The 9th annual State of the Child report has been released and it’s a mixed bag.
It finds young people growing up in poverty are less likely to feel safe and engaged at school. They’re more likely to be depressed, have anxiety, smoke cigarettes, use marijuana and drink alcohol.
Child and Youth Advocate Norm Bossé says New Brunswick has made significant improvements in mental health services for young people but more needs to be done.
Bosse complains the government has not formally responded to his “More Care Less Court” report recommendations and young people are still being kept in solitary confinement.
Bossé is calling on the government to create a provincial Child and Youth Strategy.