The term “essential services” has been used throughout the pandemic, usually referring to services deemed essential for life, health and safety in the community. Most of the children whom I follow struggled during pandemic virtual learning, some presenting with depression, severe crippling anxiety and suicidal thoughts. One patient and a younger sibling were not enrolled in virtual school due to their parents’ poor mental health, and there was no followup around registration for virtual school. Family resources are already backlogged and stretched thin, including mental health and developmental services, and families have few supports to turn to. Schools are an essential service for children and families in our community.

Source: thestar January 02, 2022 19:00 UTC