New Equity in Mental Health Crisis Responses Working Group

As an integral part of the Race and Identity-Based Data Collection (RBDC) Strategy, the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) designed potential solution ideas to address racial disparities for people impacted by mental health, arrests, and use of force, which are now being discussed by the newly formed Equity in Mental Health Crisis Responses Working Group (EMHCR Working Group).

Collage of severa photos of people in various presentation environments

Building on the work of the CAP, the working group aims to support the Toronto Police Service by developing solutions based on this question:

How do we reduce race- and identity-based disparities in outcomes for individuals in mental health crises, particularly those at the highest risk of coming into conflict with the law (potentially facing police arrest, use of force, or mental health apprehensions)?

 

Membership and Structure

The EMHCR Working Group is made up of about 15 members of the public, a broader group of experts in mental health and social service sectors, and Toronto Police Service representatives who bring together diverse community and institutional perspectives.

This work is part of Phase 2 of the RBDC Strategy and the engagement process is supported by Monumental, which is a social purpose business creating thoughtful solutions to complex urban issues, with social equity and community voice at the center.

 

Working Group Objectives

From May to the end of 2025, the working group will focus on three areas of advice and support:

  • Refining and developing solutions
  • Supporting the broader engagement process
  • Advising on implementation and feasibility

This community-based and solutions-focused process is aimed at identifying and addressing the root causes of racial disparities and developing interventions that improve outcomes for individuals in mental health crises—particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and Latin American and Hispanic communities.

Learn more on the RBDC Community & Stakeholder Engagements webpage.

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