Children's Aid Societies provide an essential service and are legislated to perform certain functions under the provisions of Section 15 of the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA). The mandate of Children's Aid Societies as described in this section of the CFSA includes the following

• to investigate allegations that children are in need of protection;
• to protect children;
• to provide guidance for protecting children and for the prevention of circumstances requiring the protection of children; and
• to provide care for children assigned to its care under this Act.

Children's Aid Societies protect children from abuse including neglect, help parents and caregivers build healthy families and provide a safe, nurturing place for children and youth to grow up and realize their full potential.

There are 53 Children's Aid Societies in Ontario. They are incorporated not-for-profit agencies governed by volunteer boards of directors elected from the local community and funded by the Province of Ontario.

Because of their belief in the importance of early intervention, Children's Aid Societies also provide assessments, crisis intervention, counseling and services to prevent child abuse and neglect. In addition, Children's Aid Societies help vulnerable families protect and support their children. Many prevention programs are offered in partnership with other community agencies.

Whenever possible, Children's Aid Societies and other agencies involved in child welfare work to keep children at home with their natural families, but when children cannot remain at home or live with relatives safely, Children's Aid Societies offer a variety of substitute care programs, including foster care; and also facilitate the adoption of Crown Wards (permanent wards of the province).

Learn more about Children’s Aid Societies, the CFSA, your duty to report, identifying the signs of abuse and reporting abuse and neglect.