Sparking lasting change for mothers and children

Visit cafdn.org to learn more about Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada

Building Brighter Futures through ‘Mothers in Mind’

The Royal LePage® Shelter Foundation™ is proud to announce a $50,000 grant to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CACF) in support of their innovative Mothers in Mind (MIM) program. MIM is a trauma-informed, evidence-based initiative designed to support mothers who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) while promoting the well-being of their young children.

In collaboration with experts in child welfare, child development, and family violence, MIM provides targeted parenting support that strengthens the bond between mothers and their children while helping them heal from trauma. The program is integrated within child protection agencies, where groups are co-facilitated by clinical and child protection staff, ensuring a seamless combination of expertise in children’s mental health and child welfare services.

Exploring the Need

IPV continues to be a major issue in Canada, with serious consequences for both women and children. The impact of IPV often increases the likelihood that children will become involved in the child welfare system, affecting their development and long-term well-being.

• 100 municipalities in Ontario have declared IPV an epidemic1

• 50% of child welfare investigations in Ontario are IPV related2

• 40% of Canadian women have experienced IPV over the last decade3

Children exposed to IPV are: 

• more likely to experience developmental delays4

• at higher risk for learning disabilities, behavioural issues, and mental health challenges4

• more vulnerable to homelessness, poverty, and future involvement in violence, either as victims or perpetrators4 

Program benefits

• Quality one-on-one time. On a weekly basis, MIM provides children under four with an opportunity for connection and play with their mothers alongside other children close in age

• Stronger attachments. Mothers and children build vital bonds and warmer, more patient responses to each other and themselves.

• Improved confidence. Mothers gain valuable parenting experience and take away strategies and tools they can continue to use well after the program ends. 

• Community and connection. With this approach, mothers feel less alone as they connect meaningfully with other women, many of whom have similar histories and life experiences.

“This investment is far more than just financial,” said Lisa Gibbs, Executive Director, Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “We are deeply aligned with the CACF mission to break the cycle of family trauma and strengthen the vital bonds between mothers who have experienced IPV and their young children.” 

Visit rlp.ca/donate to make a donation.