City Hall Ballroom

The F-words for Child Development - Functioning, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future - have been introduced throughout Ontario to focus on child and family strengths and facilitate a holistic approach to health and well-being. The F-words Foundations Training program has been viewed by over 1,200 families, healthcare providers, and community partners. Feedback has been very positive; many thoughtful perspectives and constructive ideas were received. Themes including cultural sensitivity, the term 'F-words,' 'triggering' messages and activities, learning styles, and diverse populations will be discussed. There will be a focus on mental health and the use of the F-words to facilitate engagement, well-being, and human connection. This session will highlight real-life examples and a new tool with guiding questions to initiate and facilitate conversations specific to supporting the mental health concerns of children, youth, and their families. Ideas for collaborative solutions and further resources and modules will be welcome.

3 Key Takeaways
1. Strategies in response to feedback on the F-words Foundations Training program to promote the engagement of families and providers.
2. Exploration of an example of a cross sectoral partnership with physicians that support families (PONDA)
3. Introduction to a new tool to support exploration of mental health from an F-words perspective
 

Sara Pot, Family Partner, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research
Marilyn Wright, Clinical Consultant, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research; Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University
Kerry Boyd, Associate Clinical Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University
Brenda Agnew, Patient Partner/Family Advisor, CanChild, ChildBright, AACPDM, PONDA
Rachel Teplicky, Business and Engagement Officer, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research
Danijela Grahovac, Technical Support Specialist, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research
Peter Rosenbaum, Scientist, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Professor, Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University