Family engagement means working with families every step of the way.
We see families as experts in their own experiences, and their voices help shape programs, services, and decisions so that care truly reflects what children, youth, and caregivers need. It’s an ongoing partnership where families are valued as decision makers, collaborators, and essential members of our community.
Your voice can make a world of difference!
Our Family Advisory Committee (FACE) is a group of passionate family members with lived experience supporting a child or youth with mental health needs. Members care deeply about improving services and bring their full range of experiences – both the positive moments and the challenging ones – because all of it helps us learn and grow. It’s a space where people feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and where collaboration, diversity, and inclusion are truly valued.
Attend Monthly Meetings
Work collaboratively with York Hills in agency planning, decision making, and quality improvements
Use diverse lived experience to help inform and improve services
We are actively recruiting members!
Participation is completely voluntary and will not affect your services in anyway.
York Hills is guided by the Family Engagement Quality Standards, which focus on eight areas of engagement:
- Co-Development
- Commitment
- Communication
- Diversity & Inclusivity
- Empowerment
- Ongoging Learning
- Partnership
- Research & Evaluation
To learn more about Family Engagement Quality Standards, click here
FAQs
Who is considered a family member?
A family member is any individual who has a significant caregiving, supportive, or relational role in a child or youth’s life, regardless of biological or legal ties. This may include parents or caregivers, extended family members, foster or kinship caregivers, siblings, chosen family, or other trusted individuals identified by the family. If you’re unsure whether you fit this definition, we warmly encourage you to reach out to us.
What are the roles and responsibilities of FACE members?
- Working collaboratively with York Hills in agency planning, decision making, and quality improvement
- Using their diverse lived experiences, including challenges and successes, to help inform and improve services we provide
- Interpreting and voice community needs and values
- Occasionally, supporting initiatives outside of meetings
What is the expected time commitment of a FACE member?
Members commit to a minimum one-year term and attend one 90-minute meeting per month. Child-care is available as needed to reduce barriers to participation.
Where do meetings take place?
Meetings take place virtually and in-person at our Aurora location (402 Bloomington Road), alternating each month.
What kinds of things has the FACE done?
- Consulted families on space design for our Aurora site
- Co-developed engagement activities for families (such as the ‘Speak Up’ webinar, Family Feedback night, and engagement recruitment materials)
- Co-developed and co-facilitated family engagement training for agency staff
- Provided input on the York Hills website user experience and design
What does this opportunity mean for you?
By joining FACE, you can make a real difference in how services are designed and delivered for children, youth, and families. You’ll have the chance to share your lived experience in ways that support other families and shape agency decisions, while building meaningful connections with caregivers who truly understand the journey. FACE is a welcoming space where every perspective is valued and members can be their whole selves, contributing ideas freely alongside a diverse and caring team. Your involvement also gives you opportunities to learn more about the mental health system, grow skills in leadership, advocacy, public speaking, and collaboration, and help strengthen our community in ways that are deeply impactful and truly transformative.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can email familyengagement@yorkhills.ca for more information. You can expect a response within 2 business days.