About Us
The Children’s Aid Society of Algoma is a non-profit, community organization legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are elected from within the community. Programs and services are developed in response to the needs of children, youth, and families in our community.
Children’s Aid Societies are regulated by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and governed by the Ontario Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA).
The Children’s Aid Society of Algoma strives to ensure the safety and well-being of the community’s children and youth, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through culturally-competent services, with the support of the community, we help parents and caregivers build healthy families and provide a safe environment for children and youth.
Keeping children safe is a community responsibility.
We receive many calls each year from concerned citizens, teachers, police, other agencies, and health care professionals about children and families who may need help. Families may be facing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, ill health, domestic violence, or mental health issues. Some families just need parenting support. When a family needs support, we link them to a variety of community services. Together, with community service colleagues, we work with children and families for a stronger, healthier community.
Under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, Children’s Aid Societies are mandated to:
- Investigate allegations or evidence that children under the age of 18 may be in need 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 and supervision for children assigned or committed to its care
- Facilitate the adoption process for children when needed
We believe that children belong with their families and our work is done with families and children in their own homes.
For children and teens who are unable to safely remain in their own home, or have no parent or guardian available, we ensure they are placed in a safe and caring environment with members of their extended family (kin), family friends, or a foster caregiver. Many of the children who come to foster families have experienced some form of abuse or neglect and need a loving, stable environment to help them recover from their experience. We provide ongoing support to children in care and their kinship or foster caregivers.
The Children’s Aid Society also facilitates public adoptions for children and youth.
Mission & Vision
Mission
The Children’s Aid Society of Algoma is committed to protecting children and promoting their well-being by working collaboratively with children, families, and communities through service excellence.
Vision
Protecting Children, Strengthening Families throughout the District of Algoma
Values
Accountability
We will be accountable and responsible to ensure our resources are utilized efficiently to achieve our Mission and Vision.
Collaboration
We will work with individuals, families and children, our community partners, OACAS, and MCCYS to meet the respective service and accountability goals.
Excellence
We will strive for excellence and continuous quality improvement in all we do.
Respect
We are committed to creating and cultivating positive relationships within the organization, and with the individuals and families we serve. We will use anti-oppressive practice and principles and respect the spirit and intent of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Integrity
We will adhere to our organizational Code of Ethics and our respective professional Codes of Ethics for the purposes of service delivery, community engagement, and for the administration of the business of Child Welfare.
Innovation
We will endeavor to deliver services and administer Child Welfare services using creative and innovative approaches that will be measurable and lead to positive outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Let’s Get Social
3 days ago
We would like to thank Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore for their generous donation of $1,500 to the Children's Aid Society of Algoma. Their contribution will be used towards literacy items for youth (newborn – 18yrs old) at our Family Visiting program.
2 weeks ago
Thank you to our friends at SooToday for supporting the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign and donating the Smile Cookies purchased to local shelters, food banks and resource centres in Sault Ste. Marie.
Make sure to check out the article on SooToday. For every comment they receive on the article, …SooToday will buy a cookie – up to 500 of them! 🙂
(News articles can no longer be linked through Facebook)
2 weeks ago
Thank you to our friends at SooToday for supporting the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign and donating the Smile Cookies purchased to local shelters, food banks and resource centres in Sault Ste. Marie.
Make sure to follow the link attached to the SooToday article and leave a comment with your… favourite item on the menu at Tim Hortons. For every comment received, SooToday will buy a cookie – up to 500 of them! 🙂
SooToday will buy a Holiday Smile Cookie and give it to a community member in need for each reader comment left below
www.sootoday.com2 weeks ago
Thank you to our friends at SooToday, for supporting the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign and donating the Smile Cookies purchased to local shelters, food banks and resource centres in Sault Ste. Marie.
How can you help?
Follow the link attached to leave a comment on the SooToday article …with your favourite item on the Tim Hortons menu. For every comment they receive, they will buy a cookie – up to 500 of them!
SooToday will buy a Holiday Smile Cookie and give it to a community member in need for each reader comment left below
www.sootoday.com2 weeks ago
During Friday's fun launch of Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie campaign, a group of well known local figures gathered at the Tim Hortons location at Great Northern Road and Second Line East on for the Children's Aid Society of Algoma Blindfolded Cookie Decorating Competition. Local …proceeds going to keep children out of foster care, safe with extended family members. Don't forget to pick up your Holiday Smile Cookies this week to support a great cause.
Friday marked fun launch of Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie campaign, local proceeds going to keep local children out of foster care, safe with…
www.sootoday.com3 weeks ago
We are hiring!!
Children’s Aid Society of Algoma
algomacas.org4 weeks ago
Holiday Smile Cookies are on the way! 🙂
The Children's Aid Society of Algoma is thrilled and thankful to announce that 50% of the funds received from the Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign will directly assist families ensuring children’s health and wellness while in kinship …care, with the other 50% going to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
Show your support for these two great causes by Pre Ordering your Holiday Smile Cookies today.
Need a smile? Holiday Smile Cookies are on the way! CAS Algoma is thrilled and thankful to announce that 50% of the funds received from the Tim…
algomacas.org4 weeks ago
Exciting News! Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookies will be available from November 13 to 19. Stay tuned for more info!
1 months ago
The staff and Board of Directors of the Children's Aid Society of Algoma, are profoundly saddened by the heartbreaking news and the tragic loss of lives within our community. Our thoughts are with every person affected by this devastating tragedy, and we extend our heartfelt condolences during… this incredibly difficult time.
1 months ago
1 months ago
October 16-20 is recognized as National Foster Family Appreciation Week and during this time, Ontario’s child welfare sector recognizes the invaluable contributions of foster caregivers across the province.
Although child welfare agencies partner with families to keep children and youth …in their homes, this is not always possible. When children cannot remain with their primary caregivers and kin or alternate care placements are not available, foster caregivers provide children and youth with temporary care in a family setting. In most situations, children and youth placed in foster care are reunified with their primary caregivers, families, and communities.
Throughout this week and the entire year, the Children's Aid Society of Algoma would like to extend a very heart-felt, “Thank You!” to all our Foster and Kin Care families for all that they do to care for children and youth in our community.
While our agency is focused on keeping children and youth with their own families wherever possible, foster families are a vital part of the continuum of services provided by our agency.
2 months ago
We are hiring. Check out our website for current jobs available.
Children’s Aid Society of Algoma
algomacas.org2 months ago
Happening in the community… LGBTQ2S+ Support & Connections Group, sponsored by Algoma Family Services.
2 months ago
Foster Care Information Session:
Do you have an interest in helping children, youth and families in the Algoma District?
You can contact us at 705-949-0162 Ext. 310 for more information.
2 months ago
The 2023 National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, also known as 'Orange Shirt Day,' is on Saturday, September 30. We come together as a nation on that date to acknowledge our troubled history concerning the grave injustices linked to the residential school system.
The system not …only led to the abuse and tragic loss of thousands of indigenous children and youth, but also systematically eroded ties to their rich heritage, cultural traditions, mother tongue, precious family connections, and undermined their overall wellbeing, affecting their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health for both the short- and long-term.
May we enable September 30 to serve as an important reminder of the importance of ensuring the inherent value of all, and the need to treat every individual equally, with dignity and respect.
2 months ago
During Kinship & Alternate Care Awareness Week, child welfare agencies celebrate the family and community members who support children and youth when they need it most. Kinship support might look like checking in, supporting visits, or providing practical assistance through relief, childcare, …and transportation. Sometimes it means providing a temporary home while supporting family reunification efforts. Learn more about how kin families keep kids connected here:
https://www.oacas.org/2022/09/kinship-families-keeping-kids-connected/?fbclid=IwAR2I8Y1wtdZHqLLPY7QtDR9HOIKqNHzcBoTJBVqrc-wk5rOSoF6Zm30lVXQ
September 19 to 23 is Kinship Awareness Week, where Children’s Aid Societies celebrate and share about the important role that kinship families …
www.oacas.org3 months ago
Free Event Tomorrow – SSM & Area Drug Strategy Rockin Out For Recovery
3 months ago
Women In Crisis – Algoma Inc. will be hosting an Art Expression group for Grade 9-12 youth to express their thoughts and feelings. Please see post below for details.
4 months ago
Tim Horton's Camp Day is back! Staff at the Children’s Aid Society of Algoma are happy to support this incredible fundraiser. Make sure to stop by a local Tim Horton’s to help send kids to camp!
4 months ago