CAS protects children and strengthens families. We are legally mandated by the Child and Family Services Act to:
- Investigate allegations or evidence that children under the age of 18 might be in need of protection; see also "Increased Age of Protection"
- Protect children where necessary
- Provide
guidance, counselling and other services to families for protecting
children or preventing circumstances requiring the protection of
children
- Provide care for children assigned or committed to our care
- Supervise children in care
- Place children for adoption
Protecting Children and Strengthening Families
CAS
is required by law to intervene when a child under 18 has been
threatened, harmed or neglected physically, emotionally or sexually.
We know that children are better off growing up in their family home and we try to keep families together wherever possible. We work with families and provide counselling and support services to create safer homes.
Foster Care
When
parents cannot safely care for their child, CAS may seek a court order
to place the child in the care of other relatives, friends, a foster home, or in a residence managed by another community agency.
Placements are usually short-term and most children return home when their family situation gets improves.
Adoption
Some children are unable to return home and need a permanent placement. Adoption is
a legal process through which a child becomes part of a new family. It
is intended to provide the child with permanence and security.
Our Goals
To have all children thrive within a safe, stable and loving family environment:
- Children experience a sense of belonging with meaningful relationships
- Children experience stability
- Families have the abilities, resources and support to nurture and protect their children
That Children served by the CAS reach their full potential:
- Children
will gain the appropriate knowledge, skills, training and attitudes to
achieve meaningful employment and healthy relationships as adults
That society as a whole is actively engaged in taking responsibility for the well-being of children:
- Communities,
governments and other agencies are working collaboratively to promote
the best interests, protection and well-being of children
- Communities, governments and other agencies are addressing root causes of child maltreatment and family breakdown