Toronto, ON, July 30, 2020: 

We are pleased to announce that effective August 1, 2020 Parents for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH) becomes a program of Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO).

PCMH and CMHO are excited about the opportunities we have to advance family partnerships, family engagement and family peer support in child and youth mental health by working together.

Founded 30 years ago, PCMH’s commitment to support, education, and empowerment has guided the organization’s work and dedication to families. Through meaningful engagement and family-centred care PCMH has empowered families so their voices are heard and recognized as experts.

“As a family member, and the Executive Director of PCMH for almost two decades, I am thrilled at the opportunity this coming together is providing family voice. By working together to strengthen the support offered to families, as well as the partnerships with families, CMHO and the PCMH program will make an even stronger impact on the transformation needs of the child and youth mental health system,” Sarah Cannon, previous Executive Director of PCMH.

CMHO partners with families and youth in its advocacy, policy, research and program development and implementation and has partnered with PCMH for many years.

“Family peer support and family voice is an essential part of the child and youth mental health system. Peer support was important as our family navigated our daughter’s mental illness. I am happy for the opportunity to support and expand Parents For Children’s Mental Health’s successful model,” Kim Moran, CEO, CMHO.

A top priority for both organizations is to elevate the voices of families, develop meaningful partnerships with families, and continue to promote family-centred care. By working together, we will be better able to support and respond to the needs of families both at the local community level as well as at the system and provincial level.

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About Parents for Children’s Mental Health

Founded 30 years ago, Parent’s for Children’s Mental Health has through meaningful engagement and family-centred care provide support education and empowerment to families so they may be effective in their navigation of the mental health system and support to their children, youth and young adults with mental health challenges.

About Children’s Mental Health Ontario

Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) is the association representing Ontario’s public providers of infant, child and youth mental health services. With the combined strength of our members, partners, youth and

families, our primary goal is to promote a coordinated and high performing system of care that puts children, youth, and families first, so that young people get the mental health supports they need to thrive.

Our nearly 100 member organizations operate in every region of the province, providing treatment and support to infants, children, youth and families.