Infant, child, and youth mental health agencies across Toronto have established an Anti-Black Racism Task Force to develop a multi-year strategy aimed at addressing systemic racism within the sector. The initiative is focused on ensuring mental health services uphold their commitment to ending anti-Black racism while creating culturally responsive programs and supports that help Black infants, children, and youth thrive.
The task force brings together staff from a range of agencies across Toronto and is working to advance priorities that include strengthening leadership and advocacy for systemic change, improving access to culturally appropriate mental health services, promoting mental wellness and reducing stigma within Black communities, supporting the recruitment and advancement of Black staff, and meaningfully engaging African Canadian parents, caregivers, and communities in shaping services.