Culturally responsive programs are evidence-based interventions developed or adapted to fit a client’s culture, language, and values. Despite the strong need for these services and the abundance of supporting evidence, only 57% of agencies currently provide culturally responsive services. This gap highlights the need for more widespread implementation of culturally adapted or culturally grounded interventions in our sector.

These programs address assumptions about mental health and integrate clients’ experiences of racism, discrimination, or microaggressions into the assessment and treatment approach. For example, interventions for Indigenous youth incorporate cultural practices, beliefs, and values by involving rituals and community members such as Elders.

Implementing culturally responsive programs is a tangible way to enhance equity and access to mental health and addictions services for Ontario’s diverse communities. 

Innovation Initiatives project proposals must:  

• Be submitted by a lead or core service agency funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health to provide child and youth mental health and addictions services. Non-core service agencies are encouraged to partner with a lead agency within their service area.
• Describe an evidence-based intervention or practice adapted to the unique needs of children, youth, or families affected by systemic inequities.
• Demonstrate partnerships within the broader community or service area, with local community partners involved in implementing or evaluating the program.

• Include a plan to engage young people, family members and community partners meaningfully.

• Demonstrate potential for scaling up the program to the broader child and youth mental health and addictions system in Ontario.  

A review committee comprised of Knowledge Institute staff, youth advisors, family advisors and external reviewers will evaluate all applications based on the following criteria: 

• Aligned with current call on culturally responsive programs. 

• Demonstrates need for action. 

• Has clear, reasonable goals and strong evidence base for the approach. 

• Demonstrates innovation and originality in the proposed work. 

• Has a feasible workplan and budget. 

• Demonstrates plans for collaborating with key partners within the sector. 

• Demonstrates plans for meaningful and appropriate engagement of youth and/or family members. 

• Includes reasonable preliminary plans for process and outcome evaluation. 

• Includes appropriate plans to mobilize knowledge generated through this work. 
• Demonstrates potential for a transformative, positive impact on improving equitable mental health and addictions services.