This conference, our second, brings together presenters from six continents to explore aspects of resilience such as how we:
• design clinical interventions and social programs to make resilience more likely
• offer informal community supports in ways young people want
• nurture healthy family, school and community relationships
• celebrate cultural traditions that support children’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being
• design schools for vulnerable learners
• negotiate social policy that is child and youth friendly
• secure peace and contribute to social justice and citizenship for children
Together, as an interdisciplinary group, we will discuss not only how children beat the odds stacked against them, but how professionals and caregivers can change those odds so that young people around the world experience resilience in culturally meaningful ways.

 The Symposium provides an opportunity for those working in all sectors in child and youth mental health to discuss next steps in implementation of a mental health strategy. As Canada moves towards hope and renewal the common vision for those working towards this strategy is to make sure children and youth remain a priority.

The conference will demonstrate how a coordinated, integrated multi-agency response more effectively meets the needs of youth with mental health issues who are or who may be in the justice system and will identify the supports required for that approach to be successful.