At the Knowledge Institute, we are dedicated to strengthening Ontario’s mental health and addictions services for children, young people and their families.

Working alongside mental health and addictions agencies across the province, our dedicated team accelerates system change, mobilizes evidence, and strengthens knowledge and skills. Our work is further guided by the insights of our councils, ensuring that we remain grounded in the voices and needs of those we serve.

Our story began in 2004, when we opened our doors as the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health. Inspired by the vision of our founders, Simon Davidson and Ian Manion, our goal was to coordinate and strengthen mental health services for Ontario’s children and young people, bringing a unified purpose to the province. We took on a new identity as the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions in 2021 to reflect our evolving role in the sector and our growing work in complex mental health needs, including the overlap between mental health and substance use health.

Through each phase of our journey, we’ve built strong partnerships and adapted to the sector’s needs while staying true to our founding purpose. Looking ahead, we remain focused on Ontario’s children and young people, strengthening community supports and creating a healthier, more resilient Ontario for all.

Want to learn more about us? Discover our key milestones from our first 20 years, read about our approach and see where our strategic plan is taking us next.