National Volunteer Week

York Region Children's Aid Society is extremely grateful for the many selfless volunteers who step up in support of children, youth, and families in York Region. Thank you! We very much appreciate each of you!
Happy National Volunteer Week!

Chief Executive Officer Consultation for
York Region Children's Aid Society

Sent on behalf of the Board of Directors of York Region Children's Aid Society:

York Region Children's Aid Society is embarking on recruitment for its next Chief Executive Officer.

As we undertake this recruitment, it is essential to gather input from all stakeholders and the community to understand the challenges and issues facing York Region Children's Aid Society today and into the coming years. Your input helps to define the mandate and priorities for the new Chief Executive Officer, as well as the skills, knowledge, competencies, and experience that will be required for success in this role.

The Chief Executive Officer will be vital in leading change within the organization toward a healthy, respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and delivery of services.

Please click here to complete the Chief Executive Officer Consultation survey.

If you prefer to speak over the phone to provide your input, please call Odgers Berndtson, the executive search firm conducting this recruitment, at 416-366-1990 and ask to speak with Tanya Todorovic or Julia Robarts.

This survey is anonymous, and the information collected will be reported as an aggregate of the feedback received. Responses will be received by Odgers Berndtson.

Please provide your input by April 23, 2021.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and participation in the gathering of this information.

Tahir Shafiq, Board Chair

York Region Children's Aid Society - Our Work Plan in Response to
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services'
Findings in their Operational Review

2020 Operational Review of YRCAS
In July 2020, after receiving allegations of racism, bullying, and harassment by senior management at York Region Children's Aid Society (YRCAS), the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) initiated an Operational Review, which included a workplace assessment and review of service compliance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. The review included looking at all aspects of YRCAS including board governance, internal operations, human resources policies and practices, diversity, equity and inclusion practices, and service delivery. On November 13, 2020, MCCSS released the Operational Review Final Report to YRCAS's Board of Directors and staff, and made available to the public on the YRCAS website www.yorkcas.org/pdfs/operational_review_Nov2020.pdf.

Results of Operational Review: Change is Needed
The Operational Review found that YRCAS staff had been deeply impacted by "an autocratic, deficit-based culture of fear that targeted dissent and enabled oppressive behaviours."¹ The workplace assessment found that staff had been deeply impacted by a culture that enabled oppressive behaviours, including racism and anti-Black racism. The file and data review identified that in service delivery there was high compliance with most service requirements assessed in the review.

Recommendations from the Operational Review included the need for a new leadership direction and actions to create a healthy workplace culture. YRCAS views the review and its recommendations as an opportunity to make changes within the organization toward a healthy, respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and delivery of services. Racism, anti-Black racism, and anti-Indigenous racism, bullying, and harassment will not be accepted in our workplace.

YRCAS's 2021 Operational Work Plan
YRCAS was eager to take the steps necessary to be the healthy, equitable, and inclusive organization that staff, resource parents, board members, and children, youth, and families need and deserve. An Operational Work Plan was developed holistically by YRCAS staff and the board. It reflects YRCAS's commitment to address the 35 recommendations included in the Operational Review. The work plan is the first step toward change, with many projects, change initiatives, planning, and actions required to actualize the needed changes.

Please find English and French versions of the Operational Work Plan available here:

YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan

YRCAS Plan de travail en réponse à l'examen opérationnel

Progress Report March:2021

YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan: Progress Report - March 2021

YRCAS Mise à jour du Plan de travail de l'examen opérationnel - Mars 2021

Questions about the work plan can be directed to Laura Goobie at Laura.Goobie@yorkcas.org.

Media inquiries can be directed to Tara Gaston at Tara.Gaston@Yorkcas.org

¹ Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services; Operational Review FINAL REPORT: York Region Children's Aid Society; October 2020.