OACAS has released our 2024–2025 Annual Report, Value for Members. This year’s report highlights the work we’ve done to support and advocate for our members, and to deliver real, measurable impact for children, youth, and families across Ontario.
In 2024–2025, OACAS advanced a bold advocacy agenda meeting with over 30 representatives from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), participating in more than 50 partnership meetings, and issuing key submissions and public communications. These efforts focused on urgent sector challenges such as the need for more foster caregivers, enhanced services for children with complex needs, and sustainable funding.
We also expanded our efforts to center youth voice and equity in all areas of our work. Through the One Vision One Voice program and the SOGIE Initiative, we supported Black and 2SLGBTQ+ youth, including launching a 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Council and hosting Camp Lifting Leaves. Youth participation continued to grow, with 80 young people attending the YouthCAN conference and nearly 250 participants at the PowerUP! Youth Symposium.
As a sector convenor, OACAS hosted 32 provincial networking groups and 28 webinars some with up to 1,000 participants offering timely and practical supports to child welfare professionals across the province. We also deepened our commitments to Indigenous communities, supporting service transitions and advancing reconciliation through relationships with organizations such as the Chiefs of Ontario, Métis Nation of Ontario, and others.
This year, OACAS delivered significant cost savings to our members, including a $1.5 million reduction in group insurance premiums and $8 million in lifetime cost avoidance through shared purchasing services. A 22% membership fee rebate also returned $818,970 to agencies. The launch of the new myOACAS Learning Portal provided digital training to nearly 14,000 users, including over 5,500 caregivers.
In September 2024, OACAS marked an important leadership transition with the appointment of Solomon Owoo as our new Chief Executive Officer. Solomon brings a strong commitment to sector-wide collaboration, strategic partnerships, and responsive leadership to support our members and advance our mission.
This year’s report reflects the collective strength of our membership, staff, and partners, and our shared goal of building a child welfare system where every child and youth can thrive.
To read our complete Annual Report, click here.
