The mission of the Kinark Foundation is to advance the social and emotional well-being of children and youth by raising funds and creating awareness in support of Kinark Child and Family Services and other organizations focusing on children's mental health.

As the largest children's mental health organization in Ontario, Kinark Child and Family Services provides professional help to more than 10,000 children, youth, and families every year.

Founded almost one hundred years ago, Kinark Child and Family Services is known for clinical excellence, innovative practices, evidence-based programs and an inclusive approach to serving families from diverse backgrounds. Recognized as a leader in the field of children's mental health, Kinark is often approached by other organizations to partner on research projects and to help build community capacity to respond to the needs of children and youth with mental health problems and their families.

Kinark helps children and youth with serious and often chronic, multiple mental health issues. Some children have experienced abuse, neglect or other trauma. Many families face additional stressors related to poverty or parental mental illness or substance abuse. Services range from parenting education and respite to residential treatment and individual, family and group counseling. Kinark also offers an extensive range of programs for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder plus intensive treatment and support for youth in conflict with the law. Within all program areas, a range of prevention and treatment services are provided by social workers, child and youth workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, educators and nurses.

Kinark has program offices in Peterborough, Northumberland, Durham, York and Simcoe County and operates the Syl Apps Youth Centre (a secure custody, detention and treatment facility) in Oakville, Ontario. The Kinark Outdoor Centre in Minden, Ontario provides respite and education programs for children, youth and families served by Kinark and similar organizations.

While Kinark receives funding from the provincial government for the delivery of core services, the agency relies on donations made to the Kinark Foundation for implementation of new programs, research and innovation projects, and to enhance the lives of the children, youth and families being served.

For more information on Kinark Child and Family Services, please click here.