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More Power for Children's Aid
October 26, 2012 permalink
The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS) has a news release and report presented to the government of Ontario, Child Welfare Report (both pdf). As usual in this kind of document, there are no occurrences of the word father, only one of mother, a note from a mother who thanked children's aid for caring for her children.
The recommendations all expand the role of children's aid societies, and augment their funding. They are:
- Ensure that Children’s Aid Societies are able to provide the right services at the right time.
- Deliver on the obligation to give Aboriginal authority over the practice of child welfare to Aboriginal communities, and adequately fund the services needed.
- Raise the age of protection from 16 to 18.
- Let Children’s Aid youth stay at home until they complete their education or training.
- Ensure that Children’s Aid Societies have sufficient funds to keep all children safe.
Sarah, a former youth in care and current Children’s Aid client said “having an Aboriginal Children’s Aid worker really helps me find more about my heritage. I can relate to her and I feel more comfortable with her. She understands me more.” Before having an Aboriginal worker, Sarah had a hard time connecting with child welfare to get the support she needed to provide a safe home for her children. Having someone who understands where she comes from and the importance her heritage plays in her everyday life was the change Sarah needed to keep moving forward.
This report is in need of a rebuttal. The rebuttal news release could start with the story of Malachi Beaudry, a baby who died less than two days after going into the care of CAS in Sudbury.
