As Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) entered its twelfth year, families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) were facing even more challenges than usual because of pandemic-related service interruptions. In fact, research conducted by our trainees in partnership with frontline organizations revealed that a significant number of families were in crisis, facing breakdown.

As restrictions eased and Canada began planning for pandemic recovery, we championed Canada’s hundreds of thousands of children with NDDs and their caregivers, who deserve solutions and supports they can count on in all circumstances. We also continued researching flexible, sustainable ways to help them live their best lives, knowing that these innovations need to enter into practice—and remain there—to have a lasting impact.

To this end, many of our research teams focused on spreading solutions across the country via our growing, multijurisdictional network of partners. They have also been removing barriers and helping new practitioners to implement their findings, even under challenging conditions. For example, researchers are making evidence-based programs available online, and testing versions that call for fewer resources.

To ensure that such impactful research continues, training the next generation of neurodevelopmental professionals and researchers is a top priority for KBHN. In 2021-2022, project teams engaged over 200 trainees and community stakeholders with research and implementation activities, providing them with experiential learning opportunities.

Meanwhile, our Board of Directors and the executive team have been focusing on the sustainability of KBHN’s mission after our third and final cycle of funding under the federal NCE program. We have strategized about financing the continuation of our work via government funding initiatives, philanthropy and commercialization. Promising steps have been made on all three fronts.

KBHN is making an important impact, but there is still more work to do. Our team, network members and partners are as dedicated as ever to advancing evidence-based solutions and supporting their implementation so they can reach and benefit as many kids as possible.

Thank you to all who are contributing to this progress with their skills, expertise, lived experience, funds or efforts.

With an eye to sustaining KBHN’s vital work, the registered charity Kids Brain Health Foundation focused on building its infrastructure this year, while also raising money for meaningful initiatives. Notably, we received generous multi-year philanthropic support from The Azrieli Foundation/La Fondation Azrieli and an anonymous donor. These contributions supported the Integrated Navigational Support Program, a cross-Canada initiative that is improving regional service navigation so that families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities can find and access the supports they need. You can read more about it here.

To lay the groundwork for further growth, a working group comprised of staff and foundation board members developed our value proposition, and our governmental and philanthropic cases for support.

Moving forward, the foundation will ramp up its efforts to engage community leaders in supporting our efforts so that kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities can thrive.

We welcome you to join them.