REGINA — The University of Regina (U of R) has announced that the Child Trauma Research Centre (CTRC) has partnered with the Medavie Foundation to create PSP Youth and Kids (PSP YK).
PSP YK is a web-based hub for materials, activities and resources designed for unique experiences for public safety personnel (PSP) youth and children.
The hub will also offer training materials for those in child-serving organizations.
The news release notes Canada is falling behind in children and youth mental health, placing 30th of 38 rich countries in a United Nations study.
"What began as a growing awareness of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in public safety personnel has expanded organically to include the mental health and well-being of PSP families and now PSP children," said Dr. Nathalie Reid, Director of the Child Trauma Research Centre.
Reid noted PSP children can have complex life experiences because of their connection to the field.
The Medavie Health Foundation provided the CTRC with a $600,000 grant over the next three years,
This will allow Reid and fellow researchers to study the experiences of PSP kids and youth.
"Supporting public safety personnel is close to our hearts at the Medavie Foundation," said Andrea Elliott, Executive Director of the Medavie Health Foundation.
Elliott added children can often carry invisible burdens of their own from a parent or family member dealing with PTSD.
"The University of Regina is a vibrant and vital incubator of research, education, and training in mental health and wellness throughout the human lifespan," said Dr. Jeff Keshen, President of the University of Regina.
With the funding, children will have the languages and resources to identify and communicate what they’re experiencing.
