Our History

"2009 Celebrates the 15th Anniversary of PCMH"

Image

In 1989 the Ontario Association of Children’s Mental Health Centres (now Children’s Mental Health Ontario – CMHO) recognized the acute need for a Provincial Parents’ Association to lend credibility and support in their role when advocating for families who face the challenges of child and youth mental health issues.  A Task Force was established to study the feasibility of establishing such a network.  In 1991 the Task Force presented its conclusions to the then OACMHC’s Board of Directors, and it was determined that this type of organization was absolutely necessary to advance the development of the children’s mental health system in Ontario and its success would be dependent on participation and contribution from all levels.

 

A Planning Committee was developed, and in 1993 this Committee began to hold discussion groups to address the following key questions:

  • Should this type of association be developed and why?
  • What would the purpose of the association be?
  • What are the individual needs of the families as relates to this type of association?

 

It was determined that:

 

NEED

  • There was an absolute need for this type of association
  • To advocate on behalf of families and agencies
  • To have on impact on Provincial Legislation
  • To share and pool information
  • To access and understand legislation and its impact

 

 PURPOSE

  •  To educate and inform its members, the public, government, communities, and agencies
  • To help change the system
  • To assist families dealing with their unique struggles
  • To develop, and support local peer support groups and systems

 

FAMILY SPECIFIC NEEDS

 

  • A world free from stigma and discrimination attached to Mental Illness
  • A place to be involved ~~ to become active participants of change
  • A place to access relevant and current information
  • A place to belong and be supported

 

In 1994 the Ontario Association of the Parents for Children’s Mental Health was formally inaugurated and since then has continued to strive to meet the challenges placed before them in making a positive difference in the lives of families who are faced with dealing with mental health issues, as well as a positive influence and impact on the system of children’s mental health in Ontario.

 

In 1997, the organization became incorporated and in 2000 received its charitable status. 

 

The name, Parents for Children’s Mental Health was officially adopted in 2002.   

 

TIMELINE

  • 1989 OACMHC creates Task Force to examine Need/Purpose of Parent Association
  • 1991 Task Force presents is conclusion to the Board of OACMHC reporting need for Parent Association
  • 1993 Planning Committee travelled to receive input on the Need/Purpose/and Family Specific requirements of such an association
  • 1994 Ontario Association of the Parent’s For Children’s Mental Health inaugurated
  • 1997 OAPCMH incorporated
  • 2000 OAPCMH receives charitable status
  • 2002 Parents for Children’s Mental Health name officially adopted
  • 2009 PCMH Celebrates 15 years of supporting families