Conferences
Annual CMHO Conference
CMHO annually invites professionals, policy-makers and parents to conferences which feature well-known, local and international speakers.
Some of the issues addressed at our conferences include:
- children's mental health policy
- best practices for treating youth with mental health issues
- ways to generate awareness of, and support for, the great work of Ontario's children's mental health centres at helping youth with mental health issues.
Taking A Stand for Child & Youth Mental Health
It's an exciting time in the field of child and youth mental health so it is with great anticipation that we look forward to gathering at our annual conference "Taking a Stand for Child and Youth Mental Health." The spotlight has found our cause and unlike any time in our history, we're in the pages of the newspapers and the subject of much discussion at Queen's Park. Corporate philanthropy has turned its attention to us as well, with unprecedented announcements of millions of dollars to fund research and reduce stigma. At the same time, our sector is sparking some renewal of its own. Our agencies are looking at new ways of doing business, partnering and working across the spectrum to provide the best care possible for the children, youth and families they serve.
Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel, Toro, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(Nov 22, 2010)
Program (PDF, 6 pages)Background Readings: (1) A Shared Responsibility: Ontario's Policy Framework for Child and Youth Mental Health (PDF)
Leading Change from the Field - Part 1 (PDF, 32 pages)
Willy Van Klooster of Vanier Children’s Services; Brenda Hall of Western Area Youth Services; Marc Roberts of Oxford-Elgin Child and Youth Centre and Lothar Liehmann of Craigwood Youth Services will discuss their experience putting together a proposed amalgamation of their agencies and the success they achieved in attempting to bring these organizations together.
Empowering Leadership in Challenging Times - Executive Directors and Agency Leaders Conference (2009)
Turbulent times require strong leaders. As the gap between children's mental health needs and agencies' service capacity grows ever-wider, as the Ontario government starts implementing its policy framework for child and youth mental health, and as both the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and an all-party Select Committee prepare their blueprints for the future of the broad mental health and addictions field, there is no doubt that our sector is facing challenging times. Children's Mental Health Ontario's 2009 Conference, "Empowering Leadership in Challenging Times", was specially designed for agency leaders, both senior staff and Board members.
Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(Nov 23, 2009)
Program (PDF, 5 pages)AGM Presentations (combined, 11 pages) (PDF)
Separately: 1. Report of the Board President and the Executive Director & CEO (Newby, G. & Floyd, G.; 4 pages); 2. Address to the AGM by CMHO's Board President (Newby, G., 3 pages); 3. Address to the AGM by CMHO'S Executive Director & CEO (Floyd, G., 4 pages).
From Implementation to Outcome: Making it Happen (2008)
This conference focussed on: what we have learned with respect to positive outcomes in clinical interventions for children and youth; systems/service integration; and governance and management. Speakers addressed such issues as displacement and trauma for children and youth immigrating to Canada as well as how child and family service agencies can most appropriately support First Nation children and communities.
- Participants heard about the newest developments in the following focus areas: attachment disorder; learning disorders; the intergenerational trauma treatment model; working with trans youth; school-based services; residential treatment; and walk-in mental health care.
- Conference participants were informed on how evidence is being brought into practice from an international perspective.
- Board members and executive directors participated in workshops on building partnerships, succession planning, volunteerism, and program evaluation. Youth took part in engaging and enriching workshops.
- The Ministry was invited to bring all of us up to date on the implementation of the Policy Framework.
Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(Nov 20 & 21, 2008)
Program (PDF, 17 pages)Breakfast Speaker - Realizing Potential: Our Children, Our Youth, Our Future (MS Powerpoint, 19 pages)
This presentation highlighted the role of structural risks in contributing to poor health outcomes for First Nations children and youth. Dr. Blackstock then presented real solutions - enveloped in First Nations worldview and the Many Hands One Dream Principles (MHOD) - that will make a difference for First Nations children and young people. Successful movements informed by the MHOD principles were discussed, and participants left with pragmatic actions they can take to make a difference today. (Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada)
This presentation addressed the psychological consequences of various forms of displacement on children’s mental health utilizing the concepts of trauma and stress, social and emotional supports, separation, experience of loss, and coping and adaptation. The principles underlying the delivery of mental health care for displaced children were discussed. (Ksenija Kondic, Clinical Psychologist, Professor Emerita, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Serbia)
School, community mental health agency and university collaborative form the foundation for promotion of peaceful schools and the development of children’s emotional and social competencies. This workshop will emphasize the growth of the current model through a comparative analysis of the outcomes of a school-based and community intervention, case examples, and program evaluation efforts. (Alice Schmidt Hanbidge, K-W Counselling Services)
Halton Y.O.D.A. (Youth Overcoming Depression and Anxiety) at Woodview provides evidence-based CBT combined with creative therapeutic programming for youth in grades 6-8. This workshop will focus on community partnerships, youth engagement, responsive and flexible group treatment in community settings, and findings from the Program Evaluation Grant through The Provincial Centre of Excellence. (Jennifer Brown, Brook Gardner, Lorraine Jeffrey, Woodview Children’s Mental Health and Autism Services; Teresa Brown, Transitions for Youth; Theresa Wilson, Halton Catholic District School Board; Jo-Anne Trigg, Halton District School Board; youth participant)
This workshop will share why and how our organization began a multi-year journey last fall towards becoming a strength-based learning organization, how we have used appreciative inquiry as our methodology, our progress so far, and what our plan is for the next year. The presentation will tie practice to organizational theory. (Lothar Liehmann, Craigwood Youth Services)
This workshop focussed on the unique interviewing format, challenges in meeting the child's needs and improving his/her capacity to regulate traumatic experience. It highlighted the important developmental considerations and age-appropriate interviewing techniques in establishing rapport with the child, determining type and volume of information to be sought, as well as preventing re-traumatization and fostering the child’s sense of safety. Integrating and interpreting information learned during the interview was also addressed. (Ksenija Kondic, Clinical Psychologist, Professor Emerita, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Serbia)
At CMHO’s conference in November 2006, MCYS Minister Chambers indicated that BCFPI's scope would be increased to support cross-sector management of mental health services for children and families. Since then, BCFPI Inc. has been developing the web-based version of BCFPI, consistent with this vision. This new version, recently released in England, Sweden, the Maritimes and British Columbia, is now ready for Ontario. This workshop will introduce the new system’s capacities, so that providers may anticipate how they’ll be able to use this powerful new tool to support their efforts. (Peter Pettingill, BCFPI Inc.; Dr. Charles Cunningham, Hamilton Health Sciences; Brian O'Hara, CMHO)
This workshop will identify lessons learned through the process of partnering with a cultural community to provide training about learning disabilities and children’s mental health. Mixed design outcome evaluation led to the development of a new model for providing culturally competent social service delivery. Clinical implications will be discussed. (Mohammad Deghan Pour, Dr. Lesley Daniels, Dr. Marjory Phillips, Melissa Rowbotham, Integra)
This interactive workshop will acquaint participants with a case study in evidence-based practice, innovative service design and collaborative knowledge exchange. We will outline how one centre chose to bridge the research-practice divide. Rewards, challenges and lessons learned will be presented. Participants will have an opportunity to share and network. Bibliography.
Organizational culture is one of the primary contributing factors in the success or failure of an organization. As we embark on an era where the baby boomers are leaving and the war on talent is upon us, strategies that help us to maximize our human resources are becoming more and more important. Leadership plays a critical role in moulding a culture capable of engaging the hearts as well as the minds of employees. In this fast-paced and interactive session, learn about the six imperatives Lutherwood leaders believe are crucial to building and maintaining a productive and healthy culture. (Sandra Watt, Lutherwood) Handout 1, Handout 2, Handout 3.
An international perspective on bridging evidence and practice, this workshop will feature some innovative activities in eight different countries, on strategies for identifying evidence, in-house evaluation, embedding evidence-informed practice and measuring impact. Workshop participants will be invited to discuss key issues and focus on generating solutions relevant and meaningful in Ontario. (Joanne Johnston, Children’s Mental Health Ontario; Don Buchanan, Offord Centre for Child Studies; Kathy Short, E-BEST, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board; Ian Manion, The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO; Michael Cheng, eMentalHealth)
The study investigated a children’s mental health residential treatment program. The BCFPI and CAFAS collected pre-treatment data and CAFAS was administered at discharge. Areas of change will be discussed in the context of the program, including whether specific groups of clients (e.g., gender, age, additional family therapy) differentiate in their outcomes. (Michelle Dermenjian, Algonquin Child and Family Services)
DirectResponse (DR) is a new process for admission and brief service designed to meet the needs of families in a timely, personal, and flexible way. The DR process, designed to be an efficient and effective method for addressing waitlists, highlights the integration of frontline, management, IT and evaluation practice. (Dr. Sandra Cunning, Zelimir Nastic, Matt Sheridan, Carol-Ann McCulloch, Kinark Child and Family Services)
The Agency Leaders' Roundtable had three parts. This interactive and participatory session began with a guest speaker, Susan Pigott of the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health on the subject of poverty as it relates to children’s mental health. Susan has worked with the provincial government on their poverty agenda and she offered her thoughts about this important issue. Following Susan’s remarks a roundtable of agency staff discussed their communications strategies used during Children’s Mental Health Week 2008 - with a view to offering insight and recommendations for events and activities for 2009. Finally participants broke into regional groups to discuss future plans and lay the groundwork for working together to make Children’s Mental Health Week 2009 the most successful yet!
Dr. Carey Anne DeOliveira, Child and Parent Resource Institute The aim of this workshop will be to make attachment theory accessible to clinicians and policy makers, fostering the development of effective and empirically based clinical practices. One specialized service aimed at providing consultation and education to children and youth with early disturbances of attachment and their caregivers will be highlighted.
School Mental Health at ACFS has implemented mobile teams, taking a strengths-based approach to Section 23 classrooms. A spectrum of services, capacity building within schools, innovative system co-ordination, and increased practice-based evidence fosters resiliency and emotional health of students. An interactive question period will follow review of this new model. (Michelle Dermenjian, Algonquin Child and Family Services)
A community-based research initiative aimed at the evaluation of a walk-in model of care for children with psychosocial problems will be described. Outcome results, including those for child psychosocial adjustment, patterns of help-seeking, and the impact(s)/challenges encountered during the conduct of this community-based study will be highlighted. (Diana Urajnik, The Hospital for Sick Children; Linda Sumner, Sharna Cohen, Yorktown Child and Family Centre)
Designing Our Future (2007)
Building on CMHO's previous conferences, 'Designing Our Future' focussed on how the Ministry of Children & Youth’s Policy Framework can help shape new directions in clinical practice, governance and management, and youth engagement.
This year's conference included a special youth-focussed program. The New Mentality (TNM) - a pilot project of CMHO and The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO - coordinated conference programming targeted at engaging youth. More than 30 young people from across the province attended; many of them are known to CMHO’s member centres as active leaders in their communities; and many have been involved with the mental health sector in some capacity.
Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(Nov 25-27, 2007)
Brochure (PDF, 14 pages)Brochure (PDF, 13 pages)
Plenary Presentation (PDF, 70 pages)
Experienced-Based Brain Development in Early Life and Mental Health and Behaviour Problems, Dr. J. Fraser Mustard, Founders’ Network
Margaret Mottershead, CEO, Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres
Dr. Ian Manion, The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health; Nancy Pereira, The New Mentality Joint Project between Children’s Mental Health Ontario and The Provincial Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health
This workshop described the Crisis Management Guidelines recently distributed to Ontario’s Children’s Mental Health Centres with a particular focus on the development of the guidelines, the nature of organizational crises and the benefits of maintaining a state of readiness. Participants were encouraged to describe lessons learned from their own crisis management experiences (André Clément, Integrity Management Consulting Group)>
Dr. Faye Mishna, University of Toronto
Natasha Tatartcheff-Quesnel, Ottawa Children’s Coordinated Access and Referral to Services; Michael Hone, Crossroads Children’s Centre; Francine Gravelle, Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa
Dr. Usha George, Ryerson University; Jacquie Brown, Roland Rutland, Kinark Child and Family Services
Ken Anderson, Assistant Commissioner (Privacy), Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario
Bringing Help Home - Part 1 (PDF, 47 pages)
Dr. Charles Cunningham, Community Education Service, McMaster Children’s Hospital; Dr. Patrick McGrath, Dalhousie University
Dr. Charles Cunningham, Community Education Service, McMaster Children’s Hospital; Dr. Patrick McGrath, Dalhousie University
Policy, Partners and Practice: From evidence to action (2006)
Conference participants had the chance to consider what Ontario's new Policy Framework for Children and Youth Mental Health will mean for community partners and for clinical intervention. Many professionals in the field spoke at the conference, including: Robert J. Flynn, Dean Fixsen, Gail Vandermeulen, Jan Sanderson, André Clément, Marcel Faggioni -- to name a few.
Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(Nov 27-28, 2006)
Brochure (PDF, 12 pages)Brochure (PDF, 12 pages)
Representation of Delegates (PDF, 1 page)
Opening Remarks (PDF, 13 pages)
Framing Our Children's Policy: Developing the picture (2005)
This conference provided an opportunity to begin developing shared recommendations towards a Child and Youth Mental Health Action Plan for Ontario. Speakers included: The Honourable Mary Anne Chambers, The Honourable Lucie Pépin, Bob Jezzard, Jayne Barker, Judith Maxwell, and André Marin.
Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(Nov 14-15, 2005)
Brochure (PDF, 4 pages)Brochure (PDF, 4 pages)
Opening Keynote (PDF, 12 pages)
Coming Together for an Integrated System (2004)
This Summit launched the process of planning for a sustainable and integrated system of children's mental health services, and proved to be a significant milestone towards re-vitalizing Ontario's children's mental health sector and its linkages to other sectors. Speakers included: The Honourable Marie Bountrogianni, Jeanette Lewis, Pauline thornton, Simon Davidson, Linda Baker, Jayne Barker, Bob Jezzard, Leonard Bickman.
Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(Oct 4-5, 2004)
Media Release (PDF, 1 page)Brochure (PDF, 8 pages)
Representation of Delegates (PDF, 1 page)
Steps in the Public Policy-Making Process (PDF, 17 pages)
Reforming Children's Mental Health Services: A new approach to services delivery, Leonard Bickman, Vanderbilt University, and The Center for Evaluation and Program Improvement, Nashville, Tennessee
Executive Director and Board Chair Conferences
Advocacy Strategies and Tools that Work (2007)
Speakers at this conference included: Jim McCarter (Auditor General of Ontario), André Picard (public health reporter at The Globe and Mail), Robert Kozinets (Assistant Professor, Schulich School of Business, York University), and Susan Hess (Parents for Children's Mental Health). Participants had the opportunity to:
- view the advocacy material CMHO is preparing for Children’s Mental Health Week;
- formalize advocacy strategies
- learn how to effectively mobilize and empower parents to lead and support community mobilization efforts on behalf of children and youth with mental health problems
Sutton Place Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(Feb 23, 2007)
Brochure (PDF, 3 pages)Brochure (PDF, 3 pages)
Opening Keynote (PDF, 23 pages)
Jim McCarter, Auditor General of Ontario
Camille Quenneville, Director of Policy and Communications, CMHO
Advancing the Advocacy Agenda (2006)
Participants examined and discussed the current landscape of children's services including the Policy Framework and Child Welfare Transformation. They concentrated on developing core messages and strategies to advance these messages, and had an opportunity for training in how to work with media and how to lobby. Speakers included: Arlene Perly Rae, Bruce Rivers, Jim Maclean, Camille Quenneville, and Gordon Floyd.
Delta Toronto Airport West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Children's Mental Health Ontario(April 10 - 11, 2006)
Brochure (PDF, 3 pages)Brochure (PDF, 4 pages)
Opening Keynote (PDF, 7 pages)
Election Count-Down Action Plan - Camille Quenneville (PDF, 10 pages)
OACAS/CMHO Joint Conference
Working Together for Ontario's Children and Families - 2006 Joint Conference
More than 100 speakers presented innovative programs, new research, and outcome studies that highlight current trends and practices in both child welfare and children's mental health. A pre-conference workshop was offered Treatment Foster Care: Caring for the Caregiver. As well, a Concurrent Youth Conference -- Ignite the Flame -- was held on June 5 - 7, 2006.Doubletree International Plaza Hotel, Toronto, ON, Canada: OACAS / CMHO(June 5 - 7, 2006)
Brochure (PDF, 28 pages)Shoulder to Shoulder: Strengthening Partnerships for Positive Outcomes
CMHO and OACAS gathered together over 100 speakers to present highlights of how working together in successful partnerships can result in improved outcomes for children and youth. Some of the workshop and seminar topics focussed on research, social policy, collaborative programs, youth engagement, clinical intervention and diversity in child welfare and children's mental health. Noted speakers included: Josh Shipp; Dr. Stanley Kutcher; Frances Lankin; Dr. Kenneth V. Hardy; Dr. Cornelia Wieman; Marc Kielburger.
Doubletree International Plaza Hotel, Toronto, ON, Canada: OACAS / CMHO(June 2 - 4, 2008)
English Program (PDF, 30 pages)French Program (PDF, 34 pages)
Training for Foster Parents on Child-Adolescent Trauma, Example of exercise homework completed by a foster parent (PDF, 1 page)
Rabinovich, M. (Child and Adolescent Services - Hamilton), Wilkinson, T. (Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton), Walford, M. (Foster Parent).
CMHO's Clinical Webcast Series
This series was conceptualized as part of CMHO’s efforts to reorganize our conferences to reduce costs and increase accessibility. In light of this decision, and in keeping with our new strategic plan -- which emphasizes strengthening our accredited member agencies -- CMHO will be offering webcasts on clinically related topics throughout the year.
CMHO’s mandate was to accomplish this in an on-going way and in a broad-based format that was readily accessible to the majority of our member centres at minimal or no cost. With this imperative in mind, the clinical webcast series was conceived.
PREVIOUS WEBCASTS
To date, CMHO has hosted the following webcasts, all of which can be accessed by CMHO members for free through the 'Members Only' section of this website.
- Collaborative Problem Solving Treatment Model
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Webcast
- Family Help Webcast
- Kinark's Clincial Supervision Model Webcast
UPCOMING WEBCASTS
Please check CMHO's event listings for upcoming Webcasts.
About Us
(MCYS, November, 2006, HTML format) (2) Navigating the Journey to Wellness: The Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Ontarians (Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions, August, 2010, PDF, 64 pgs, Media Release); (3) Towards Sustainable Child Welfare (Commission to Promote Sustainable Child Welfare, June, 2010, PDF, 38 pgs, Executive Summary); (4) Ministry of Education: Special Education Update (June, 2010, PDF, 19 pgs); (5) Every Door is the Right Door: Towards a 10-Year Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, a discussion paper (Minister’s Advisory Group, July 2009, PDF, 53 pgs)