Adaptation and validation of the Washington group/unicef child functioning module in a nationally representative sample of Canadian children and youth

This study extends existing research by demonstrating the utility of the WG/UNICEF CFM in assessing cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and emotional functional difficulties at the population level in a high-income country. The measure's strong psychometric properties, ease of use, and cost-free administration support its applicability in general population health surveys of children and youth. Findings highlight the value of a dimensional approach to functional difficulties, offering a more comprehensive understanding of population-level variations in functioning. Integrating this measure into large-scale surveys can facilitate trend monitoring, improve data-driven policy interventions, and support strategic planning for education, healthcare, and social services. These insights contribute to optimizing resource allocation and ensuring equitable access to services that address the diverse functional needs of children and youth.