Most Ontario Works clients severely distressed

Distress leads to employment difficulties, says conselling agency

The vast majority of Ontario Works clients experience severe distress that leads to difficulties finding employment, according to a Halton-based counselling agency.

Susan Jewett of Burlington Counselling and Family Services (BCFS) told the Region’s health and social service committee about the strong relation between financial and mental distress during a recent presentation.

The agency receives funding from the Region to provide Ontario Works (OW) clients with free short-term counselling (up to 20 sessions). Jewett said 83 per cent of those on OW report experiencing severe distress.

“Is it any wonder that they face barriers to employment? They are much more likely to have multiple and significant stressors that interfere with their ability to participate in training, job readiness programs, or employment,” she said.

Of the clients surveyed, 100 per cent of those suffering with severe distress reported feeling blue, 89 per cent said they lack interest in things, 88 per cent have trouble falling or staying asleep. Thirty per cent of those surveyed have thoughts of ending their life and only 24 per cent reported being satisfied with life.

“Personal problems will be barriers to employment unless some relief is found,” said Jewett.
After completing the counselling program, five per cent of clients made a full recovery, 47 per cent are still experiencing some levels distress, but it’s not considered severe, and 47 per cent feel better, but they’re still experiencing severe distress. No one reported feeling worse.

“We need to be realistic and acknowledge that short-term counselling is not usually enough when a person is experiencing severe levels of distress. But it can be helpful and it is a great start, as demonstrated,” said Jewett.

With the $75,000 BCFS receives from the Region for OW counselling, the agency sees 60 to 70 individuals.

But Jewett said statistics show there’s a far greater need in Halton.

Regional staff, however, say the need is being met.

According to Halton’s director of social services, on top of the funding provided to BCFS, $225,000 is funded to ADAPT (Halton Alcohol, Drug and Prevention Treatment) for concurrent disorder programs.

In total the Region is providing $300,000 on mental health support.

“Anyone of us can fall on hard times…But most people don’t stay on social assistance forever,” said Jewett. “It’s a temporary rough period and many of the people we see will get beyond this if they have the proper support.”

http://www.insidehalton.com/community/health/article/998281--most-ontario-works-clients-severely-distressed

Ron Payne
Welfare Legal
Hamilton, Ontario