About Us
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.
Let’s Get Social
3d
Yesterday may have been the conclusion of Volunteer Appreciation Week, but we know that all year long we depend on our volunteers to help support families in our communities.
What does that look like?
👉In 2022 we had 10 volunteers who drove 219,673 kms and volunteered 4,218 hours. …
👉In 2023 we had 13 volunteers who drove 319,715 kms, and volunteered 16,777 hours.
👉In 2024 we have 17 volunteers, and in time will see what that translates into for hours given and kilometers driven!!
This week we were able to honour our volunteers celebrating milestones of service to the agency, and present this year's Isabel Scott Volunteer Service Award to Linda Archer!
Thank you to all of our volunteers for the positive impact you have on the families we support! ❤
1w
Each year, The Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County presents the "Jack Ross Memorial Award" to an outstanding individual in our community. This award was established by the Board of Directors in 1985, in recognition of the commitment and contribution made to our community by the …late Constable Jack Ross. The award recognizes the efforts of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to children and families in Oxford County.
If you know of someone who you would like to nominate, we would love to have you put their name forward for consideration.
Criteria for this award are as follows:
• Must be an adult citizen of Oxford County;
• Must have made an outstanding contribution to children and families in Oxford County.
Nominations are to be submitted along with a summary of the nominee’s efforts and accomplishments by May 5th, 2024 to the attention of Pepper at pshaxon@casoxford.on.ca
1w
April 14-20th is National Volunteer Week, and this year’s theme is Every Moment Matters. It highlights the importance of the contributions of volunteers at a moment when we need support more than ever. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, …and well-being of our communities.
Volunteers are critical to the work of children's aid societies. During #NationalVolunteerWeek we want to recognize our wonderful volunteers, their invaluable contributions, and say thank you!
2w
Come join our team!
We are recruiting for a Finance Manager.
Please find full details for the position here:
https://www.casoxford.on.ca/careers/
3w
On April 2nd, we honour World Autism Awareness Day, a time to recognize the unique experiences and contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum.
3w
DUTY TO REPORT (Free Information Sessions)
April 15th, May 27th, & June 17th
9-10am via ZOOM
This workshop is for you if:
👉you work with children and youth
👉you want to understand your legislative duty under
the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act
…👉you want to know what happens when you make a
referral to Child Welfare
👉you would like to know how Children's Aid works
with families in the community
For Registration, contact:
Raeann at rmoss@casoxford.on.ca
3w
On International #TransDayOfVisibility we reaffirm our commitment to child welfare services that are effective, affirming, and equitable for trans children, youth, and families.
4w
Come join our team!
We are recruiting for a Service Manager.
Please find full details for the position here:
https://www.casoxford.on.ca/careers/
1mo
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Racism, intolerance, and prejudice are forms of emotional abuse. Children, youth, and families have rights to feel safe in all the spaces they occupy, including the child welfare system.
1mo
On International Women’s Day we want to recognize and celebrate all women, in all their diversity, who work every day to support and care for children, youth, and families across our province. Thank you!
1mo
At Oxford County CAS we have a dedicated team of Child Protection Workers who, through their knowledge, training, and skillset, work to support the community in impactful ways.
During Social Work Week we take some time to reflect on the value of our Child Protection Workers and thank them for …their ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the community.
1mo
Upcoming ASIST two-day workshop in suicide intervention skills!!!
This workshop is for you if:
➡️you work with or support children and youth
➡️you want to learn and practice a life-saving intervention model
Date: Thurs Mar 14th & Fri Mar 15th
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm
… Location: CAS Oxford (217 Peel St, Woodstock)
Multi-purpose room (lower level)
Cost: FREE (Registration required)
Hosted by CAS Oxford & Woodstock Hospital
Contact Raeann Moss @ rmoss@casoxford.on.ca for registration and questions
ASIST works. It is widely used by professionals and the general public.
Learn more and see the evidence at https://livingworks.net/training/livingworks-asist/
1mo
Children and youth deserve to feel safe and secure in all spaces and from all forms of discrimination, including from their peers. On #PinkShirtDay, we wear pink as a reminder to be kind and accepting. Bullying is not acceptable.
2mo
Reading is a passport to countless adventures!
Thank you so much to Journey Well Health & Wellness and your community book-collecting partners (Whisk and Roll Bakery, The Happy Hippo Co, Real Treats Popcorn and Sweets, & Potter and Mill) for hosting your Great Book Roundup for …Literacy Day!
We appreciate the donation and know the books will be well loved by so many children and families across our community!
2mo
We have a collective responsibility to keep young people safe, including from human trafficking. Know the signs: https://www.ontario.ca/page/about-human-trafficking #EndHumanTrafficking
2mo
DUTY TO REPORT (Free Information Sessions)
March 18th, April 15th, May 27th, & June 17th
9-10am via ZOOM
This workshop is for you if:
👉you work with children and youth
👉you want to understand your legislative duty under
the Child, Youth, and Family Services …Act
👉you want to know what happens when you make a
referral to Child Welfare
👉you would like to know how Children's Aid works
with families in the community
For Registration, contact:
Raeann at rmoss@casoxford.on.ca
2mo
Family isn’t always biological. Family can be your extended family, friends, or community. For young people, having supportive networks is critical to their success and well-being.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Family Day, with the people who you connect with as family.
2mo
Upcoming ASIST two-day workshop in suicide intervention skills!!!
This workshop is for you if:
➡️you work with or support children and youth
➡️you want to learn and practice a life-saving intervention model
Date: Mon Feb 26th & Tues Feb 27th
Time: …8:30am-4:30pm
Location: CAS Oxford (217 Peel St, Woodstock)
Multi-purpose room (lower level)
Cost: FREE (Registration required)
Hosted by CAS Oxford & Woodstock Hospital
Contact Raeann Moss @ rmoss@casoxford.on.ca for registration and questions
ASIST works. It is widely used by professionals and the general public.
Learn more and see the evidence at https://livingworks.net/training/livingworks-asist/
2mo
February is Black History Month, a time for us to learn and honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities. #BlackHistoryMonth
2mo
Come join our team!
We are recruiting for several positions:
Service Manager, Child Protection Worker, and Child & Family Support Worker – Casual.
Please find full details for each position here:
https://www.casoxford.on.ca/careers/