Black Mental Health Week is a citywide initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health impacts of anti‑Black racism and fostering healing within Toronto’s Black communities. Observed annually during the first full week of March, Black Mental Health Week creates space to advocate for culturally responsive mental health services, amplify Black voices, and engage communities in meaningful dialogue about well‑being, resilience, and collective care.
At the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), we remain committed to supporting the mental health of Black children, youth and families through meaningful programs and partnerships that promote positive outcomes and strengthen community connections.
One example is the Black Agency Network (BAN). First launched in 2023 in partnership with CAST, Anchoring Minds Inc, and Delta Family Resource Centre, BAN is an initiative designed to help Black families better navigate the child welfare system in the Greater Toronto Area.
BAN provides culturally relevant supports that empower African Canadian families to achieve stability and reduce the need for deeper intervention within the child welfare system. The initiative connects families to essential resources such as legal aid, mental health services, employment assistance, and education supports. BAN also strengthens collaboration among Black‑led organizations and provides access to Navigators who help coordinate services and connections for families working with our Agency and involved in child welfare.
BAN is one of many programs and partnerships advancing equity and strengthening culturally responsive practice at CAST. While Black Mental Health Week creates space for awareness and dialogue, our work continues year‑round. We remain committed to building systems of support that are culturally grounded, community‑informed, and designed to promote lasting well‑being for Black children, youth and families.
