Workshops 2023

Day 1: Friday October 20, 2023

Breakout A (12:45pm-1:45pm EST)

  • 1. Achieving Health Equity in Pediatric Obesity Management

    Presented by: Sanjukta Basak (Pediatric Endocrinologist, Clinical Assistant Professor, BC Children’s Hospital)

    This workshop will examine the recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical practice guidelines on pediatric obesity management from a health equity lens. AAP suggests that intensive behavioral and lifestyle adjustments should be implemented and for the first time recommends anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery as adjunctive therapy. These recommendations have met considerable debate about the merits of taking a more aggressive treatment approach versus medicalizing this condition leading to greater stigma and increase health disparities. Practical implementation and generalizability of these guidelines will be assessed using health equity frameworks.

  • 2. A Community-Led Parenting Program for Indigenous Fathers and Two-Spirit Parents to Support the Health of Their Children

    Presented by: Amy L. Wright (Assistant Professor, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto); Rachel VanEvery (PhD Candidate, Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University); Shelly Hachey (PhD Student, Faculty of Social Work, Wilfred Laurier University); Wihsé Spring (Steering Committee Member, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto); Deya Miller (Steering Committee Member, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto)

    Additional authors: Steering Committee (Fathers of the Next Generation Steering Committee, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto); Era M. Ferron (Research Project Coordinator, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto)

    This workshop educates attendees on the need for culturally responsive parenting programs for Indigenous fathers. Our research project, developed by and for Indigenous parents and community members, acknowledges and incorporates their cultural values and traditions around parenting to foster engagement and success. Attendees will learn about the ‘Journey of Fatherhood’ concept and engage in interactive exercises to reflect on different perspectives of fatherhood. They will leave with a deeper understanding of Indigenous fathers’ unique needs and be inspired to incorporate these into their work to support Indigenous fathers’ parenting roles and promote the health of their children.

  • 3. Creating Welcoming Communities for Newcomer Children and Youth

    Presented by: Victoria Esses (Professor Department of Psychology, Western University), Leah Hamilton (Vice Dean, Research and Community Relations, Mount Royal University), Awish Aslam (Graduate Student, Western University), Priscila Prado Barros (Graduate Student, Western University)

    Canada is in the midst of one of the largest intakes of immigrants in its 155-year history, and many of these newcomers are children. As we resettle newcomers, how do we create welcoming communities for newcomer children and youth? We recently developed a Measuring Welcoming Communities Toolkit to support communities who seek to become more welcoming. In this workshop, we will discuss some of the key characteristics of welcoming communities for newcomer children, including key indicators and how to measure them. We will also discuss some promising practices that communities can adapt when building initiatives for newcomer children and youth.

  • 4. Cross – Sectoral Care Approach for Preparing Medically Complex Children and Youth with Chronic Health Conditions Entering Adult Support Services

    Presented by: Whitney Faragher (Health Care Facilitator, Community Networks of Specialized Care Central East/CLH DSS); Sandra Martino (Health Care Facilitator, Community Networks of Specialized Care Central East/CLH DSS)

    Exploring and preparing medically complex children and youth in a dynamic way on their journey to accessing longer term adult supports. Taking a holistic approach while navigating medically complex children and youth seeking approaches in addressing barriers and accessing equitable health care. Innovative and collaborative approaches will be demonstrated in relation to collaboratively supporting children, youth and their caregivers living with chronic health conditions. Tools and resources will also be highlighted as they are a necessary element to support individuals and families navigating cross – sectoral support.

  • 5. Owning the Work and Doing the Work: Evaluating and Building Towards EDIA Best Practices

    Presented by: Kajany Gunarajan (Manager, Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Surrey Place); Kim S. Daniel (Director, Community, Partnership, and Innovations, Surrey Place); Esther Kagoya (Research Assistant, Surrey Place); Joanne Marcano (Intake Service Coordinator, Adult Program at Surrey Place)

    The Community, Partnership, and Innovations team lead a mapping project, which was presented at CCYC Conference, 2022. This project identified service gaps for Black, Indigenous, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Filipino children/families. The findings showed a low representation of services with high clients’ needs. To bridge this gap, our goal is to meet clients where they are at, by implementing an accessible localized Hub. Hence, we chartered an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) plan, to empower staff in their clinical work. EDIA principles are reflected in our newly developed policy change, refined hiring process, and ongoing leadership/staff training.

Breakout B (2:15pm-3:15pm EST)

  • 1. A Seat at the Table: Building Community Engagement at the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children

    Presented by: Priscilla Medeiros (Knowledge Mobilization & Community Engagement Specialist, Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children); Ellie Adler (Research Program Manager, Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children)

    Additional authors: Eyal Cohen (Co-Director, Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children); Astrid Guttmann (Co-Director, Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children)

    Community engagement is a collaborative approach to equitably involve all partners in the research process and is important in addressing priority public health issues. There are opportunities for researchers to increase their knowledge in carrying out community-engaged research. The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children is a research centre at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, focusing on child health equity. We have implemented a number of initiatives to advance engagement and support integrated knowledge exchange for our members. This includes a lecture series, drop-in consultation service, trainee hub, collaboration hub, and an online resource library. These supports help equip members with the skills to create and deliver projects and initiatives grounded in engagement.

  • 2. Funding for Family Caregivers: The Role of Disability Acquisition in Access to Benefits

    Presented by: Stephanie Chipeur (Postdoctoral Researcher, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary)

    Publicly funded homecare in Canada is unavailable to most children with disabilities, save for some exceptions such as children with complex airway needs. Parents are not compensated for carework based on the principle that the family is primarily responsible for such care. However, children who are disabled because of an injury can sue for damages, including compensation for their family for past and future carework. Since personal injury awards offer substantially more than public homecare, it signals that a “healthy” child who has been disabled by an injury is owed more than a child who is born with a disability.

  • 3. Jordan’s Principle

    Presented by: Leeann J. Shimoda (Jordan’s Principle Coordinator, IFN)

    Abstract Summary: Jordan’s Principle – The Order – The who – The what- The When – The How

  • 4. Protecting Our Youth: A Strategy to Address Human Sex Trafficking in Peel Region

    Presented by: Samantha MacNeill (Nurse Advisor, Peel Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Strategy, Region of Peel); Arlene Coventry-Bauer (Manager, Community Capacity and Investment, Region of Peel)

    Additional authors: Zoli Kertesz (Advisor, Community Capacity and Investment, Region of Peel)

    In 2017, it was identified that children, youth and adults, including gender-diverse persons, were being lured into sex trafficking. The three primary barriers to exiting were lack of dedicated housing options, prevention education and service coordination. In response to a community Call to Action, in June 2019 the Region of Peel created a strategy framework to address sex trafficking. The strategy includes three pillars – Prevention, Interventions and Exits/Housing. The Region works in partnership to operate a safe house, a transitional house and a dedicated services hub for victims, survivors and those at-risk. This program is complemented with wrap-around long-term supports to promote successful outcomes.

  • 5A. Black Youth Mental Health: Reconstructing Identity Through Art-Based Research

    Presented by: Fiona Edwards-Akunesiobike (Assistant Professor, MacEwan University)

    I will present data from an art-based activity as part of a youth-centered phenomenological study with Afro-Caribbean Canadian youth in Canada. A theoretical analysis of the identity maps produced by the youth using critical race theory, anti-Black racism framework and post-colonial theory reveals that being Black and Canadian are two separate and distinct identities Black youths experience with varied outcomes on their mental health. I will address the necessity of using art-based research with Black youths as a decolonizing approach to gain their perspectives on race and mental health to better understand and respond to their mental health needs.

  • 5B. Refugee Youth: Early Mental Health Intervention and Support

    Presented by: Hellen Gateri (Assistant Professor, MacEwan University); Fiona Edwards-Akunesiobike (Assistant Professor, MacEwan University)

    Refugee youth are vulnerable to poor mental health due to exposure to trauma and disruptions to their psychological, emotional, and physical development. Utilizing the public mental health theoretical framework which takes a population-level approach for the prevention of mental health problems and the improvement of well-being (Gibbons, 2021). This workshop will highlight the need for early mental health interventions for refugee youth during and after resettlement in host communities. It will further provide a critical discussion regarding the available mental health intervention support programs and services for this group and their families, as well as gaps in services.

Day 2: Saturday October 21, 2023

Breakout C (12:45pm-1:45pm EST)

  • 1. Building Communities in Planetary Health: Connecting & Protecting All Health

    Presented by: Presented by: Anna Gunz (Clinical Lead Planetary Health & Sustainability, Children’s Hospital London Health Sciences Centre); Nicole Yawney (Youth Indigenous Wellness Consultant, London Health Sciences Centre); Shaquille Sealy (Operations Manager, Reforest London); Lesley Gittings (Assistant Professor Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University)

    This participatory workshop will begin with an embodied practice to support engagement as participants are lead through an understanding of Planetary Health that will be grounded in Indigenous Knowledge and Relationship to Land. Discussion will include the impact of climate change on health, the relationship between social and environmental justice, and two case studies that demonstrate how partnerships between community and healthcare are essential to support child and youth health and wellbeing. Participants will be provided prompts to guide reflection and planning about how this can be integrated into their own community and practice.

  • 2. Ensuring Health Care Equity for Newcomer Children and Youth: The Case for Professional Health Care Interpretation Services

    Presented by: Catherine Penney (Quality Improvement Specialist, National Newcomer Navigation Network); Christine Kouri (Project Lead, National Newcomer Navigation Network)

    Many health care organizations made statements and efforts towards health equity, yet many are missing strategies aimed at one of Canada’s most vulnerable; our newcomers. Access to professional health care interpretation is a foundational element of health equity strategies. 69.4% of Canada’s immigrants have a mother tongue other than English/French. Without the ability to communicate with a care provider in your preferred language, a wealth of data and research has shown that care is both unsafe and inefficient. From the newcomer patient and family perspective, engagement is limited, and emotional harm rises, in particular, for children and youth.

  • 3. Parent and Caregiver Perspectives on Youth Suicide and Systems of Care

    Presented by: Jori Jones (Doctoral Student, University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work)

    Additional authors: Toula Kourgiantakis (University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work); Carrie Lau (MSW student, University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work)

    Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadian youth. Parents of youth who die by suicide describe limited resources, poor quality of care, and inadequate involvement in their youth’s treatment. For sexual and gender minority youth and Black Indigenous People of Colour, there are higher suicide risks associated with racism and discrimination. The aim of this study was to examine parents’ descriptions of systems of care that engaged with their youth prior suicide. Through parent interviews, this study identified 10 themes including bullying and stigma, which serve to inform education and services for youth and their families.

  • 4. Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in Canada Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

    Presented by: Cathy J. Chovaz (Professor/Clinical Psychologist, King’s University College at Western); Justin Mulder (Graduate Student, University of Ottawa); ASL interpretation services will be provided by Ava Hawkins, Certified Interpreter

    This workshop will describe the prevalence of mental health disorders of Deaf and Hard of hearing (DHH) children. The mental health screener Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was translated into American Sign Language (ASL) and administered to all DHH children referred to PAH! which is a mental health agency for DHH children and youth. Overall prevalence rates are presented as well as a summary with comparison groups. Discussion will include different informant responses (Youth self report, Parent report and Teacher Report). The prevalence rates of mental health disorders in DHH children is significantly higher than in other vulnerable Canadian groups.

  • 5. Social Prescribing: Achieving Health Equity for Children and Youth Through the Power of Community

    Presented by: Sue Bennett (Medical Director, Vanier Social Pediatric Hub); Caitlin Muhl (Social Prescribing Advisor, Vanier Social Pediatric Hub)

    The Vanier Social Pediatric Hub recently launched Canada’s first social prescribing program for children and youth. As a participant in the social prescribing program, a child/youth works with a connector to talk about what matters to them. Together, they create a social prescription – a non-medical prescription for a community activity. Join Dr. Sue Bennett and Caitlin Muhl as they explain what social prescribing is, describe how social prescribing can achieve health equity for children and youth through the power of community, and outline the key components of social prescribing for children and youth.

Breakout D (2:15pm-3:15pm EST)

  • 1. Creating an Equitable Care System for Vulnerable Children, Youth and Families Experiencing Mental Health Crises – the Myles Ahead SafER Space Initiative

    Presented by: Leslie Kulperger (Founder, Executive Director, Myles Ahead, Advancing Child & Youth Mental Health); Shelley Kulperger (Director, Strategy, Engagement and Partnerships, Myles Ahead, Advancing Child & Youth Mental Health)

    Myles Ahead, Advancing Child and Youth Mental Health is working towards system change in which lived experience is at the heart of solution design. This workshop presents an experienced-based and designed initiative SafER Space) that centres children, youth and families struggling with mental health challenges, and marginalized by the healthcare system. Borne from traumatizing, adverse, and inadequate experiences of the crisis response system, the SafER Space reimagines the emergency room for vulnerable children and families. It provides a practical roadmap to overcome stigma, discrimination, and inequities, and to provide improved recovery and care continuum pathways.

  • 2. Exploring the Consequences of ‘Benevolent’ Colonial Powers and Structural Inequities in the Implementation of Jordan’s Principle in Manitoba, Canada

    Presented by: Alison J. Gerlach (Associate Professor, University of Victoria); Vandna Sinha (Associate Research Professor, University of Colorado, Boulder)

    Additional authors: Lucy Lach (Associate Professor, McGill University); Josee Lavoie (Professor, University of Manitoba); Marlyn Bennett (Associate Professor, University of Calgary)

    This interactive workshop will make visible inter-related structural inequities that impede the implementation of Jordan’s Principle in Manitoba; highlighting the structural and systemic changes required for Canada to meet its legal obligations to address the social, health, and educational inequities that many First Nations children continue to experience. The research findings discussed draw from a larger mixed methods study commissioned by the Public Interest Law Centre and a large research team working in partnership with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

  • 3. Panel Discussion: Engaging with Community

    Panelists: Gabrielle Fayant-Lewis (Co-Founder, Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G), Mitesh Patel (Chief of Psychiatry, Youthdale), Moira Robertson (Advocate, ECHO Ontario Autism, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital) with Melanie Penner (Senior Clinician Scientist and Developmental Pediatrician, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital); Moderated by: Thalia Bueno (Advocate)

    Join our expert panelists as they discuss and share their success and challenges relating to effectively engaging community partners and youth with lived experience. The panelists will also share some recommendations for how we all can more effectively bring the community and lived-experience voice forward in our own work.

  • 4. Supporting South Asian Families Affected by Autism: A 10-Year Retrospective on Raising Awareness in British Columbia’s Punjabi Community

    Presented by: Preetinder Narang (District Behaviour Analyst, Surrey School District); Mandeep Gurm (R.Psych – Registered Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Sharon Arnold & Associates); Manpreet Singh (IT Consultant, University of British Columbia)

    Additional authors: Neetika Bains (Manager, Information and RASP Services, Autism Information Services BC); Parbs Bains (Behaviour Analyst, Building Blocks Behaviour Consulting); Kavita Kamat (Behaviour Analyst and Clinical Director, posAbilities – LBSS); Srishti Arora (Assistant Behaviour Analyst, posAbilities – LBSS); Raminder Kaur (ABA Support Worker, Surrey School District); Ratnam Mathur (Residential Manager, Developmental Disabilities Association); Balbinder Gill (Pediatrician, Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine)

    Families of children with disabilities are often marginalized by society and face additional barriers to healthcare services when they are culturally and linguistically diverse. In British Columbia, the South Asian community and other non-dominant groups are at a distinct disadvantage with respect to the detection, diagnosis, and intervention for autism. This workshop will offer attendees unique insights into the challenges faced by Punjabi-speaking families and the determination of a 10-year volunteer initiative to address multiple inequities faced by Punjabi families affected by autism. Participants will develop an appreciation for the planning and care required to successfully engage South Asian families.

  • 5. Using Community-Based Participatory Research to Create a More Equitable Health System with Children, Youth, and Families in Peel

    Presented by: Dianne Fierheller (Scientist, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Ian Zenlea (Clinician Scientist, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Cilia Mejía-Lancheros (Research Lead, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Ugonna Ofonagoro (Research Associate, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Sara Abdullah (Research Associate, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Hasha Siddiqui (Research Associate, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Michelle Vinod (Peer Researcher, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Serena Hong (Peer Researcher, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners)

    Additional authors: Shreya Mahajan (Research Associate, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Matthew Strang (Research Associate, Family and Child Health Initiative, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners)

    This workshop aims to provide participants with the skills to plan, design, implement, and evaluate solutions for health challenges faced by children, youth and families and their communities. Multi-methods and multistage community-based participatory research approaches are needed to create more equitable health systems by integrating the diverse voices and experiences of children, youth and families into every stage of the research process. We will present various community engagement and participatory methods, including community advisory boards, peer researchers, human-centred design, brainstorming, and visual research methods. Participants will be provided with hands-on collaborative brainstorming exercises using real-life research examples from FCHI projects.