About Us - CAS of Oxford County

The Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County is a non-profit community organization legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect.

There are 50 Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario, including 13 Indigenous Societies. Each Society is an independent, non-profit organization with a local Board of Directors.

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 strives to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth in the community, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We partner with parents, caregivers and community to provide a safe environment for children and youth, through equitable, culturally aligned services.

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 our community, we work with children and families to be stronger and healthier.

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 best 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 an alternative caregiver who can meet their unique needs. 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.

Children’s Aid Society also facilitates public adoptions for children and youth.

Mission & Vision

Mission

Together with our community, we help children, youth, and families be safe, strong, and connected.

Vision

Safe children and youth, strong families, caring communities.

Values

Accountability

We approach the responsibility entrusted to us with integrity, transparency and care.

Advocacy

We promote the voice of children, youth and families.

Collaboration

We believe in the strength of working together.

Relationships

We nurture respectful relationships that enable change, safety, and meaningful connection.

Inclusivity

We champion equitable access to opportunities and resources for all.

The Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County’s Strategic Plan

To read more about our strategic directions and priorities, please view our Strategic Plan for 2025-2029.

Download the Strategic Plan.

Community Partnerships

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