It’s never too early to CATCH a child at risk

Young children at risk for developing a psychiatric disorder have a place they can turn to: the CATCH classroom of CAMH’s Child, Youth and Family Program (CYFP). CATCH is directed at children from ages 6 to 8 who have significant behavioural difficulties, perhaps combined with a home life where their parents struggle with life issues, including mental illness and/or addiction. The program offers a structured therapeutic and academic setting for these children and their parents.

CATCH classroom Special Education teacher Stephanie Karatsu is flanked by CAMH Child and Youth workers Janine DeRosie (l) and Melanie Mizzoni (r). They work as a team to help children in grades 1-3 who show early signs of psychiatric disorder, or who may also be at risk from parents affected by addiction or mental illness issues.

Located in the Ryerson Community School, CATCH is a collaboration of CYFP and the Toronto District School Board’s Section 23 programs – so-called for the law under which they were created – that offer therapeutic support for children and parents beyond that available in regular and special education classrooms.

A Special Education teacher and two Child and Youth Workers staff the brightly decorated CATCH classroom. This front-line team has an allied team including a social worker, a registered nurse, a psychiatrist and psychology support. Child and Youth Worker Janine DeRosie is enthusiastic about the opportunities that CATCH offers the kids in her classroom. “It’s a fresh start. We’re creating a positive experience for the kids about themselves and about school.” She goes on to say, “I’m always amazed at how much they can learn in a year.”

The team meets over the course of the school year with children and parents to discuss the child’s progress and new ways of understanding and addressing their difficulties, and whether he or she should follow their CATCH academic year with placement in a community school or another child mental-health setting.

Janine, Stephanie and Melanie see the CATCH classroom as a place where their at-risk students can find a fresh start.

There are other day treatment programs for children across Toronto and Ontario, but the CATCH classroom is unique to CAMH. Rob Bancroft, Service Head of the Better Behaviours Service of which CATCH is a part, is proud of his team’s work. “CATCH helps us integrate therapeutic care and academic programming into a seamless experience.” He goes on to say, “It allows CAMH staff to share their expertise and experience with the broader school staff and community.”

It’s never too early to CATCH a child at risk

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