Youth who have a parent suffering from a mental illness are about to receive support through an innovative program in Victoria.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations have partnered to fund a program called insideOUT, which provides support to youth between the ages of 13 and 19 who have a parent with a mental illness.

Over a 10-week period starting in May, teens will learn about topics such as self care, coping tools, biological origins of mental illness and developing a strategy should a parent be hospitalized. A local adventure therapy society, Power to Be, also is getting involved to provide some outdoor activities to the youth, such as kayaking and rock climbing.

In addition to the youth component of the program, sessions will be offered to educate local foster parents so they can provide meaningful support to the young people in their homes who have experienced a parent suffering from a mental-health problem. An educational article will also be published in the Foster Line magazine that is distributed to foster parents throughout B.C.

insideOUT was created by Lilia Zaharieva, a former youth in government care, who herself grew up with a parent suffering from a mental illness. Now 25, Zaharieva is using her past experience to help young people who are facing a similar challenge.

The ministry recognizes that children and youth whose parents and families are experiencing mental-health or substance-use problems may be more vulnerable to mental-health problems themselves.

As part of Healthy Minds, Healthy People, the Province's 10-year plan to address mental-health and substance-use, MCFD is working with the Ministry of Health and other community partners to strengthen services and supports for these children, youth and their families.

Quotes:

Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"Lilia's story is incredibly inspiring. She has not only shown a tremendous amount of courage to share her personal story, but also leadership in reaching out to support others."

"We are thrilled to help Lilia in her mission to help vulnerable youth in the community, who may feel alone and unsupported."

Lilia Zaharieva, insideOUT founder -

"It is an honour to partner with MCFD and the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations to bring both action and awareness to an issue so close to my heart. This investment will empower youth through connection and education, as well bring about meaningful dialogue with adult stakeholders. A collaborative approach is the only way forward."

Heather Bayes, president of the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations -

"I am very happy that this program is not only being made available to the youth of Victoria, but also to foster parents to help them better empathize with the young people in their care and their parents who have had to face these unique challenges."

Quick Facts:

• Lilia Zaharieva is currently studying at the University of Victoria's School of Child and Youth Care.
• In 2011, Zaharieva received a United Way Youth Now award in the area of volunteer leadership, as well as the Representative for Children and Youth's Award of Excellence for Youth Leadership.
• The Ministry of Children and Family Development works in partnership with other ministries to provide a range of mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention and specialized treatment to support children, youth and their families.
• MCFD invests approximately $94 million (annually) to address child and youth mental-health and substance-use challenges.
• This includes community child and youth mental-health services, Youth Forensics Psychiatric services, the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre and substance-use services delivered in the youth justice system.

Learn More:

To find out more about insideOUT, visit: http://thinkinsideout.ca/

In November 2011, Zaharieva spoke at TEDxYouth@Victoria, an event designed to give youth an opportunity to learn from other amazing youth:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAowbxF5zWM

A photo of Zaharieva with Minister Mary McNeil and Jayne Wilson, executive director of the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations, can be found here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/7029736573/

For information on child and youth mental health programs and services in the province, go to: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/

Media Contact:

Shae Greenfield
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639