Live-in treatment quality standard
Supporting the development of an evidence-informed framework for live-in mental health treatment for children and young people in Ontario.
Live-in treatment quality standard
Some young people need more support
Live-in treatment provides intensive, around-the-clock care for young people facing complex mental health challenges. However, current live-in services vary widely in approach, accessibility, and outcomes.
By establishing a clear, province-wide standard, we aim to improve the quality and consistency of care and create pathways that address both the needs of young people and the diverse contexts in which care is delivered.
Did you know?
Work on this quality standard began in early 2024.
Since then, people from across Ontario have helped shape its development by sharing their experiences, perspectives, and expertise. Their input has helped ensure the standard is grounded in real-world needs and responds to the most pressing gaps in the sector.
Developing the quality standard
Where we are in the standard development process
Phase 1: Project launch
Complete
We identified live-in treatment as a priority area and started developing the quality standard.
Phase 2: Public feedback phase
Complete
People from across Ontario shared feedback on the draft standard.
Phase 3: Review and refine
In progress
Working with our Quality Standards Advisory Committee to review and incorporate feedback into the final version.
Phase 4: Public release
Coming soon
The quality standard will be released publicly, along with resources to support its implementation.
Putting the standard into practice
The Ontario Intensive Treatment Pathway (OITP) is one of the main ways this standard will be put into practice across the province.
As the OITP works to build a more coordinated and equitable system of intensive treatment, this standard will provide a shared foundation for how services are designed, delivered, and monitored.
Together, the OITP and the Live-in treatment quality standard will help create a more coordinated approach to intensive treatment, helping reduce variation in care, and improve access to consistent, evidence-informed services.
Why are we focusing on live-in treatment?
Intensive services, including live-in treatment, were identified as a priority through our quality standard topic selection process.
It builds on the Levels of care quality standard and aligns with Ontario's Roadmap to wellness and the Lead Agency Consortium’s Provincial priorities report.