Research Strategic Plan

As the Mental Health Commission of Canada has clearly stated, “the opportunity to prevent mental health problems and illnesses appears to be greatest among children and youth”.

Moreover, the costs of treating individuals early in life reduces the economic burden of mental illness, due to savings in medical interventions, disability transfers, lost earnings, caregiver costs, potential years of life lost, as well as diminished quality of life.  Thus, developing an understanding of how best to promote optimal mental health and treat mental illness during those early years is critical.

However new research is not enough. Existing best practice information must also be disseminated, implemented, and evaluated so that our programs are working from the best possible evidence base. Monitoring quality and integrating quality improvement into the ongoing management and delivery of mental health services is a further tool to ensure the delivery of quality services. Quality service means that people with mental disorders and their families receive the evidence-informed care they require, and that their symptoms and quality of life improve.  

CASA’s research and evaluation services ensure that CASA services continue to be evidence-based, effective, and responsive to families. However, fostering innovation, and developing partnerships to advance children’s mental health are also areas of strategic focus for CASA. The Research Strategic Framework arose out of an identified need to coordinate and mobilize these efforts.

Click here to see the Research Strategic Framework 2010-2013