Have an Impact and Help Create Positive Change

Families have many opportunities to get involved with New Path. As an agency we are committed to a process called Family Engagement which is a philosophy and a practice of doing things together with families.

This means that staff and families work together as equal partners. Families recognize their own needs, strengths and resources – empowering themselves to take an active role in creating positive change for their family. It also means that families can take part in improving mental health services and systems for all families.

Family is defined by who you and your child feel are important, so family can be biological, step, adoptive or foster parents. Family can also be siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and close family friends. Family are the people who are in your child’s corner, caring for and supporting them. Family are the ones who your child can count on to be there for them when things get tough. All are welcome to participate in Family Engagement initiatives at New Path.

A family self expert means that you know your child and family better than anyone. You know what they need and how best to support them. You also know what strengths you bring to service and what challenges and barriers you face as a family. This is valuable information because New Path can learn from your experience to partner with you to provide services in a way that is meaningful and makes sense for you and your family.

There are lots of benefits to being involved through family opportunities at New Path including: Educational workshops and training, social events, focus groups, connecting with other families, peer support group, advocacy and system navigation skill building, helping to improve New Path services, sharing your family story and experience, strategic planning, joining committees, using your voice, having a say, being heard, and being the change.

No. You can choose to take part in any or all of what is being offered to you. The contact form (to the right) is used so we have your permission to contact you to tell you about what’s happening at New Path for families. This allows us to keep you informed about what is being offered so you don’t miss out on opportunities and events. You can opt out of being contacted any time.

No special skills, knowledge or training are required. Families at New Path come from all different backgrounds, education levels, life experiences, income levels, abilities, and life stages and are at different points of their family’s mental wellness journey. Your voice is unique and valuable because you bring your own experiences and perspectives. In family engagement, everyone has something to teach and something to learn.

New Path wants to know what has worked well for your family, so we can keep doing it and what hasn’t worked so well, so we can use that experience to do things differently. Having the courage to share your family story and experience helps other families travelling a similar journey feel less shame and alone in their own situation. It will also help to improve services for all families who are accessing child & youth mental health services in Simcoe County.

The New Path Barriers to Participation Program helps families join events by providing assistance with things like childcare, transportation, interpreter services, learning, and communication support. The Buddy System Program partners other family members or a New Path staff with you to help make you comfortable while attending events.

Absolutely! You can pick and choose what’s right for you and if/when you want to participate. New Path understands that families have a lot going on in their lives.

Choosing to become involved with family opportunities at New Path is your choice. You do not have to get involved and it will in NO way affect the care/service that you receive. If you choose not to continue with counselling services, you can still continue to be involved.