[Toronto, ON – May 15, 2025] – Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) welcomes the Government of Ontario’s continued investment in community-based child and youth mental health services in the 2025 provincial budget.

We are encouraged to see a 4% base funding increase for the sector—a clear signal that the province recognizes the critical need to stabilize the system and address growing demand.

“This funding increase is a welcome and meaningful investment in the mental health of Ontario’s children and youth,” said Tatum Wilson, CEO of Children’s Mental Health Ontario. “We know that the mental health needs and demand for services have continued to grow, and this announcement is an important step forward to help stabilize frontline, community-based mental health services, and treatment for the children, youth, and families across Ontario who rely on them.”

While this investment is welcome, providers of community-based Youth Justice services and Infant and Young Parent programs, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, who play a critical role as part of the mental health system of care, continue to struggle to meet the demand for services required. CMHO looks forward to working with the government to make sure that all infants, children, youth, and families have access to services.

At the same time, emerging data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and the recently released Report on Community-based Child and Youth Mental Health Program from the Auditor General of Ontario shed new light on access and equity issues for child and youth mental health.

Today’s new investments will help to stabilize the system, and CMHO will continue working closely with the province and our member organizations to ensure that every child and youth in Ontario can access the care they need—when and where they need it.

“This is a meaningful step forward, not only for youth, families, and caregivers, but also for the frontline staff who show up every day to deliver care. When we invest in the wellbeing of young people, we’re investing in the future of our province.”

CMHO remains committed to partnering with government to strengthen the child and youth mental health system, close equity gaps, and help every child and family in Ontario thrive.

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Media Contact:
Tamir Virani | tvirani@cmho.org
Director, Strategic Relations and Communications
Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO)