The Brampton Youth Wellness Hub was built on a core principle: youth are not simply service recipients—they're co-designers and co-owners of the systems that support their wellbeing. This includes youth with lived experience in child welfare, who played a central role in shaping the Hub’s vision, priorities, and service pathways. As the first child welfare agency in Ontario to lead a Youth Wellness Hub, Peel CAS partnered with 17 community organizations and collaborated closely with youth—especially those with system involvement— creating an integrated, youth-centered model that strengthens mental health through ownership, culturally affirming practices, and holistic care. Rooted in trauma-informed and identity-affirming approaches, the Hub’s design reflects the needs of youth with child welfare experience, including identity development, belonging, transitions, and navigating systems. Their voices informed programming, service hours, space design, and governance. Participants will learn how authentic youth leadership increases engagement, service use, and mental wellness.

Learning Objectives

The session equips participants with replicable tools, including templates for governance, co-design sessions, and cross-sector integration strategies—grounded in the lived expertise of youth navigating both child welfare and mental health systems.