Our Declarations

Every day across our organization we stand up for:

Our Strategic Priorities

1- Embed Truth and Reconciliation, anti-oppression and anti-racism practices in our organization.

Outcomes:

• Our organizational culture, Board of Directors, employees and resource families are inclusive and reflect and value diversity.
• Through our values and practices, we influence attitudes and ultimately the referrals we receive so they are based on child safety, not judgment or bias — countering the over-representation of Indigenous, racialized and other marginalized groups.
• We have prioritized the advancement of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies’ commitments for Truth and Reconciliation and equity in child welfare.
• Our services and connections respect the culture, traditions, race and social identity of each child, youth and family we serve.
• Our connections with First Nations, Inuit and Métis representatives, families, communities and cultures support the distinct identities and cultures of Indigenous children and families we’re involved with.
• We provide French-language services at all levels of our organization.

2- Strengthen and preserve families.

Outcomes:

• Families are engaged effectively, receive tailored support and experience minimal disruption.
• Children and youth are rarely removed from their homes and, when that is required, are away for limited periods of time and maintain family connections.
• Families are confident seeking support to keep children and youth safe at home.
• Our partners understand their roles and assume shared responsibility for strengthening and preserving families based on the principles of the child welfare redesign.
• Our partners work together to ensure timely access to services; address critical gaps in services; and intervene early to keep children and youth with their families.

3- Empower children and youth in care to reach their full potential.

Outcomes:

• Children and youth in care celebrate their identities and connect to their cultures.
• More resource families are available to provide quality care and support for children and youth.
• Youth leaving care have relationships with their families and broader social networks.
• Youth graduate high school and complete the highest level of education needed to pursue their career goals.
• Youth leave care feeling empowered and confident about their futures.

4- Embrace change and innovate while advancing our mission.

Outcomes:

• Our service delivery model helps maintain continuity of relationships between our agency and children, youth and families as long as needed.
• As a learning organization, we offer our employees training and opportunities to enhance their skills and capacity.
• We provide support so our employees can maintain healthy work-life balances while also being responsive to the needs of children, youth and families.
• Our planning and decision-making are guided by the experiences of children, youth and families, and by qualitative and quantitative data.
• Our Board of Directors and senior leaders work to ensure we have the resources and capacity to fulfill our mission.