The Role of the K-12 Education System in Addressing Youth Mental Health Policy and Strategy in Alberta

Abstract

Youth mental health concerns have increased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mental health system is experiencing longer wait times and youth are finding difficulties in accessing suitable supports through the education system. This capstone evaluates the Alberta K-12 education system's role in youth mental health strategy and provides policy options for addressing youth mental health concerns within the system. This capstone argues that K-12 education plays an important position in providing mental health support and that with its implementation, the rising youth mental health crisis can be managed. This project begins with an introduction and background on the mental health concerns in youth, key terminology, the role of schools in youth mental health, and the state of Alberta youth mental health strategies in schools.