Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Society (OACAS)

1. These services and supports include:

2. The OACAS has worked to create publicaiton called 'The Other Side of the Door A Practice Guide for Child Welfare Professionals working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples (FNIM) http://www.oacas.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2014nov_other_side_of_the_door.pdf

2.1. The objective of the guide is that child welfare employees will develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of FNIM unique communities, their rich history and complex story.

3. OACAS works to enhance the lives of Aboriginal children involved in the child welfare system in Ontario. This is achieved through identifying and uniting key stakeholders to help inform child welfare policy and legislation that makes sense for Aboriginal children and families.

4. Consolidates key child welfare information and ensures that it is received in the right form at the right time by the right audiences in order to advance key priorities in delivering excellent child welfare in Ontario with the goal of enhancing public confidence.

5. Through government and stakeholder relations:  -OACAS develops and maintains working partnerships in support of the work of child welfare. - It works with provincial government on the development and response to legislation, standards, policy, regulations, etc.. -OACAS represents member societies’ interests in public forums. -OACAS makes presentations to the legislature

6. Child Welfare Operations Excellence (Operational Practice) – provides leadership and support to members.

7. Child Welfare Service Excellence (Service Delivery, Education, Training) – OACAS promotes knowledge regarding best practices, showcasing research/evaluation and delivering education/training regarding the full spectrum of child welfare practices, providing change management leadership and supporting the incubation of innovation concerning child welfare service.

8. What services/programs are available for Ontario students and their families?

9. On behalf of 44 Children’s Aid Societies and four Aboriginal organizations who are associate members, OACAS provides advocacy and government relations, public education, training, information and knowledge management, and event planning.

10. OACAS has been the voice of child welfare in Ontario for over 100 years, enhancing and promoting the welfare and well-being of children, youth and families. OACAS works to create a highly effective system of services for children which has the confidence of Ontario families and communities.

11. Duty To Report- “it takes a village to raise a child” -  we must all protect children, and therefore it is the responsibility of everyone, including educators and citizens within the community. (as per section 72 of the Child and Family Services Act ) Not sure what to do to help a child? See Duty to Report Poster: http://www.oacas.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Duty-to-Report_2014_-Poster2-ENG.pdf

12. OACAS website and services are available in French as well.

13. Mindful of best practice approaches for agencies working with Aboriginal children and families, to ensure greater knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the unique history and culture of Aboriginal children and families.

13.1. Represents and supports 44 Children’s Aid Societies and four Aboriginal organizations

14. They are collaborative: By creating and nurturing relationships and partnerships and being committed to diversity.

15. OUR VISION: A highly effective children's services system which has the confidence of Ontario families and communities.

16. OUR MISSION: A leader and collaborator promoting the welfare of children, youth and families through leadership, service excellence and advocacy.

16.1. Leadership – Provides leadership for a high quality child welfare system that keeps children and youth safe and strengthens families.

16.2. Service excellence– Supports member Societies to achieve child welfare service excellence.

16.3. Advocacy– A unified and trusted voice for child protection and the well-being of children, youth and families.

17. How does the OACAS address equity, inclusion and awareness of cultural diversity?

18. OACAS website lists all the contact information for how to locate the nearest Children’s Aid Society within all Ontario communities http://www.oacas.org/childrens-aid-child-protection/locate-a-childrens-aid-society/