Dr. Skye Barbic has added another accomplishment to her impressive tenure as a CHÉOS Scientist. She was recently selected by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to serve on the Emerging Adult Council; the position received over 600 applications for 10 spots.
Two years ago, a conference was held to come to a consensus on the definition of an emerging adult and the targeted services required for this population. The conference was attended by over 200 delegates and featured presentations from a number of experts, including CHÉOS Scientists Drs. Chris Richardson and Steve Mathias.
Following consultation with a number of key parties, including Indigenous and Metis communities, the consensus statement has been released.
“The Emerging Adult Council was convened to take these guidelines and implement them, to move them in to practice” said Dr. Barbic.
The Council is made up of researchers, clinicians, and community workers who provide regional representation across Canada.
The first meeting, which took place on September 19th, was about setting priorities based on the guidelines, developing a strategic plan, and identifying key stakeholders.
“Going forward, my primary role will be to identify how to bring these recommendations into policy,” said Dr. Barbic “This is a provincial health priority so we will be working with each province to implement the policy recommendations.”
Other groups within the Council are looking at making changes within professional practice as well as developing some knowledge translation events and resources.
In the summer, Dr. Barbic, along with Dr. Mathias, met with Judy Darcy, the newly appointed B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, to discuss Foundry and the role it plays in addressing youth mental health care in the province. The pair also previously met with Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott in the same capacity.
