Mental Health and Addictions Strategy

The Halton District School Board is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment, where Indigenous Rights and human rights are upheld, and where the humanity of all students, staff and communities is at the centre of everything we do.

The HDSB Mental Health & Addictions Strategy identifies our priorities and goals for 2025-2028 to ensure the mental health and well-being of every student is prioritized and supported.

Priorities

Improve Awareness and Access to Mental Health, Addictions and Well-Being Support

Provide parents/guardians with resources and workshops to support their children’s mental health and encourage collaborative approaches to well-being.
Share clear, easy-to-understand information with students, families and staff about school-based and community mental health and addiction services, how to get help and where to turn in a crisis.
School mental health staff provide caring, inclusive and evidence-based support that focuses on students’ strengths and identities, including early intervention strategies.
All students receive identity-affirming mental health support that acknowledges the impact of identity-based harm through inclusive, culturally responsive, anti-racist, anti-colonial and anti-oppressive practices.

Create a Safe, Inclusive and Respectful School Environment for Everyone

Educators use inclusive and culturally relevant and responsive approaches every day to support students’ well-being and social-emotional growth.
Advance student and staff education in Indigenous Rights, truths, responsibilities and reconciliation, while addressing systemic barriers to support student success and the achievement of Indigenous students.
Centre student advisory groups representing diverse identities to advise on policies, programs and initiatives that impact mental health and well-being.
Every student feels like they belong and sees themselves reflected positively in the school community and learns in a supportive environment
Students learn about kindness, inclusion and how to prevent all types of bullying, including social and verbal.

Support Mental Health Awareness and Early Help for Students

Collaborate with community partners to support the mental health and addiction needs of children and youth.
Provide staff with ongoing training and resources to recognize early signs of mental health and addiction concerns and connect students to the right support.
Embed mental health literacy and wellness practices into everyday learning to normalize conversations about mental health and enable students to learn healthy ways to cope.

Engage Students and Families in Creating a Sense of Belonging and Community

Create opportunities for the diverse perspectives of students, parents/guardians and caregivers to engage in meaningful collaboration in supporting mental health.
Include diverse student voices in creating engagement opportunities that promote mental health, prevent bullying and reduce stigma in schools.
Provide ongoing training and resources for staff, parents/guardians and caregivers to help them recognize different forms of bullying, including social and verbal bullying, and support students with effective prevention and intervention strategies.