Strongest Families Institute (SFI), an award-winning Canadian charity, is transforming how mental health care is delivered. Grounded in 25 years of social science research, SFI’s system of care has been enhanced through co-design—“getting it right by design.” The model has evolved into a tiered, bilingual coaching system that meets people where they are. By removing barriers of stigma, geography, and cost, SFI provides timely support to children, youth, adults, and families across Canada.

This session explores how co-design, measurement-based care, and tech-enabled delivery are driving real-world impact, while highlighting challenges and lessons learned throughout SFI’s journey. With a focus on equity and access, SFI aims to inform broader system transformation to ensure that expansion leads to meaningful outcomes for those who need it most.

Key Discussion Points

1. Building Scalable E-Mental Health Systems: What Can We Learn from 25 Years? Learn strategies and insights from building and scaling a universal, stepped-care e-mental health system serving  children, youth, adults, and families across Canada that can benefit other service providers globally.
2. Innovation in Practice: How  Co-Design, Workforce, and Technology Drive Engagement: Learn how SFI’s commitment to co-design with families and key-interest groups, its para-professional coaching workforce, and its proprietary IRIS platform have fueled innovation, personalization, and engagement.
3. Data-Driven Excellence: Transforming Programs with Real-Time Insights: Learn how the use of validated tools and real-time data capture enables dynamic program enhancements, outcome tracking, and builds trust with clients and system partners.
4. Navigating Growth: Challenges and Opportunities for Scaling Non-Profits: Examine the realities of scaling an evidence-based charity including common challenges and opportunities for other non-profit service providers in their growth journeys.
5. The Future of E-Mental Health: Exploring Emerging Innovations: Discover how Strongest Families Institute (SFI) continues to evolve its universal e-mental health system through cutting-edge advancements, leveraging emerging innovations and trends that could shape the future of mental healthcare delivery for all service providers.