Reclaiming joy, play and healing for Indigenous families

Reclaiming joy, play and healing for Indigenous families

Last year, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services noticed something powerful happening in their parenting program for Indigenous families. 

One father, who grew up in care had experienced significant trauma, was hesitant to engage in the program at first — he even missed the first session. But when he joined the next session, he embraced the program, joined a cultural early years program, and became one of the first families to...

Christina’s journey from our youth advisory council to our engagement team

Christina’s journey from our youth advisory council to our engagement team

Christina Robert joined our youth advisory council (YAC) in 2021, during the height of the pandemic. Like many students, Christina was still getting used to the newer virtual world. She was also watching people she cherished face mental health and substance use challenges. Christina's approach was to listen without judgment, knowing there was a deeper story behind each of their struggles. She'd lend an ear, let them know...

Paving the way: Introducing our Levels of care quality standard

Paving the way: Introducing our Levels of care quality standard

The journey to our Levels of care (LoC) quality standard began with a shared vision: helping ensure every child, young person and family in Ontario can access high-quality mental health and addictions care, at the right time and in the right place.

Now, after months of collaboration, consultation and co-design, our vision is steps closer to becoming reality.

“This standard was built with and for the people it will impact most,” said Poppy Desclouds, our

Reflecting on the journey: A message from Shannon McGavin and Andrea Roberts

Reflecting on the journey: A message from Shannon McGavin and Andrea Roberts

As we inch closer to releasing our Levels of care (LoC) quality standard, we’ve been reflecting on the journey that has led us to this point. It began in 2023, and since then, it’s been about so much more than months of hard work. It’s been about the people. Real people, with real stories and expertise, who have helped us shape this standard from the ground up.

The Levels of care standard is a testament to the power of...