Ontario Middle Years Strategy
Overview 1. Background and context 2. How we built it 3. Sneak peak: » On My Way: A Developmental Framework » Gearing Up: A Strategic Framework 4. How to get involved 5. Questions / Discussion 2
Middle Years Children in Ontario Today • Ontario is home to more than 1 million children aged 6 to 12 = 1M • Over 2 million households are home to one or more children under 12 • 1 in 3 of Ontario’s middle years children are 1 in 3 are a a visible minority visible minority • 50% are first or second generation Canadian • More than 1 in 10 are living in low income families 1 in 6 live in unsuitable housing • Nearly 1 in 6 are in housing that is not suitable 3
Bridging Ontario’s Early Years and Youth Frameworks Early Years Youth Middle Years (0-8) (12-25) (6-12) 2007 2013 2017 2012 4 2014 2014 2017
Ontario’s Middle Years Strategy On My Way (Developmental Framework) A leading edge, evidence based resource that maps middle years child development across 6 domains: cognitive, social, emotional, physical, communication, and self & spirit. A tool to help families, communities, service providers and policy makers to support optimal middle years child development. Gearing Up (Strategic Framework) Sets a common vision, goals and shared outcomes for middle years child and family wellbeing. Establishes a shared platform for action across community, service, government and philanthropic sectors. 5
Child, Youth and Family Ecosystem 6
Ontario Middle Years Strategy: How We Built It Gathered Learned Listened to Research & from Kids Families Evidence 12 NEW Research Papers 100+ parents & Commissioned caregivers interviewed 5 Research Roundtables 1,400 survey 1 Researcher Forum responses received First-ever comprehensive outcome / indicator review Partnered Across Worked with Partners, Leaders Ministries & Stakeholders 6 Workshops held in Toronto, Ottawa, London, Mississauga & Thunder Bay Ongoing collaboration across more Engaged philanthropic partners than 12 ministries Co-developed content with Indigenous partners Cross-ministry child and youth Collaborated with the Premier’s Council on Youth program inventory Opportunities 50+ Partners Forum Attendees 7 7
On My Way: A Guide To Support Middle Years Child Development Our starting place: • Context, identity and experience matter • Families at the centre • Concepts of wellbeing and development are culturally rooted • Economic and social determinants impact wellbeing and development 8
On MY Way: Key Insights Emerging Evidence: • Technology • Strong cultural identity = resiliency • Value of being in nature / on the land • Impact of “toxic stress”: threats to parent wellbeing = threats to child wellbeing 9
A Common Vision and Outcomes Framework
Ontario’s Profile of Middle Years Wellbeing
Highlights from the Strategy Spotlight on Wellbeing: • Early intervention / support is key Sustaining and growing the impact: 79% of children think it is important to experience joy • Need for innovative models and that their life has meaning and purpose 91.5% of children report their mental health as good, • Embed family-centred very good or excellent approaches 80% of children think it is important to be kind and forgiving of others • Ramp up efforts to address social and economic Opportunity areas: determinants of wellbeing 43.3% of children spend at least 3 hours per day of sedentary screen time • Target support to those who 14.3% of children are treated badly of differently at need it most school because of their race, ethnicity, colour of skin 67% of children feel they have a family member who • Need for leadership & joined could provide emotional help and support when needed up approach 12
CONTACT: Ayasha Mayr Handel Manager, Youth Policy Ministry of Children and Youth Services (416) 327-4723, Ayasha.MayrHandel@ontario.ca Vanessa Knight Junior Policy Analyst, Youth Policy Ministry of Children and Youth Services (416) 326-0859, Vanessa.Knight@ontario.ca 13
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