HEADS-ED
Screening and triage tools
Strengthening clinical decision-making and helping connect children, young people, and families to timely and appropriate community- and hospital-based services based on their identified needs.
HEADS-ED
What is HEADS-ED?
The HEADS-ED and HEADS-ED Under 6 are screening and triage tools that are used throughout Ontario and beyond. HEADS-ED is used for children and youth aged 6 and older to screen for mental health and substance use concerns, while HEADS-ED Under 6 is tailored for children under the age of 6 to assess mental health and developmental needs.
Together, these tools support service providers in identifying needs requiring action.
From infancy to transition age
Supports screening and triage from early infancy to transition-aged youth.
How does HEADS-ED support integrated care pathways?
We’re working with community partners across Ontario to integrate HEADS-ED into care pathways. These pathways help service providers in emergency departments, primary care settings, and EarlyON centres connect children, young people, and families with the right supports and services.
Training and learning opportunities
Interested in using HEADS-ED?
We offer training, learning events, and implementation supports!
HEADS-ED and HEADS-ED Under 6 in practice
We're working alongside partners across Ontario to explore how our HEADS-ED tools can support coordinated access, navigation, and care pathways for children, young people, and families.
1Call1Click
We're collaborating with the Kids Come First Health Team on 1Call1Click to evaluate how HEADS-ED and HEADS-ED Under 6 can support coordinated access, care decisions, and a stepped-care approach.
Read our paper about the feasibility of using the HEADS-ED Under 6 →
One Stop Talk
One Stop Talk is a provincial initiative that provides immediate, brief, and low-level clinical access to children, young people, and families, and helps guide those who require ongoing support. We’re collaborating to evaluate client metrics, and explore how HEADS-ED can help clinicians identify needs and direct clients to appropriate services.
Children First
We partnered with Children First to pilot HEADS-ED Under 6 with intake workers. Findings showed the tool is easy to use and effective for identifying needs and guiding care decisions, and we're now exploring its use in primary care and EarlyON centres.
Read our paper about the pilot from Infant Mental Health Journal →
