Abstract:

In 2006, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and Ontario Police Services launched the Youth in Policing (YIP) initiative to cultivate stronger connections between law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and communities, especially those with at-risk youth [1]. YIP actively involves at-risk youth in partnership with local police departments, offering them opportunities to participate in community-based programs while honing skills essential for their future success. Recognising the importance of mental health awareness and peer support, YIP integrated Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training into the YIP program’s curriculum. MHFA aims to equip participants with essential skills to identify signs of mental health problems, communicate effectively with individuals in crisis, and guide them towards appropriate support resources [2]. Research suggests the training improves participants’ mental health knowledge and confidence to assist their broader communities, including peers [3], [4]. However, limited studies have examined youth's perspectives on MHFA, including its usefulness and impacts on wellness and learning [5]. In 2019, a pilot program was offered to thirty-eight participants, including YIP leaders and students. They completed a fourteen-hour hybrid training to obtain their Mental Health First Aid certification. Pre- and post-training surveys were conducted to evaluate their perspectives on mental health, the hybrid delivery method, the training's impact on their wellness and learning, and the possible integration of such training into community-based policing programs and schools for youth. The results indicated enhanced skills, attitudes, and knowledge related to mental health among participants. The vast majority appreciated the hybrid approach and viewed it as beneficial to their learning experience. Moreover, all participants underscored the importance and advantages of MHFA and mental health education in at-risk youth community programs. Recommendations for youth-informed programs and mental health training integrating technologies are presented.

References:
[1] Public Safety Canada, Youth in Policing, Government of Canada, 2013. Retrieved from https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/plcng/cnmcs-plcng/ndx/snpss-en.aspx?n=73
[2] Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health First Aid USA for adults assisting children and youth, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
[3] K. Gryglewicz, K.K Childs, and M. F. P. Soderstrom, “An evaluation of Youth Mental Health First Aid training in school settings” in School Mental Health, vol. 10. 1, pp. 48-60, 2018. doi: 10.1007/s12310-018-9246-7
[4] A. J. Morgan, A. Ross, and N. J. Reavley, “Systematic review and meta-analysis of Mental Health First Aid training: Effects on knowledge, stigma, and helping behaviour” in PloS one, vol. 13. 15, e0197102, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197102
[5] S. H. Ng, N. J. H. Tan, Y. Luo, W. S. Goh, R. Ho, and C. S. H Ho, “A systematic review of youth and teen mental health first aid: improving adolescent mental health” in Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 69. 2, pp. 199-210, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.10.018

Keywords:

Youth development, education, mental health, well-being, community.