- What is a CAS ?
- Who calls CAS?
- When should you call CAS?
- What is the age of the children to whom the "Duty to Report" applies?
- What happens when you call CAS?
- What if parents are unable to provide care for their children?
- Who looks after the child in CAS care?
- How do I go about becoming a foster parent?
- What is adoption?
- Are you pregnant and need help?
- I was adopted. How do I find out information on my birth parents?
- At what age can a child be left home alone?
- I have a complaint about a CAS, who should I contact?
- What should I know about child protection court cases?
What is a CAS?
The Children's Aid Society (CAS) , also known as Family and Children's Services (F&CS), is a non-profit agency working in local communities to provide help and support to children and their families. Established under the authority of The Child and Family Services Act , the CAS is a non-profit corporation formed by concerned people in each community. The CAS is operated by a board of directors elected from the local community and by the membership at large. Board members have a specific interest in the welfare of children and offer individual skills to assist in running the agency. The board of directors reflects the opinions of the community it serves. Programs and services are developed in response to the needs of children and families in the local community.
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Who calls CAS?
- Professionals and citizens call CAS when they suspect abuse or neglect.
- Families call CAS when they have difficulties managing their children.
- Children call CAS when they are encountering problems at home.
Legislation requires that
A person who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection must make the report directly to a Children's Aid Society and that people who work with children who suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect must report these suspicions to the CAS; failure to do so could subject the person to a fine.
For more information
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When should you call CAS?
As soon as you suspect abuse or neglect anytime - 24 hours-a-day , 7 days-a-week . A phone call to CAS will bring immediate help to a child at risk of abuse. It is not your responsibility to determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred. Each CAS is responsible for the investigation and the assessment of abuse and neglect of children and also the ultimate management of a case when a child is taken into care. Please contact your local CAS immediately if you have concerns about a child.
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What is the age of the children whom "Duty to Report" applies?
The duty to report applies to any child who is, or appears to be, under the age of 16 years. It also applies to children subject to a child protection order who are 16 and 17 years old.
People can still call their local CAS to report abuse of a child or young person, when that young person is over 16, the CAS can direct the caller/referral source to the appropriate resources/community services.
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What happens when you call CAS?
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What if parents are unable to provide care for their children?
- Children may be admitted to CAS care with the consent of the parents or by court order.
- The CAS might seek out relatives or other significant persons to provide short-term care.
- The CAS will continue to provide help to the family, encourage visits and ultimately reunite the child and family unless the child is made a Crown ward. Every effort is made to reunite child and family and regular visits are encouraged. Parents may be requested to contribute financially to their child's support.
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Who looks after the child in CAS care?
Most children receive care in foster homes or group homes in or near their home community. Some children may require placements geared to their special needs. Foster families are able to provide care, understanding and relief to many children during a family's time of crisis. Placements are usually temporary with the plan to return the child to the natural family following regular counselling and visits. As a last resort, the court may make a child a crown ward if the family situation cannot be restored. At that time, a permanent plan for the child will be developed.
For more information
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How do I go about becoming a foster parent?
For information about foster care you should speak to someone in the foster care department at your local CAS. Foster care is mostly operated by local CASs so the procedure to become a foster parent may be slightly different from agency to agency.
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What is adoption?
- The CAS has the responsibility to find permanent families for all children in its care who are available for adoption and who could benefit from a family.
- Permanent adoptive homes are always needed for older and special needs children.
- Applicants must participate in a home study, provided at no cost.
- The CAS will provide support to the adoptive family once the child is placed in the home and until the adoption is finalized.
- If you require assistance after the adoption is finalized, the CAS is prepared to help you.
- If you have given a child up for adoption or are adopted yourself and would like to begin to learn about your birth family, the CAS may be able to help you.
- For more information on adoption in Ontario, check out these links
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Are you pregnant and need help?
- Young persons can turn to CAS when they discover they are pregnant.
- Many options are available to the mother.
- The worker will explore all the alternatives with the mother so that she can make the best decision.
- Support and counselling can be provided to both parents during the pregnancy and after the birth.
- If the mother decides to parent the baby, support can be provided.
- Alternate care can be provided during the time of uncertainty.
- If adoption is chosen, the society will find the best suitable home for the child.
If you have any questions regarding the services provided, please contact your local CAS .
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I was adopted. How do I find out information on my birth parents?
Please read the Ministry of Community and Social Services website for more information
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At what age can a child be left home alone?
The Child and Family Services Act does not identify an age when a child can be left alone, or an age at which a child can supervise or babysit other children. The Act recognizes that age alone is not a sufficient safeguard for the supervision of children.
The Act says that a person who has charge of a child less than 16 years of age cannot leave the child without making provision for his/her care or supervision that is reasonable under the circumstances. Anyone who contravenes this provision is guilty of a provincial offence and if convicted is liable to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to a year.
In addition, the Criminal Code of Canada includes the offence of abandoning a child. Everyone who unlawfully abandons or exposes a child who is under the age of 10 years, so that its life is or is likely to be endangered, or its health is or is likely to be permanently injured is guilty of an offence that carries a penalty of imprisonment of not more than two years.
If you're unsure as to whether it's okay to leave your child home alone, please consult with your local Children's Aid Society -- you don't have to give your name, or any identifying information.
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I have a complaint about a CAS, who should I contact?
 Please v iew the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services website
Do you have a complaint about services you have sought or received from an Ontario Children’s Aid Society?
View the Child and Family Services Review Board Brochure, Do you want a review of a decision you have received from an Ontario Children's Aid Society or licensee?
The OACAS is a membership organization that works on behalf of CASs and children in the province. The CASs in the province do not report to the OACAS us nor does OACAS have any authority over how they deliver service. They are independent organizations managed by community boards and are funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
If you are unhappy with the service provided to you or a member of your family, please read the Ministry brochure which outlines the process or if you want a review of a decision you received from a Children's Aid Society, read the CFSRB brochure.
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What should I know about child protection court cases?
 The Ministry of the Attorney General has created a brochure called, What You Should Know About Child Protection Court Cases.
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