Learn how OACAS supports child welfare agencies and hear heartwarming testimonials from kin and alternate
caregivers
Every child and youth in Ontario have a right to safety and well-being. Children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies (child welfare agencies) are part of the network of community-based organizations and service providers that are dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and safety of young people and their families across the province.
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) is a provincial membership organization supporting child welfare agencies, which directly deliver services to children, youth, and families. Together, OACAS and agencies work together to bring positive change to Ontario’s child welfare system and work towards improved, equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families.
“OACAS and our member agencies do not work alone. We partner with organizations in the broader social services sector at the provincial and community level to improve systems serving children, youth, and families,” says Solomon Owoo, CEO of OACAS. “We also partner on joint advocacy whenever we can. Together, we can close systemic gaps and address barriers to care.”
OACAS: Supporting agencies as a membership organization, not a governing body
As a membership association, OACAS provides a variety of services to promote and strengthen child welfare, including advocacy, government relations, public education, and training.
OACAS represents 47 of the 50 designated child welfare agencies, as well as two pre-mandated Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies, across Ontario.
“Systems serving children, youth, and families are deeply interconnected. It’s our collective responsibility to explore these connections and look at how we can improve systems so they truly meet the needs of families,” says Owoo, who adds that OACAS is committed to working in partnership with all levels of government and community-based partners to transform systems of care, including child welfare.
OACAS also supports and administers programs such as the Aftercare Benefits Initiative (ABI), a health and dental program that provides free benefits coverage and health services for former youth in care. Other programs include the Clark Bursary Award scholarship, a program established in 1989 through a generous donation by Ron and Nancy Clark of Caledonia, with the goal of assisting youth in and from care to achieve their academic and career goals; the One Vision One Voice (OVOV) program supporting Black children, youth, and families, and child welfare staff; and the SOGIE Initiative providing support to 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, families, and child welfare staff. Additionally, OACAS works with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and partners to develop and provide educational and training opportunities for child welfare agencies to deepen their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This builds the capacity of agencies to deliver services to Indigenous children, youth, and families in a way that is culturally inclusive.
Changing perceptions: The role of child welfare agencies in their
communities
Child welfare agencies are contacted in circumstances where an individual is concerned that a child under the age of 18 has been harmed or may be at risk of harm. Agencies work closely with local organizations and service providers, as well as kin and alternate caregivers, in their communities to facilitate crisis intervention, early intervention, prevention-focused, and out-of-home care.
In 97 per cent of child welfare investigations, children and youth remain at home to avoid disrupting a young person’s home life. Only 3 per cent of investigations result in a change of residence. Whenever possible, agencies try to prevent children and youth from entering care. When a child enters care, child welfare agencies work with families to address concerns so that they can return home as soon as possible.
Each agency operates under the governance of a board of directors and is subject to oversight from various organizations including the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Child and Family Services Review Board, and the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario.
Inspiring caregivers: Real stories of dedication and love
While agencies try their very best to ensure children can remain at home, there are situations where this is not possible. In these cases, they work with kin and alternate caregivers to coordinate out-of-home care placements (e.g., kinship service, kinship care, customary care, family-based foster care).
“It’s just a matter of having a lot of love, compassion, empathy, and understanding,” says Serenity Kashuba, a foster parent in Thunder Bay, Ont. “Being able to see not only the children thriving but to be able to watch everybody come together to help the families – mom, dad, and extended family as well – is really rewarding.”
“I think it’s important for the community to be aware that there is a need,” adds Sandra, a foster parent residing in Toronto. “I’m not just supporting the teenager, I’m supporting the parent. Families need help, and you can be that help.”
Empowering children and youth across Ontario
Kin and alternate caregivers play a vital role in supporting children, youth, and families. Broad support networks are directly linked to better outcomes and positively contribute to the well-being of young people and families interacting with Ontario’s child welfare system.
“Kin and alternate caregivers ensure children and youth receive care in a way that is inclusive and identity-affirming,” says Owoo. “Yet stepping forward as a kin or alternate caregiver is not the only way to make a difference. We all have a role to play in supporting the children, youth, and families in our communities. You can get involved by volunteering as driver, mentor, or tutor with your local child welfare agency.”
To learn more about OACAS and how you can get involved, visit oacas.org.
