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continued from p. 10 The real solution, he said, lies in finding sustainable help for those in need so they do not go into crisis, which is when police get called. Tanner said the police service does have dedicated youth officers, who work with local partners and build relationships so they can spread awareness of issues that could lead to a mental health crisis. Police are also working with ROCK to develop a formal protocol to assist young people in getting the mental health services and supports they need in the time they need it most. This protocol will see frontline officers contact the ROCK crisis line to get help for youths in crisis right away. These cases will also be followed up on to ensure the youths do not fall through the cracks. Halton police Inspector Ivan L 'Ortye discussed the Halton Regional Police Service Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST), which is comprised of healthcare workers and Halton police officers trained in mental health and crisis intervention. The teams, said L 'Ortye, proactively work with clients to prevent crisis incidents and emergency department visits. The group's 24/7 crisis line is 1-877-825-9011. L 'Ortye said police intend to increase the number of frontline officers trained in crisis intervention, but said the process is a long one. Meeting mental health needs must be a team approach "This is a difficult process. It is time consuming. It is four days of training for each officer so this is not something that is going to occur overnight, but we are moving in the right direction," he said. Police are also reviewing options to have more specialized teams respond to crisis situations. L 'Ortye said having a social worker trained in crisis intervention, partnered with a police officer, has been very effective in the past. He said post-crisis care needs to be enhanced so youths struggling with mental health issues do not become trapped in a cycle of high-risk, repeat behaviour that can lead to tragedy. ROCK Director of Clinical Services Dr. Angela Saunders spoke about why it is so important to have supports for those with mental health issues available. "Being alone is not a good place to be. Writhing in pain, keeping people away, it is like bleeding internally. It is a dangerous place to be," said Saunders. "Everyone needs support and that support needs to be available at the right time. Sometimes that time is immediately. Working more closely with Halton police is another step towards keeping the supports and services wrapped around children and youth and their families to help them stay safe and keep them on that healthy trajectory of life." Those present also heard from Oakville MPP and Ontario Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn who said he was no stranger to seeing concerned parents in his office desperate to locate supports and services for their child. It led Flynn to push the Province to form a 2010 Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions, which Flynn chaired. Among the committee's recommendations was the creation of a Child and Youth Strategy that saw investments in organizations like ROCK. Flynn said he is currently working on getting more supports in place for people like first responders dealing with job-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 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