Our Structure

The Ottawa Child and Youth Initiative (OCYI) is a collaborative, cross-sector network of organizational partners working together to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families in Ottawa. Its structure includes membership, a Steering Committee, Task Groups, a host organization, and backbone support through the OCYI Manager.

Together, these interconnected parts support shared leadership, sector coordination, and collective action on priorities that no single organization can address alone.

Membership in OCYI is open to organizations and networks that align with our vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities, and that are committed to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families in Ottawa.

OCYI has one category of membership: organizational partner. These partners reflect a diverse cross-section of Ottawa’s child- and youth-serving sectors, services, and systems. Representatives participate in the Steering Committee and Task Groups on behalf of their organization.

Individuals are not members of OCYI, though those not representing a member organization may participate in events, access public resources, join the mailing list, and participate in a Task Group. They are not eligible to chair a Task Group or serve on the Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee guides the overall direction of OCYI by providing strategic oversight, supporting alignment across Task Groups, and advancing collective priorities. It includes Task Group Co-Chairs and representatives from member organizations.

OCYI Task Groups are where much of the Initiative’s collaborative work takes place. Guided by OCYI’s overall vision and strategic direction, each Task Group brings together organizations and partners around a specific area of focus affecting children, youth, and families in Ottawa.

Through shared planning, relationship-building, and collective action, Task Groups build on existing community strengths, identify gaps and emerging needs, and help strengthen coordination across programs, services, and systems. While each Task Group has its own focus and mandate, all contribute to OCYI’s broader goal of improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.

OCYI is currently comprised of 5 Task Groups:

• IECMH-EA Task Group: Supports organizations to strengthen awareness, education, and capacity related to infant and early childhood mental health for children ages 0–6 and their families.

• Critical Hours Task Group: Ensures equitable access to high-quality programs and supports for Middle Years children (ages 6–12), grounded in Safe Spaces, Supportive Relationships, and Skill Development.

• Youth Task Group: Advances equitable access to high-quality programs, services, and supports for youth (ages 13–24), grounded in safety, belonging, mentorship, and growth.

• OCPS Task Group: Strengthens equitable access to high-quality parenting programs and supports for parents and caregivers in Ottawa.

• Research & Evaluation Task Group: Strengthens OCYI’s collective capacity for research, evaluation, and community data to support shared learning, planning, and action.

The OCYI Manager provides backbone coordination and operational leadership for the Initiative. This includes supporting the work of the Steering Committee and Task Groups, advancing OCYI priorities, coordinating meetings and deliverables, and ensuring effective communication, resource-sharing, and follow-through across the network. To contact the manager, email [email protected].

Britannia Woods Community Services (BWCS) serves as the host organization for OCYI, providing administrative, financial, human resources, and operational support to help sustain and coordinate the Initiative’s work.