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In 2023 we kicked off work on our levels of care quality standard. Our goal is to help make sure children, young people and their families can easily find and access the services that match their specific needs. The levels of care quality standard will support agencies in developing and implementing levels of care models that meet their unique needs and will lead to the best possible care outcomes for children, young people, and their families. 

What do we mean by levels of care?

Everyone has unique strengths and challenges, which means their care needs are different too. Different kinds of care also require different resources. A levels of care approach matches each person with the most appropriate care available. This approach supports the efficient use of resources while also ensuring that children, young people, and families receive care that meets their needs and adapts as their needs change over time.

Read our topic brief on levels of care

Our path

Where we started

In 2023, we began scoping what a high-quality, aspirational levels of care model would look like in Ontario's child and youth, mental health, substance use health and addictions sector. We also considered the support needed to bring this vision to life. We held consultations to learn from people’s experiences and better understand their needs, priorities, and ideal vision for levels of care. This feedback revealed gaps in quality-care and helped shape a shared aspirational vision for creating and implementing levels of care models in our sector. 

We formed the levels of care Quality Standard Advisory Committee (QSAC). This group of experts and individuals with lived or living expertise helps shape the quality standard by providing valuable input and guidance. 

After scoping the topic, we began drafting the quality standard on levels of care. This standard took shape through literature reviews, environmental scans and discussions with our QSAC and other experts.  

Where we were

As part of our standard development process, we shared our draft quality standard with the public to gather feedback. This phase allowed us to hear from people with experience receiving care, working in levels of care, or designing and implementing these models. Insights from the public have been invaluable in ensuring the quality standard is practical, meaningful and relevant. Your insights, thoughts, and comments are essential to ensuring the quality standard is both relevant and impactful.

Where we are headed

Thank you for sharing your feedback and helping us create a shared vision for high-quality mental health, substance use health, and addictions care for children, young people, and caregivers across Ontario.  

We are working to review your feedback and finalize the standard with a planned launch in summer of 2025. 

Stay informed

As this quality standard takes shape, we will regularly update this page with resources and the latest news. Service providers, caregivers, young people, and other partners are encouraged to stay informed and provide feedback to support the development process.

Subscribe to Field Notes, our monthly e-newsletter for the latest updates and ways to get involved!

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