Theme: Implementing or evaluating culturally adapted mental health and addictions programs for children, youth and families facing systemic inequities.

Research shows that culturally responsive programs are more effective for children and youth affected by systemic inequities. Last year’s focus on these programs highlighted the ongoing need to expand these services across the province. Due to the success of the recent initiative, we’re renewing our call for projects in this critical area, reinforcing our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusivity, and anti-racism.

In the previous funding cycle, we supported organizations addressing mental health stigma among Muslim immigrants and refugees, creating programs grounded in Indigenous knowledge, and adapting existing care models like SNAP® to better serve Black children and youth. These adaptations, which integrate cultural values, community feedback, and traditional practices, aim to make services more effective and accessible.

Read the 2024 project summaries.

Related Resources

Here are some related resources to deepen your understanding of culturally responsive programs and the needs of children, youth and families facing systemic inequities in the CYMHA sector.

Advancing racial equity together

A guide to culturally adapting mental health and addictions programs

An overview of culturally adapted programs

Centering culture to meet the needs of racialized children and young people

We journey together: How Ontario’s child and youth mental health agencies are addressing racial equity