Ontario Association for Children's Aid Society (OACAS)

1. Services & Programs

1.1. Child Welfare Service Excellence (Service Delivery, Education, Training)

1.2. Child Welfare Operations Excellence (Operational Practice)

1.3. Government and Stakeholder Relations – develops and maintains constructive partnerships in support of the work of child welfare.

1.4. Communications and Public Engagement

1.5. First Nation, Métis and Inuit Services – works to enhance the lives of Aboriginal children involved in the child welfare system in Ontario.

2. How to access programs & services

2.1. Site 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/

3. 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. 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. OACAS is governed by a voluntary board of directors which works with the member agencies, communities and government to bring positive change to child welfare services.

4. VISION

4.1. A highly effective children's services system which has the confidence of Ontario families and communities.

5. MISSION

5.1. A leader and collaborator promoting the welfare of children, youth and families through leadership, service excellence and advocacy.

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

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

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

6. Equity, Inclusion, Diversity

6.1. Committed to creating and nurturing relationships and partnerships and being committed to diversity.

6.2. Website and services are available in French

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

6.4. 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.