This report describes the overarching issues and themes and sets out recommendations for mental health reform as identified by the Provincial Forum of Mental Health Implementation Task Force Chairs. The Forum is a vehicle for sharing information among the Task Forces and for identifying and discussing mental health reform matters that are provincial in scope. One of the goals of mental health reform is to create a mental health system in Ontario that includes regional systems of care where people living with mental illness can get access to a continuum of community-based services and support, where and when they need it. These regional systems of care will deliver a core basket of services and supports, enabling people who use the mental health system to set and realize their personal goals, and to acquire the skills and resources needed to achieve independence and well being.

To achieve this goal, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care appointed nine regional Task Forces in 2000 and 2001 to develop recommendations for regional and local improvements to mental health services. The regions are : Northeastern Ontario; Northwestern Ontario; Champlain Region; Southeast Region; Central South Region (Hamilton); Toronto-Peel; Central East (Whitby); Central East (Penetanguishene); and Southwest.

The recommendations and advice of the Task Forces will guide and give direction for the implementation of the principles in the province's mental health policy, Making It Happen, enacted in 1999. These principles include : moving people living with mental illness to the centre of Ontario's mental health system; ensuring that services meet the needs of people living with mental illness at all stages of life and are delivered as close to home as possible; and offering better services and support, improved choices, and streamlined access to services for people living with mental illness and their families.

December 2002

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