Putting historic investments to work for Ontario children, youth and families

The Centre is pleased to see the Ontario government move to reduce funding gaps and set the stage for excellence in child and youth mental health. We are optimistic that Budget 2018 represents a turning point for Ontario children, youth and families struggling to access appropriate mental health services, as well as the over-burdened agencies and professionals struggling to meet increased service demands.

Re-defining excellence

It’s clear that we need to do more for children, youth and families facing mental health challenges in Ontario. But we also need to do better. The Centre is looking forward to working with service, policy and data partners across sectors to ensure we make the most of this opportunity for Ontario to lead the way to an effective and integrated system that makes sense for children, youth and families.

One system

Today’s announcement includes new cross-sectoral investments in child and youth mental health, and there is an immediate need to topple historical silos that continue to contribute to duplication, inconsistency and frustration across sectors and settings. The Centre team is prepared to join our colleagues and partners on the path to a seamless and integrated system that puts children, youth and families first.

The road ahead

Investments in child and youth mental health bring significant and long-term benefits to Ontario’s families, communities and economy. The Centre is excited to do its part to raise the bar for mental health in Ontario and work with partners and innovators to make sure the bar keeps getting higher.