YRCAS - York Region Children's Aid SocietyAbout Us

York Region Children’s Aid Society (YRCAS) is a non-profit community organization legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are elected from within the community. Programs and services are developed in response to the needs of children, youth, and families in our community.

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).

York Region 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 community service colleagues, we work with children and families for a stronger, healthier community.

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 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 a foster caregiver. 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

To champion the care and protection of children and youth, and the well-being of their families.

Vision

Thriving children, resilient families, caring communities.

Values

Child-Centred

Katelyn’s Principle: The voice of the child is at the heart of all we do.

Courageous

With confidence and resolution, we always strive to do the right thing.

Inclusive

We value diversity, treat each other with dignity and compassion and empower individuals to participate in decisions that affect them.

Accountable

We take responsibility for our work, our decisions and our results.

Integrity

We are committed to excellence and to the principles of honesty, respect and fairness.

York Region Children’s Aid Society’s Strategic Plan

To read more about our strategic directions and priorities, please view our Strategic Plan.

Download the Strategic Plan.

Community Partnerships

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