Wilton’s First Selectperson, Toni Boucher, joined forces with representatives from Kids In Crisis and Wilton Public Schools to tackle the escalating mental health challenges faced by the town’s youth. The focus of the meeting was the TeenTalk program, a crucial initiative in addressing the mental health needs of students in Wilton, with discussions centering around the necessity of additional funding to sustain and expand these vital services.
Kids In Crisis, a leading organization in providing mental health support in Fairfield County, operates the TeenTalk program, which has been instrumental in placing Master’s-level counselors in schools, including Wilton High School since 2017. The program’s success has sparked a desire to extend services to Middlebrook, the local middle school. The presence of Kim Zemo, Wilton’s Safe School Climate Coordinator, at the meeting further highlighted the program’s significance in enhancing student well-being.
A critical aspect of the meeting was the presentation of a budget overview, emphasizing the costs involved in maintaining a Master’s-level counselor at Wilton High School and the existing funding shortfall. Despite substantial support from Wilton Public Schools through a significant grant, there remains an urgent need for additional financial resources to continue these essential services.
The meeting drew expressions of gratitude towards Ms. Boucher for her understanding and support of the collective aim to confront Connecticut’s youth mental health crisis. Appreciation was also extended to the Ambler Farm Foundation and other individual donors who have generously contributed to the Wilton Youth Mental Health program. Special thanks were given to Sarah Heath, the Director of Social Services for the Town of Wilton, for her positive response to the funding request and her readiness to assist through her department’s budget.
This meeting represents a significant stride in addressing the gap in mental health services for Wilton’s youth. With the backing of community leaders like Toni Boucher, there is renewed optimism for the expansion of programs like TeenTalk, not just in high schools but also in middle schools where early intervention is crucial.
