Children First
Working Together to Put Children First
National Advisory Councils
At Put Children First, we believe the best decisions are made when people from different backgrounds come together with a shared purpose. Supporting children and strengthening families requires more than one perspective—it calls for the collective knowledge of professionals, researchers, community leaders, businesses, educators, and families who have lived these experiences themselves.
Our National Advisory Councils bring together individuals from across Canada who generously volunteer their time, expertise, and lived experience to help guide our work. While each council has a unique focus, they all share a common commitment: ensuring that every initiative, partnership, educational resource, and advocacy effort reflects the needs and best interests of children.
Together, these councils help us remain informed, collaborative, and responsive as we work toward building stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future for children across Canada.
01.
National Parents & Lived Experience Council
The National Parents & Lived Experience Council ensures that the voices of families remain at the heart of our work. Made up of parents, grandparents, caregivers, and adults who experienced family transition during childhood, the Council brings valuable lived experience that helps inform our programs, educational resources, research, and advocacy.
Their perspectives remind us that behind every policy discussion and every statistic is a child and a family navigating real-life challenges. By listening to those who have walked this journey, we are better equipped to promote practical, compassionate, and child-centred solutions that support healthier outcomes for families across Canada.
02.
National Fellowship Program (Honorary Council)
The National Fellowship Program recognizes distinguished professionals whose knowledge and leadership have made a meaningful impact in their respective fields. Our Honorary Fellows include experienced leaders from areas such as law, healthcare, education, research, public service, social work, business, and community leadership.
Although Fellows are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization, they serve as trusted advisors who share their expertise, mentor emerging leaders, contribute to research and public education, and help ensure that Put Children First continues to grow with integrity, credibility, and thoughtful leadership.
Their collective wisdom strengthens our mission and helps shape practical solutions that place children’s wellbeing at the centre of every conversation.
03.
Youth Advisory Council
Young people have important perspectives that deserve to be heard. The Youth Advisory Council provides a meaningful opportunity for youth and young adults to share their experiences, ideas, and insights while helping shape initiatives that directly affect children and families.
Council members contribute to educational resources, awareness campaigns, research, and community outreach, ensuring that the voices of young people continue to guide our work. Their participation helps us better understand the challenges children and youth face during family transition while encouraging leadership, inclusion, and positive change.
04.
Corporate Partnership Council
Businesses have an important role to play in building stronger communities. The Corporate Partnership Council brings together leaders from across Canada’s business community who believe that supporting children and families is a shared responsibility.
Council members provide strategic advice on corporate partnerships, community investment, sponsorship opportunities, and workplace engagement. By connecting the private sector with meaningful community initiatives, they help create partnerships that expand our impact and strengthen the support available to children and families across the country.
05.
University Partnership Network
The University Partnership Network builds meaningful relationships between Put Children First and colleges and universities across Canada. Through collaboration with faculty, researchers, administrators, and students, the Network helps advance research, education, student learning, and community engagement.
Together, we create opportunities for internships, collaborative research, guest lectures, applied learning, and knowledge sharing that benefit both students and the communities they serve. By connecting academic excellence with practical action, the Network helps strengthen our understanding of child wellbeing and supports innovative approaches that improve outcomes for children and families.
What We Care For!
The Emotional Wellbeing of Children
We care deeply about the emotional safety, stability, and mental health of children navigating family separation. Every decision should protect a child’s sense of belonging, identity, and security.
Meaningful Relationships With Both Parents
We believe children thrive when they have consistent, loving relationships with both parents whenever it is safe. Preserving these bonds supports healthy development, confidence, and emotional balance.
Shared Parenting and Cooperation
We care about promoting shared parenting models that encourage collaboration rather than conflict. Cooperative parenting reduces stress on children and creates healthier family outcomes.
Early Support and Prevention
We value early intervention that helps families address conflict, trauma, and emotional distress before harm escalates. Timely support can prevent long term emotional, academic, and behavioral challenges.
Healing and Accountability for Parents
We care about helping parents reflect, heal, and take responsibility for decisions that impact their children. Growth and accountability create pathways for reconciliation and healthier co-parenting relationships.
Fair and Child Centered Systems
We advocate for systems and policies that place children first rather than adult conflict or bias. Fair processes grounded in evidence and compassion help protect children during family transitions.
