SCHOOL SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL SYMPOSIUM AND CAREGIVER WORKSHOP
AMDSB and HPCDSB Collaborate for Third Annual SSAC Symposium: Understanding and Responding to Student Mental Health Needs

In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), the Mental Health Leads of Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), Heather Hirdes, and Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB), Kaitie Westbrook, offered a two-part initiative designed to strengthen mental health support for children and youth across Huron and Perth counties. This year's theme, "Understanding and Responding to Student Mental Health Needs", was led by Dr. Jennifer McTaggart, Child Psychologist and a leading expert in acute children's mental health.

(Left to Right) : Kaitie Westbrook, Mental Health, Lead Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board, Dr. Jen McTaggart, Heather Hirdes, Mental Health Lead, Avon Maitland District School Board

School-based service providers from multiple community social service agencies participated in the event. Dr. McTaggart guided participants through an interactive workshop focused on recognizing and responding to intense emotions and concerning behaviours such as suicidal ideation and self-harm - before they escalate into crisis. Attendees deepened their understanding of the underlying functions of these behaviours, explored evidence-informed strategies for intervention, and reviewed the community's Huron-Perth Mental Health & Suicide Crisis Response Protocol.

That same evening, Dr. McTaggart shared her expertise with caregivers who were invited to a "Parenting With Confi dence" session to gain practical strategies to support their child(ren). Caregivers gained communication strategies, ideas for supportive home environments, and practical tools to navigate parenting challenges with greater confi dence and calm.

The School Services Advisory Council (SSAC) Symposium and Caregiver Workshop refl ect both boards' continued dedication to collaboration and their shared commitment to providing equitable mental health support for all students and families. These sessions are part of a broader strategy to promote prevention through education, connection, and coordinated care ensuring that the adults surrounding our youth are equipped to respond with empathy and expertise. By investing in these initiatives, the boards are working to increase equitable access to evidence-informed child and youth mental health resources, strategies, and information across the district.