Family Leadership Program
Client and family centred care (CFCC) is one of Holland Bloorview’s core values and we are committed to a family centred approach in all we do. At the core of CFCC is the Family Leadership Program (FLP). The FLP creates partnerships with families so that their unique wants, needs and preferences are included in all areas of program planning, delivery and evaluation at Holland Bloorview and the Bloorview Research Institute.
The program was formalized in 2011 and now consists of 150+ volunteer family leaders who sit on 55+ special projects and committees internally and externally (as of 2015). Family leaders also provide one on one peer support and teach at new staff orientation, educate students and speak at conferences globally.
You can make a big impact at Holland Bloorview by joining the Family Leadership Program.
There are so many ways to get involved. We will work with you to find a volunteer role that fits your interests and schedule. You can participate in both research and hospital projects in person and from home.
Family Advisory Committee
The Family Advisory Committee (FAC) advocates for client and family centred care (CFCC) atHolland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and acts as a resource to hospital leaders in service design and improvements. We aim to promote the highest quality carein programs and services for young people and their families.
The FACis open to all current and former clients and their families. The FAC meets monthly.
Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has been an important part of Holland Bloorview since 1996. The council’s members are youth aged 14 and older who have received services at Holland Bloorview.
With meetings every month from September through June, YAC provides a sounding board for staff, clients, families and students. YAC provides input into the development and evaluation of Holland Bloorview’s programs and services. It also offers youth and young adults the opportunity to develop advocacy skills and be involved in helping to create possibilities for younger generations of Holland Bloorview clients.
For more information, please contact the team by email youthleader@hollandbloorview.ca or at (416) 425-6220, ext. 3782.
Research Family Engagement Committee
The Bloorview Research Institute Family Engagement Committee (RFEC) works in partnership with the Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) to engage families in research.
Learn more about the Bloorview Research Institute Family Engagement Committee.
Children's Advisory Council
We know the best care happens when families and staff work together. Holland Bloorview’s Children’s Advisory Council is a place where kids can share their ideas on how to make our services better. Clients and their siblings aged three to 13 are welcome. For more information, please email familypartner@hollandbloorview.ca
Be a hospital advisor
Share your experience and ideas on hospital committees
Be part of organizational decision making and shaping the care experience
Be a family mentor
Provide support to other families
Co-host a family support group
Be a teacher
Share your story at new staff orientation
Present at conferences
Be a member of the Family Advisory Committee
Advance client and family centred care
Attend monthly meetings with hospital leaders
Inform hospital strategy and advance projects to help other families
Be a Family Advisor
Give advice or insight at a single, specific part of the research process
Examples: Give feedback on research tools (interview questions, surveys, etc.)
Be a Family Partner
Be an active member of a research team
Give advice of insight during many parts of the research process
Examples: Review funding and ethics applications, or help write research articles
Be a Lived Experience Educator
Share your experience to educate and inspire researchers and trainees
Examples: Help teams find areas of focus, or promote awareness of research findings
Be a member of the Research Family Engagement Committee
Advance client and family centred research
Attend monthly meetings with senior research leaders
Advise the Bloorview Research Institute on how to promote family engagement in research
Benefits for family leaders:
Free parking while volunteering
Free childcare (ages 2.5 years and older) available in the Ronald McDonald Playroom onsite
Access to educational materials, ongoing support and training
Opportunities to attend hospital special events, workshops and presentations
Opportunities to network with other Holland Bloorview families
Benefits for families:
Improves services for clients and families
Provides a chance to create positive and meaningful change
Gives a chance for families to help other families
Builds knowledge and skills
Models community involvement and leadership
Benefits for health care professionals:
Increases understanding of family situations
Improves a health care provider's ability to do their job
Improves relationships between families and health care providers
Gives new ideas for improving services
Increases responsiveness to family needs
Benefits for Holland Bloorview:
Provides new ideas and creative solutions
Improves quality of programs and services
Increases collaboration between health care professionals, clients and families
Families have partnered with Holland Bloorview to:
Develop the hospital’s strategic plan
Advise on the rollout of our electronic health record
Improve how clients, families and health care teams develop treatment action plans
Define how clients and families engage in our research
Educate internationally on client and family centred care
- Be a family member of a Holland Bloorview client (current or past)
- Work well with others, respect diversity and differing opinions
Be interested in partnering with staff and other families and clients
Be open to the ideas of others
Maintain respect for privacy (confidentiality)
Complete the Family Leader Application Package
Thank you very much for your interest in becoming a Family Leader at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and/or the Bloorview Research Institute.
We value your feedback and we’re excited to meet with you!
As a next step, we ask you to please complete the application process. The process includes the following two (2) parts:
Two (2) references
Employment and/or volunteer references are preferred when possible; however we will also accept references from teachers, community leaders, or other non-family/friends. One (1) of your references can be Holland Bloorview staff.
- Paper submission: The electronic reference form can be printed, and should be submitted in sealed envelopes with the signature of the person who completed the form across the seal of the envelope. The application and references should arrive as one complete package. It can be delivered in person to main reception or mailed to:
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Attn: The Family Leadership Team
150 Kilgour Road
Toronto, ON M4G 1R8
- Electronic submission: You may email your application form to familypartner@hollandbloorview.ca
Please ask whoever is providing a reference to complete the electronic reference form.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact: familypartner@hollandbloorview.ca
