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
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Let kin caregiver Tanisha from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation tell you about the impact of providing care to a member of her community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8bLd9HOlzk
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Keishia Facey, One Vision One Voice Program Manager, shares about the ways that culture and community through kinship placements can improve resiliency and outcomes for Black children and youth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynGzkZJ3ffM
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Research in child welfare shows that children and youth who are supported by people they know are safer, happier, and have better long-term outcomes. Read 5 reasons why child welfare is increasingly asking community members to step in and support the children and youth in their lives. …https://www.oacas.org/2022/08/research-shows-that-broad-kin-networks-are-directly-linked-to-better-outcomes-for-children-and-youth-in-the-child-welfare-system-here-are-5-reasons-why-child-welfare-is-increasingly-asking-community/
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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/
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September 18 to 22, 2023 is Kinship & Alternate Care Awareness Week. It is an opportunity to recognize the important role of kinship across the province in supporting safety, well-being, and permanency for children and youth.
Did you know that kin families are extended family but can also …include people who have an emotional connection to the child or youth, like a neighbour, teacher, or family friend? Learn more about kinship and celebrate them with us this week!
#KinWeek2023
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📣 Calling all Oxford County residents! 🌟 Looking to make a difference and build community connections? Join us at the Volunteer Recruitment Fair and discover volunteer opportunities in Oxford County! 🤝
🎯 The #VRFOxford is here to connect passionate individuals with local …nonprofits and public service organizations. 🙋♀️🙋♂️ Whether you're a youth or an adult, find a volunteer role that fits your interests and schedule.
📍 Location: Goff Hall, Woodstock
🗓️ Date: Saturday, September 16
⏰ Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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📣 Calling all Oxford County residents! 🌟 Looking to make a difference and build community connections? Join us at the Volunteer Recruitment Fair and discover volunteer opportunities in Oxford County! 🤝
🎯 The #VRFOxford is here to connect passionate individuals with local …nonprofits and public service organizations. 🙋♀️🙋♂️ Whether you're a youth or an adult, find a volunteer role that fits your interests and schedule.
📍 Location: Goff Hall, Woodstock
🗓️ Date: Saturday, September 16
⏰ Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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It is with deep sadness we join our community in mourning the loss of Darell Parker.
Darell was a Board member in the 1990's and early 2000's, and continued to serve the Children's Aid Society of Oxford County as a key member of our Endowment Committee for 10+ years.
…Darell was the recipient of this year's Jack Ross Memorial Award, which celebrates the efforts of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of children and families in Oxford County.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and his community.
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Check out this great event happening TODAY in Woodstock!
Oxford CaribCan Festival is presented by the Oxford Caribbean Canadian Association, and is a great opportunity to see, hear, and taste a celebration of Caribbean and Canadian cultures. Check out this article and interview with Heart FM… for more details!
https://www.heartfm.ca/news/local-news/oxford-caribcan-festival-coming-to-woodstock/
The Oxford Caribbean Canadian Association (OCCA) will be hosting the Oxford CaribCan festival at Unifor Hall in Woodstock this Friday from 2:00 p.m….
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Today we recognize Indigenous Peoples Day as an opportunity and responsibility to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, and experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
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On June 8th, representatives from the Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County presented a set of three coins to Executive members of the Woodstock Coin Club. The three coins consisting of fine silver, silver and copper were created in 1995 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Children’s… Aid Society.
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Sharing Community Information on behalf of the Survivor Gala Group:
"Survivor Gala Night – A Celebration Honouring our Heroes
September 20th 2023, London ON
We are looking to identify all living Residential School Survivors from the follow First Nations: Caldwell, …Moraviantown, Walpole Island, Aamjiwnaang, KSPFN, Chippewas of the Thames, Munsee-Delaware, Oneida Nation, Six Nations, Mississaugas of the Credit, Cape Croker & Saugeen
This event is open to all residential school survivors living in Southwestern Ontario
To register call or text : Sara George @ 226 377-3083
DEADLINE TO REGISTER : JULY 28th, 2023"
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June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time for us to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis
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The Safe and Well Oxford Plan, Oxford’s roadmap for building safe and inclusive communities, is moving forward with the appointment of an inaugural Steering Committee.
Endorsed by all nine municipal councils, the Safe and Well Oxford Steering Committee will support and guide the action …coalitions and sub-committees as they work to address the four priority risk areas for our communities:
1 – Mental Health
2 – Affordable Housing
3 – Substance Misuse and Addictions
4 – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
To learn more visit www.safewelloxford.ca/news
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June 6, 2023 marks the second annual commemoration of the Islamophobic hate crime that killed four Londoners: Talat, Salman, Yumnah Afzaal and Madiha Salman.
We support our neighbours in London as they mark the anniversary of this event, honour the community members whose lives were taken, …remember how hate divides us, and recognize the resiliency that has emerged from this tragedy.
For education and gathering opportunities, visit https://london.ca/our-london-family
#OurLondonFamily #OxfordCounty #HonouringCommunity
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Today we begin the celebration of PRIDE MONTH in honour of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community! This is a time to honour the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals throughout history, recognize their ongoing struggle for equal rights and fair treatment, celebrate and embrace diversity, and commit to helping… create a more safe and inclusive tomorrow. #CASOxford #Pride #OxfordCounty #HonouringCommunity
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International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is observed on May 17 and aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. By 2016 the commemorations had taken place in over 130 countries. …
The founders of the International Day Against Homophobia, as it was originally known, established the IDAHO Committee to coordinate grass-roots actions in different countries, to promote the day and to lobby for official recognition on May 17. That date was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990.
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Norwich Township 104.7 Heart FM Oxford Pride