Toronto Police Services Board’s Mental Health and Advisory Panel (MHAAP) Invites Applications for Membership from Community

The Board, at its meeting of February 21, 2019, approved the establishment of the Board’s Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Panel (MHAAP) (Min. No. P36/19 refers) which superseded its then-current Mental Health Sub-Committee.

As noted at that time, MHAAP is comprised of Board Members, Service Members and members of the community, ensuring that representatives from organizations run by and for people with lived experiences are included.

MHAAP’s membership must reflect the diversity of Toronto with representatives from major as well as more locally-based groups or organizations serving youth and marginalized and racialized groups.

When establishing MHAAP, alongside those with expertise in the areas of law and human rights, accountability and data, an emphasis was placed on including individuals with both client-focused, and direct lived experience of mental health and addictions issues (including lived experience in addictions or substance use, including harm reduction and service delivery). A minimum of two members with direct lived experience of mental health and addictions issues or who are connected to an organization representing people with lived experience of mental health and addictions issues, was required as part of the membership of MHAAP.
 
Police Reform Recommendation #63 approved by the Board in August 2020 (Min. No. P129/20 refers) requires the MHAAP membership to be reviewed at least once every 3 years or when otherwise required.
 
At this time, we are seeking applications for the new membership of MHAAP.
 
Current MHAAP members are encouraged to apply, along with other interested community members who would like the opportunity to be a part of MHAAP.
 
We are seeking membership from a cross-section of sectors, representing a vast span of expertise, experience and perspectives.  
 
In particular, we have identified some specific expertise that we would like one or more members to possess as follows: (it should be noted that it is not expected that all members will have expertise in all areas)

• Mental Health and Addictions Expertise
• Expertise from Individuals with Lived Experience of Mental Health and/or Addiction Issues or Knowledge of Experience 
• Expertise/experience with Youth/Young People
• Expertise/experience with marginalized/vulnerable populations
• Expertise in data analysis and evaluation
• Understanding of and/or experience with alternative crisis delivery models 

In addition, every member of MHAAP should possess some level of skill in or demonstration of the following areas:

• Analytical and Critical Thinking 
• Interpersonal Communications  
• Governance Expertise 
• Commitment to MHAAP’s mandate 

Individuals wishing to apply for membership on MHAAP will be required to provide a resume, and to complete an application form, comprised of a series of questions about the applicant’s experience and background, including the level and nature of expertise the applicant has, the applicant’s background and relevant community experience. 
 
Once again, an emphasis is placed on including individuals with both client-focused and direct lived experience of mental health and addictions issues.
 
Applications must be received by Friday August 19, 2022.
 
Those applicants who have been chosen to proceed through the process will be asked to attend an interview in September 2022. At the conclusion of the selection process, the selection panel will recommend to the Board a list of proposed members to participate on MHAAP, as well as the Board and Community Co-Chairs. 
 
It is anticipated that the recommendations for membership will be made to the Board at or by its meeting on November 14, 2022.
 
It is anticipated that MHAAP will meet every three months, and as needed.  A number of sub-committees and working groups may also be established to deal with specific issues.
 
It is anticipated that the first meeting of the newly-constituted MHAAP will be held in January 2023, and that MHAAP’s membership will be reviewed at least once every three years, or when otherwise required.
 
Applications can be made by following this link: https://tpsb.ca/mhaap-application

 
Contact:          Sandy Murray
                        sandy.murray@tpsb.ca 
                        416-808-8090


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