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.
Mission & Vision
Mission
Together with our community, we help children, youth, and families be safe, strong, and connected.
Let’s Get Social
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Throw back to last Thursday June 5th, when United Way Oxford, helped local businesses send teams of volunteers across all of Oxford County for the Day of Caring.
Since 2006, this initiative has helped create connections between businesses and local non-profits, to give back and make a …difference in the community.
This year, we were fortunate to have volunteers from Revel Reality come and help with some much-needed clean up of our gardens.
The gardens at our agency are an important part of our service delivery, helping provide a connection with nature and each other for the families we support.
We are very appreciative of Revel Realty for their hard work, and to United Way Oxford for creating the connection and spreading the joy created through simple acts of kindness!
#UWODayofCaring2025
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June is PRIDE MONTH, a time to both celebrate our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as work to improve safety and inclusivity for all.
Young queer people face disproportionate levels of harassment, bullying, violence, and family and community rejection.
Research shows that for 2SLGBTQIA+ …young people, there are four major protective factors that promote their safety and well-being:
• family acceptance and support
• access to gender-affirming health care
• supportive adults, and
• engagement with the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Events, programming, and symbols that represent the 2SLGBTQIA+ community affirm the identities of 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth and can help them to feel seen, supported, and safe. They also give all youth the opportunity to learn about the community and promote understanding, acceptance, diversity, and equity.
2SLGBTQIA+ youth deserve to live and learn in safe places that accept and support them, and we ALL have a role to play in ensuring this becomes a reality here in Oxford County.
#CASOxford #Pride #OxfordCounty #HonouringCommunity
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DUTY TO REPORT (Free Information Sessions)
May 26th & June 23rd
9:30-10:30am via ZOOM
This 1 hour workshop is for you if any of the following apply:
👉 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
1mo
Today is Children and Youth in Care Day.
This important day was created because of young people in and from care, who shared their stories and experiences through the My Real Life Book report. Thanks to their tireless efforts, it was proclaimed into law through the Children and Youth in Care …Day Act, 2014.
The day is an important reminder that children and youth in care cannot be forgotten. They make valuable contributions to their communities across Ontario and have shown strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The #ForgetMeNot campaign aims to bring renewed attention to the accomplishments and unique challenges of children and youth in and from care.
Celebrating the little wins in the lives of children and youth in and from care is more than just a moment of joy – it’s a powerful reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, counts.
The #LittleWins matter
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Its Mental Health Week, and as CMHA explores the theme of "UNMASKING MENTAL HEALTH", we are challenged in how we think about the concept of "normal".
Spoiler alert: There is NO normal!
We all exist within a diverse range for all sorts of aspects of who we are,… what we look like, and how we feel. While some behaviours may be more common, that doesn’t make those behaviours normal. What’s considered normal is based on the
popular beliefs in a society at any given time. Normal is a social construct, and what’s considered normal changes over time, and
there really is no “normal” way to feel, behave, and act.
There’s more to any one person than meets the eye and we should all be free to be seen, heard, and to express ourselves without fear.
Addressing stigma and discrimination and practicing compassion can help us create a society where people feel safe to share and be who they are.
Let’s unmask mental health together
#UnmaskingMentalHealth
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May 5-11 2025 is Mental Health Week, and this year's theme is Unmasking Mental Health.
Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking can make it even harder. Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect …themselves from judgment and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel.
CMHA, through this campaign, is encouraging people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country.
#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthweek #UnmaskingMentalHealth
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May 5th is Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People, a day that we are called to both acknowledge and honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
Today, …May 5th, Isan- Indigenous Solidarity & Awareness Network- Oxford is holding a memorial event from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM in Museum Square, Woodstock. All welcome.
#NoMoreStolenSisters
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Today wraps up National Volunteer Week in Canada.
While we are grateful for our volunteers every day of the year, this week is a special time for us to pause and appreciate just how meaningful their contributions are.
In 2024 our volunteer drivers drove a total of 337,702kms!
…They spend 5341.7 hours collectively providing transportation to those who access agency services. Those hours represent connecting children and youth to important appointments, activities, and visits with parents.
Our volunteers provided over 82 hours of childcare, which supports parents and guardians ability to attend various programs and training sessions.
So how do we feel about our volunteers? Words fall short.
However we will ALWAYS pause and say THANK YOU!!!
Featured below, several of our volunteers receiving special recognition: Ron, Linda and Glenda with years-of-service awards, and Donna receiving this Isabel Scott Memorial Volunteer Service Award!
For those interested in learning more about volunteering with us, email info@casoxford.on.ca
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We are pleased to announce that the Children's Aid Society of Oxford County is now accepting nominations for the annual Jack Ross Memorial Award.
Each year, this award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and support for the wellbeing of children, …youth, and families in Oxford County. It was established by the Board of Directors in 1985, to recognize the commitment and contributions of the late Constable Jack Ross to our community.
Do you know someone who you think should be recognized and celebrated for their contributions to children, youth and families in Oxford County in 2024?
We invite you to submit a nomination by email to vlocis@casoxford.on.ca by the submission deadline of Friday, May 23. Please include your name and contact information, the nominee's information, and an explanation of the nominated individual's efforts and accomplishments.
Thank you.
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April 27 – May 3rd is National Volunteer Week in Canada.
This year's theme is VOLUNTEERS MAKE WAVES.
Here at Children's Aid Society of Oxford County we are fortunate to be supported by incredible members of our community who give their time, skills, and heart by …volunteering in various ways. From providing transportation for service recipients (usually children) to various appointments, groups, school,
…to onsite childcare while parents are attending various groups,
…and many other ways that supports the work we do to help children, youth, and families be safe, strong, and connected.
Like our volunteers, each wave is unique and brings something vibrant and new to the ecosystem. And, together, we create ripples of change.
#NVW2025
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Today is Administrative and Support Staff Appreciation Day, and we have some wonderful folks at Children's Aid Society of Oxford County who are integral to the function of the agency! From providing administrative support to all of our teams, keeping our IT equipment running smoothly and …securely, keeping our finances in order, and keeping our building looking and functioning its best every day – we appreciate all that you do!
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DUTY TO REPORT (Free Information Sessions)
April 28th & May 26th
9:30-10:30am via ZOOM
This 1 hour workshop is for you if any of the following apply:
👉 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
Come join our team!
We are currently recruiting for several positions:
Administrative Unit Assistant – CIC, Resource, KIN,
Child Protection Worker,
Child and Family Support Worker – Casual,
& Service Manager.
Please find full details here:
…https://www.casoxford.on.ca/careers/
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Oxford EarlyON and Children's Aid Society of Oxford County are hosting a FREE car seat clinic!
When: May 1, 2025 from 9:00am – 12:00pm
& May 8, 2025 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Woodstock Fire Department 1203 Parkinson Rd, Woodstock, ON N4S 8L2
Register today to… have a certified car seat technician ensure your car seat(s) are installed properly in your car.
What you need to know:
– Each inspection takes approx. 45 minutes to complete.
– Please bring car seat manual and vehicle manual.
**Pre-registration required!**
Please email Krista at kgilbert@oxfordcounty.ca to register today. Appointments times will be scheduled
2mo
April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day, promotes understanding and acceptance of autism. "Autistic individuals and their families deserve to feel seen, supported, and valued — not just on World Autism Day, but every day," says Margaret Spoelstra, CEO of Autism Ontario. We are called as… communities across Ontario to foster understanding, challenge barriers, and contribute to a future where inclusion isn’t an aspiration, but a reality.
2mo
March 31st is International #TransDayOfVisibility.
This is a day for us to celebrate the resilience and accomplishments of the transgender community! Today we reaffirm our commitment to child welfare services that are effective, affirming, and equitable for trans children, youth, and …families.
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Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day serves to connect us worldwide in our commitment to work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate, in efforts to ensure ALL people are respected and have equal access …and opportunity to be safe and to succeed.
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DUTY TO REPORT (Free Information Sessions)
March 24th & April 28th
9:30-10:30am via ZOOM
This 1 hour workshop is for you if any of the following apply:
👉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
3mo
March 8th is International Women's Day!
This year's theme is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”.
International Women’s Day is a global movement recognizing the achievements, struggles, and resilience of women across all spheres of life. It is a …day to honour trailblazers who have broken barriers, empowered communities, and continue to shape the world with their courage and vision.
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 community. Thank you!