The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) has released its Strategic Plan 2026–2031, outlining the organization’s new set of priorities for the next five years. The plan was created amid what is a rapidly evolving child welfare landscape and it is designed to help the sector respond to increasingly complex needs facing children, youth, and families across Ontario.
“We are facing a period of increasing complexity across Ontario’s child welfare sector and broader children’s services systems,” said OACAS Chief Executive Officer Solomon Owoo. “This new strategic plan answers a clear call from our agencies and partners to strengthen alignment, clarify our role, and advance more coordinated, evidence-informed approaches to system improvement.”
Developed through extensive engagement with member agencies, staff, partners, and stakeholders, the plan reaffirms OACAS’ role as a provincial convener, advisor, advocate, and connector while strengthening its commitment to supporting members and advancing collective action across the sector.
The Strategic Plan is built around four priorities:
- Strengthening Membership Engagement and Sector Alignment – Working with Members, For Members
- Advancing Strategic Advocacy and Storytelling – Influencing Through Evidence and Trust
- Building Partnerships and Relationships – Enhancing Presence and Building Trust
- Enhancing Data, Learning, and System Improvement – From Insight to Impact
Together, these priorities will guide OACAS’ efforts to encourage stronger collaboration, support evidence-informed decision-making, amplify sector voices, and help drive meaningful and lasting system improvement.
“We recognize that improving outcomes for children, youth, and families requires sustained collaboration across systems,” Owoo said. “We look forward to continuing to build on our relationships with agencies and partners, and to working together to advance shared solutions.”
