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
8 months ago
Q-munity Youth Symposium: Finding Pride in Community 🌈🌈
• Date: February 25, 12-3 PM (virtual)
• First-ever 2SLGBTQ+ youth symposium specifically for young people aged 12+ who are involved in the child welfare system
• Registration link:
Please join us for Ontario’s first ever 2SLGBTQ+ youth symposium specifically for ages 12+ who are involved in the child welfare system!
www.eventbrite.com8 months ago
Resource families urgently needed in the Algoma District.
Information Sessions will answer questions and share information on the variety of opportunities available
www.sootoday.com8 months ago
Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day. Let’s continue to take action and create long-term change for mental health in Canada – visit bell.ca/letstalk and download the Bell Let’s Talk toolkit.
To improve mental health in Canada, our program has been supporting more than 1 300 organizations that are committed to helping all communities.
bell.ca8 months ago
Bell Let's Talk Day is tomorrow, January 25, 2023. To help create positive change for mental health, you can use one of the actions below for inspiration or come up with your own. On Bell Let’s Talk Day, what actions will you be taking?
#BellLetsTalk
8 months ago
Reminder – The next Resource Family Information session will be held on February 15th, 2023, at 191 Northern Ave – 12:00 and 6:30pm.
To sign up or confirm attendance, please call 705-949-0162 Ext. 114
9 months ago
Louis van Amstel and husband Josh Lancaster adopted their two sons from the foster system at 10 years old — Daniel from Colorado in 2019 and Jonny…
people.com9 months ago
10 months ago
10 months ago
REMINDER – Information Session taking place next Wednesday!!
Would you like to learn more about how to become a Resource Family for children in Algoma? Please contact us at resourcefamilies@algomacas.org or by phone at 705-949-0162 to sign up for one of our upcoming Information Sessions.
11 months ago
Oct. 27th is Dress Purple Day
Every October, Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families through the provincial Dress Purple Day campaign.
…#DressPurpleDay222 will take place on Thursday, October 27.
Children's Aid Society of Algoma is inviting you to wear something purple to show children, youth, and families that you are here to help!
On Dress Purple Day, we celebrate the community that cares for families and share the message that help is available and no one is alone.
Dress Purple Day offers an opportunity to remind the community that Children’s Aid Societies work together with many other social service providers to help children, youth, and families facing challenges.
Dress Purple Day is different. Learn why it’s not Child Abuse Prevention Month anymore and a call to join Dress Purple Day: http://www.oacas.org/…/why-its-not-child-abuse…/
Learn more about the campaign and access the toolkit resources at www.oacas.org/dresspurpleday
#IDressPurpleBecause
💜 💜 💜
Every October, Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting…
www.oacas.org11 months ago
Your call could be the most important in a child's life. If you have concerns about a child or family, calls can be made to CAS Algoma at anytime at 705-949-0162. The telephone screener will take information from you and determine how best to respond to your concerns. Here is a testimonial …from a teacher on her experience calling the Children's Aid Society.
11 months ago
Oct. 17-Oct. 21st is Foster Families Appreciation Week!
We greatly appreciate our foster families! The consistent love and compassion that they bring to their work is truly inspiring. They embrace the unknown with love and hope, and give children and families a chance to find happiness and …fulfillment. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our children.
To learn more on how to become a foster parent in the Algoma district, please visit: https://algomacas.org/services/foster-care/
11 months ago
11 months ago
Would you like to learn more about how to become a Resource Family for children in Algoma? Please contact us at resourcefamilies@algomacas.org or by phone at 705-949-0162 to sign up for one of our upcoming Information Sessions.
12 months ago
12 months ago
The Children's Aid Society of Algoma is actively recruiting families to provide care to high-risk infants. If you are interested or considering fostering a child, please call us at 705-949-0162 Ext. 310
1 years ago
Kinship Awareness Week – Sept. 19th – Sept. 23rd
There are many great things to appreciate about the month of September…..Cooler weather, beautiful foliage and a return to routine.
It is also a time that we appreciate kinship families and the role that they have in the permanency …journey for the children and youth that we work with. The week of September 19th-23rd is designated as kinship awareness week and across the province, agencies are acknowledging kinship families and the important role that they play, and the connections that they provide for children and youth with their family of origins. For many children, being placed with kin allows them to stay with people who are familiar to them and know their life story. Kinship families also allow for them to remain connected to their culture, heritage and traditions which can enhance their feelings of identify and sense of belonging.
Despite the challenges related to Covid-19, kin families have stepped up to the plate to provide a home to children who required an out of home placement. This has been a trend that we have seen locally and provincially. Last year there were an average of 26% of children who required out of home care, placed with kinship families.
We would like to take this time to acknowledge the importance of kin care for children and youth who are involved with Societies.
1 years ago
The Wiggles and youth from care, developed a book with the Children's Aid Foundation of Canada called Something in Common. Something in Common shares a powerful message of inclusion and diversity and will help parents and caregivers talk about the child care system and different family …structures with their children in an accessible way. https://bit.ly/3TuGPOD
1 years ago
Creating a welcoming home for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
All youth in care need nurturing homes that provide them with a safe place to process their feelings, freedom to express who they are, and structure to support them in becoming responsible, healthy adults.
1 years ago
Co-Regulation – using our calm to de-activate our children's nervous system, will help them develop the ability to self-regulate.