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 collaboration. Children, young people and families with lived and living expertise, sector leaders and service providers have shaped this standard with us. They’ve shared their knowledge, opened their hearts and voiced their challenges and dreams for high-quality care. Their collaboration has helped the Knowledge Institute create a standard that truly reflects the needs and vision of children, young people and families across Ontario.

As co-chairs of the LoC Quality Standard Advisory Committee (QSAC), we’ve had the privilege of seeing this collaboration in action. We've seen ideas evolve into something powerful, something that will make a real difference. The expertise of everyone involved has helped the Knowledge Institute develop a resource that goes beyond guidelines and policies. At its core, the standard is about the people. It’s about ensuring that those who deliver care and those who receive it feel heard, supported and confident that their needs are being met. This standard will help amplify and strengthen the work that’s already happening across Ontario.

We are honoured to have supported the Knowledge Institute in this work, as they continue to lead transformative system change in the mental health, addiction and substance use communities across Ontario

We are so incredibly proud of what we’ve all achieved together, and we can’t wait to see this standard in action!

Shannon and Andrea
Co-chairs, LoC QSAC