About FNP – Family Navigation Project

About the
Family Navigation Project

The Family Navigation Project (FNP) is a one-of-a-kind program in Canada. It began because a group of caregivers wanted to make the mental health and addictions system easier to understand for youth and families. Their own children were struggling, and they saw how confusing and overwhelming it can be to find the right help. They did not want other families to feel lost or alone while trying to figure things out.

FNP is rooted in lived experience. Caregivers who have walked this road helped shape the program so that families feel heard, supported, and understood. The idea was simple. Create a service where you can talk to someone who listens, understands what you are going through, and helps you explore your options. Someone who can stay with you on the journey and help you find supports that fit your needs.

FNP was founded by Sunnybrook psychiatrist Dr. Anthony Levitt and officially launched in 2013 at Sunnybrook. Even though we started there, we support youth and caregivers across the GTA and will soon be expanding to Northern Ontario. Since launching, FNP has helped more than 6,000 youth and families across Ontario find their way through the mental health and addictions system and connect to care.

Rooted in Lived Experience

Advisory Council

At FNP, we are rooted in lived experience. Through our advisory councils, youth and caregivers partner with us to co-create and co-design programs, services, and ideas so that our work truly reflects the people we support. This means their voices help shape decisions, guide new initiatives, and make sure the support we offer is respectful, relevant, and grounded in real-life experiences of navigating the system.

Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

The Youth Advisory Council is made up of young people with lived experience of mental health and addictions challenges who play a vital role in shaping FNP’s work. YAC members are not just advisors. They are co-designers, leaders, and partners who share honest feedback, identify gaps, and help design programs, tools, and ideas that reflect what youth actually need.

They also lead youth-driven initiatives and work alongside our team on research, evaluation, creative projects, outreach, and recruitment. Their voices make sure FNP remains youth-centered, inclusive, and responsive to real-life experiences.

Family Advisory Council (FAC)

The Family Advisory Council brings together caregivers who have supported a young person through mental health and addictions challenges and want to improve the journey for others. Caregivers have been at the heart of FNP since the beginning. Their dedication, insight, and advocacy helped bring the Family Navigation Project to life in 2013 and continue to shape it today.

FAC members use their lived experience to guide, inform, and strengthen FNP’s services for families. They highlight what is working, identify what is missing, and help ensure our approach is compassionate, practical, and grounded in real-life caregiving experiences.

They work alongside our team on program development, evaluation, research, recruitment, outreach, and fundraising, helping FNP stay closely connected to the needs and realities of families across our communities.

Meet the Team