Rainbow District School Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass on July 6, 2026 to deliver the educational component for a new youth mental health program being offered in Sudbury beginning in September 2026.
Called Step Up Step Down, the new live-in treatment program for youth ages 12 to 17 will provide a safe, affirming environment where youth requiring intensive mental health support can build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and prepare for long-term success.
Attending the Memorandum of Understanding signing for Step Up Step Down are, from left, Arynn Frantz, Principal, Step Up Step Down; Sarah Clarke, Mental Health Lead, Rainbow District School Board; David Squarzolo, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services, Rainbow District School Board; Mark Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Compass; Isabelle Chaussé, Interim Director, Clinical Services and Human Resources, Compass; Alain Legault, Clinical Manager, Step Up Step Down; and Nicole Minialoff, Interim Director, Corporate Services, Compass.
Funded by the Ministry of Health, Step Up Step Down will operate in the former Cyril Varney Public School building on Gary Street in New Sudbury. The building was acquired by Compass and renovated to accommodate the program.
Youth will reside in the facility for up to six months. During their stay, they will attend school on site to stay on track academically while receiving integrated academic and mental health support from Rainbow District School Board educators and Compass clinical staff.
Rooted in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that blends cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and acceptance principles, Step Up Step Down equips youth and their families with practical tools before admission and after discharge to help ease their transition home, back to school, and into the community.
Step Up Step Down is inclusive and culturally responsive and honours each individual's background, identity and lived experiences. Program services will be offered in English and French.
"The launch of this program is a landmark moment for youth mental health care in Northern Ontario," said Mark Fraser, Chief Executive Officer with Compass. "As the region's first fully-funded live-in treatment home, we are bringing DBT-based clinical care directly to those who need it most and closer to their home communities."
He added: "Our partnership with Rainbow District School Board allows us to seamlessly blend intensive therapeutic support with daily learning to create a holistic environment where youth can heal and learn simultaneously. We look forward to opening our doors in the coming weeks and making a lasting difference in the lives of youth."
"By working alongside Compass for Step Up Step Down, we are creating a supportive environment where students can continue their education while receiving the care they need," said Bruce Bourget, Chief Executive Officer with Rainbow District School Board. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential as confident, caring members of society."
To learn more about the Step Up Step Down Program, visit: https://www.compassne.ca/step-up-step-down-susd/
