of 18 successful applicants and was able to hire 4 additional staff, expand to all schools, and began a journey of infusing indigenous knowledge and teachings into programming.
On March 31, 2021 Alberta Health announced an extension of our additional funding to March 31, 2022.
On March 31, 2022 Alberta Health announced an additional extension until August 31, 2023.
On June 13, 2023, the WRPS Wellness Support Team received a renewal until August 31, 2026.
MHCB Mission
To promote positive mental health in children, youth, families and individuals in the community who interact with children and youth.
Objectives
To promote positive mental health in children, youth, families and communities by raising awareness, increasing knowledge, building personal skills (such as self-care and self-regulation techniques), developing interpersonal skills and fostering positive community norms (such as support networks, physical and psychological safety).
To intervene early by facilitating access to early intervention and treatment services for children, youth, parents and/or caregivers who are at greatest risk of (or are currently experiencing) addiction and mental health issues. (This includes the use of screening as indicated by AHS).
Improve knowledge of and access to effective and innovative services across the mental health continuum through community collaborative networks with schools, health supports, and community agencies to coordinate and streamline existing services (while identifying and advocating for unmet needs)..
Quick Facts
The MHCB initiative serves children and youth under age 19, and their families.
The MHCB initiative was initially funded in 2006, beginning with 5 pilot sites around the province.
Most MHCB programs serve rural and remote communities.
MHCB programs operate 12 months of the year.
The MHCB initiative is aligned with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services provincial strategies which emphasize promotion and prevention along with early identification and intervention. The diversity of approaches used by MHCB is based on research and best practice literature, and is reflective of the needs and resources of individual communities. This includes the engagement of traditionally under-served populations.
