Children's Aid Society (Canada)
Encyclopedia
The Children's Aid Societies (CAS) of Ontario
, Canada
, are independent organizations empowered by the Ontario government to perform child protection services. The declared goal is to "promote the best interests, protection and well being of children".
Their principal goals are to
The societies receive funding from, and are under the supervision of the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
. However, they are regarded as a Non-governmental organization
(NGO), which allows the CAS a large degree of autonomy from interference or direction in the day-to-day running of CAS by the Ministry. The Child and Family Services Review Board exists to investigate complaints against CAS and maintains authority to act against the societies.
Recently a Psychologist employed by Durham CAS was found guilty for misrepresenting his qualifications.
Several children under supervision of CAS have died in the last few years but CAS will not release much information citing privacy concerns.
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, are independent organizations empowered by the Ontario government to perform child protection services. The declared goal is to "promote the best interests, protection and well being of children".
Their principal goals are to
- investigate reports or evidence of abuse or neglect of children under the age of 16 or in the society's care or supervision and, where necessary, take steps to protect the children
- care for and supervise children who come under their care or supervision
- counsel and support families for the protection of children or to prevent circumstances requiring the protection of children
- place children for adoption
The societies receive funding from, and are under the supervision of the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Ministry of Children and Youth Services (Ontario)
The Ministry of Children and Youth Services is responsible for services to children and youth in the Canadian province of Ontario. They recently introduced Bill 210 -- an Act to amend the Child and Family Services Act -- which will open adoptions to members of the child's extended families...
. However, they are regarded as a Non-governmental organization
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
(NGO), which allows the CAS a large degree of autonomy from interference or direction in the day-to-day running of CAS by the Ministry. The Child and Family Services Review Board exists to investigate complaints against CAS and maintains authority to act against the societies.
Authority
Children's Aid Societies have authority under provincial legislation to remove children from homes where they face either a risk of harm, or have experienced harm. Children who cannot remain with caregivers are sometimes placed with other family members ("kin"), family friends ("kith"), or in customary care, which is an option for aboriginal children. In other cases, children can be placed into foster homes or group homes, as well as being adopted. In most cases, children remain in their home, where they are provided service by their local Children's Aid Society until there are no longer child protection concerns.Advocacy Group Membership
Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies(OACAS) is a membership organization representing CASs in Ontario. Influencing public opinion by promoting child welfare issues is a critical goal.Controversy
Children's Aid Societies have been found guilty of incompetence, negligence and malicious prosecution.Recently a Psychologist employed by Durham CAS was found guilty for misrepresenting his qualifications.
Several children under supervision of CAS have died in the last few years but CAS will not release much information citing privacy concerns.
External links
- Child and Family Services Act
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies
- Foster Care Survivors Web Site - The Foster Care Council of Canada
- Canada Court Watch - Court watchdog focusing on CAS related issues.
- What Would you Do? - A organization critical of Children's Aid methods