Families Helping Shape the Future of Mental Health at KCDSB
The Kenora Catholic District School Board (KCDSB) is strengthening its commitment to student well-being through a new Three-Year Mental Health Strategic Plan built in close partnership with families, students and educators.
“We wanted to ensure that the voices of parents, students, and educators were at the heart of this plan,” said Sue Devlin, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor. “Their lived experiences and honest feedback are key to shaping the future direction of mental health at KCDSB.”
The plan is grounded in four areas of focus: student and family engagement, system capacity, service delivery, and prevention and early intervention. It also aligns with the
Ministry of Education’s PPM 169, ensuring that each priority reflects both local needs and provincial standards.
When KCDSB surveyed families during the planning process, 196 parents and guardians took part, far exceeding expectations. The results provided valuable insight. While most families expressed deep care for their children’s mental health, only 65 percent knew how to access support through the Board.
“That finding was really important to us,” said Devlin. “It told us that families want to be engaged, but we need to make it easier for them to connect with us. So that’s where we’re starting, by listening and responding.”
What Families Told Us
Parents shared that they prefer clear, accessible communication and flexible ways to receive information, such as recorded webinars, e-mail updates, and direct phone calls. In response, the Mental Health Team will focus on increasing visibility and access through virtual information sessions, simplified referral processes and stronger communication with school communities.
The Board is also adopting a “no wrong door” approach, meaning that whether a family reaches out to a school, Firefly, or another community partner, they will be supported and guided to the right level of care.
“We want families to feel that they never have to navigate this system alone,” Devlin explained. “Our goal is to ensure that no matter where you start, you’ll be connected to the support that’s right for you.”
Building on our Momentum
Year One of the plan will emphasize awareness and prevention. Families can expect:
- Parent information sessions and webinars on topics such as building resilience and supporting children’s emotional health at home.
- Simplified access to mental health resources through school newsletters and digital platforms.
- Collaborative partnerships with community agencies, including joint communications with Firefly on “Right Time, Right Care.”
- Culturally relevant, identity-affirming services that reflect First Nation perspectives through a Two-Eyed Seeing approach.
Above all, the plan recognizes families as essential partners.
“Parents are often the first to notice when something feels off for their child,” Devlin said. “When we listen to families and work together early, we can prevent small concerns from becoming bigger challenges.”
The KCDSB Mental Health Team will continue sharing updates and inviting feedback as implementation unfolds.
Together, with families as true partners, KCDSB is working to create a caring, faith-filled system where every student is supported, mind, body and spirit.
Click here for a PDF copy of our
Three-Year Mental Health and Additions Strategy for 2026 - 2029