Child Welfare

DEFINING CHILD WELFARE & PROTECTION

Child welfare is a set of government and private agencies that aims to protect children from unsafe home environments and encourage family stability. Child welfare agencies will investigate reported cases of abuse and neglect, supervise foster care, arrange adoptions, and offer services to support families.

Child welfare agencies across Canada have the same similarity of prioritizing the safety of children. The systems have common features such as:

The best interests of the child must be considered
The parent’s primary responsibility for child rearing is respected
It is acknowledged that continuity of care and stability is important for children
The views of children are important to take into consideration when decisions are being made that affect their futures
Cultural heritage should be respected (especially for Indigenous children)

While agencies across Canada share similarities, there may be some small differences. To be kept informed with the most accurate and up to date information, please review your province/territories child protection legislation. In Ontario, please view The Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

CWRP FAQ

Children’s Aid Societies (CAS or the Society) help to protect infants, children and youth who are experiencing abuse or are at risk of experiencing abuse, physically, sexually, emotionally or through neglect or abandonment. They also provide help to families who want some extra support and assistance. Great emphasis is placed on ensuring that children can stay with their families and be safe and thrive. Children’s Aid must sometimes remove children from unsafe conditions and take them into its care – although the vast majority of Children’s Aid work is about protecting children and supporting their families to stay together.

A Few Quick Facts

50 Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario.
Most are referred to as a Children’s Aid Society, such as the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, Peel CAS, York Region Children’s Aid Society.
Some are referred to Child and Family Services such as the Dufferin Child and Family Services.
Some agencies provide additional services including children’s mental health services and developmental services, as well as parenting and youth programs.

What the Law Says

In Ontario, Children’s Aid Societies have the exclusive legal responsibility to provide child protection services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. CAS must:

Investigate allegations or evidence that children who are under the age of 18 years are in need of protection
Protect children who are under the age of 18 years
Provide guidance, counselling and other services to families for protecting children or for the prevention of circumstances requiring the protection of children
Provide care for children assigned to its care
Supervise children assigned to its supervision
Place children for adoption
Provide protection for children who have been harmed or are at risk of harm

How MCASS fits in

At the present time, there is no legislated Children’s Aid Society for the diverse Muslim communities. Muslim children and families are under the responsibility of the Children’s Aid Society for the place in which they live (for example the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto).

We support families who are engaged with the Society. Support may include: