About Us
The York Region Children’s Aid Society (YRCAS) is a non-profit community organization legally mandated to promote the well-being, best interests and protection of children and youth from abuse and neglect. As a leader within the child welfare sector, we aim to keep families together and partner with parents, caregivers and community to help create and sustain safe environments for children and youth, through equitable, child-centred, culturally aligned services.
Comprised of interdisciplinary teams of diverse professionals who push boundaries in support of family centred service, we engage with children, youth and families or a stronger, healthier community within York Region.
YRCAS is actively cultivating a culture of belonging and learning based on inclusive leadership that encourages every team member to lead within their role, build strategic relationships, generate innovative ideas that reinforce our mission, vision and goal to create a healthy workplace and community where children, youth and family safety and well-being is prioritized.
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
YRCAS collaborates with communities to provide and advance equitable and accessible supports to ensure the wellbeing of the diverse children, youth, and families of York Region.
Vision
Every child and youth has a healthy future in a caring family, in supportive communities.
Values
Accountable
We are transparent and act with integrity in applying our values and monitoring our performance.
Collaborative
We work to be community-based by listening and amplifying the voice of diverse communities, working together to leverage our collective resources and meet common goals.
Compassionate
We listen and seek to understand our clients and staff and assist them to meet their goals.
Equitable
We provide services that are fair, inclusive, accessible and trauma informed, to support the unique needs and circumstances of children, youth and families that we serve.
Innovative
We courageously challenge the status quo and work to collaboratively design solutions that improve well-being of children, youth and families.
Proactive
We have a holistic approach to service with a focus on prevention and early intervention to support children, youth, and family well-being.
Let’s Get Social
3 days ago
Today, we mark Intersex Awareness Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging the lives, struggles, and contributions of intersex people around the world.
Intersex individuals are born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female. Despite their …presence in every culture and society, intersex people often face discrimination, stigma, and medical interventions without their consent.
Let's use this day to educate ourselves and others about the experiences of intersex individuals. It's time to break down the barriers and create a more inclusive and supportive environment
Here are some ways you can show your support:
▪️ Learn and Share: Educate yourself about intersex issues and share what you learn with others.
▪️ Listen and Amplify: Listen to the voices of intersex individuals and amplify their stories.
▪️ Advocate: Support policies and initiatives that protect the rights of intersex people.
▪️ Respect: Use respectful language and recognize the diversity of human bodies.
#IntersexAwarenessDay #IntersexRights #Inclusion #Diversity #RespectForAll #HumanRights
4 days ago
Today is #DressPurpleDay ! 💜💜💜
The Dress Purple Day campaign aims to raise awareness about the supports and services available in communities across Ontario, including through child welfare agencies, and how they can be accessed. It reminds community-based organizations and …service providers about the importance of working in partnership to provide early intervention and prevention services to children, youth, and families that need short- or long-term support.
The campaign also reminds children and youth that they have rights to safety and well-being in all spaces, including at home, at school, and in their community.
Today, York Region CAS invites our community to join us in wearing purple.
Swipe through the photos to see pictures of our staff honouring #DressPurpleDay2024
For more information about Dress Purple Day, visit:
https://www.oacas.org/publications-and-campaigns/dresspurpleday/
#DressPurpleDay2024 #IDressPurpleBecause #YRCAS #YorkRegion
4 days ago
As we approach the end of Foster Family Appreciation Week 2024, we would like to acknowledge our amazing Foster Care Recruitment Team at York Region CAS 💚💛
As you may know, foster care placement availability is on a steady decline and there has been a 33.6% decrease in available …foster homes since 2020, putting the safety and well-being of children, youth and families at risk.
Now more than ever there is a demand for compassionate individuals and families who are willing to open their doors and hearts to vulnerable children and youth in our community.
If you work closely with an organization or an individual who may be interested in learning more about fostering, please direct them to our foster care recruitment team who are willing to host meetings both in person and virtually to share the necessary information and resources. You can email them at fostering@yorkcas.org.
As a reminder, our friendly team will also be hosting a foster caregiver information session on October 30, 2024, from 7-8 p.m. (virtual event). You can register by emailing fostering@yorkcas.org.
On behalf of York Region CAS, we would like to sincerely thank all of foster parents continued efforts and support in helping to change lives.
#FosterFriday #FosterFamilyAppreciation #FosterCare #YRCAS #YorkRegion
5 days ago
As a member organization of the Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group (MDIG) and an endorsee of the Inclusion Charter for York Region, we are proud to stand up against hate in our communities ✋
No one should feel unsafe simply because of who they are. We all have a role to play to make… sure York Region is a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone.
To learn how you can help end the cycle of hate, visit york.ca/EndHate
#EndHateYR #YRCAS #YorkRegion
5 days ago
Donate today to Currency for Kids in support of the York Region Children's Fund 🌎💲
It is estimated that over $2 Billion in foreign currency is stored or saved in Canadian homes and businesses. This currency has no use or real value in Canada. As a result, foreign currency (notes… and coins) can be found in bags, boxes, envelopes, teacups, jars and desk drawers.
Did you know? 🙋
Currency from travels and vacations can be donated to Currency for Kids (CFK).
Donations of currency are repatriated from countries all around the world. After being converted to Canadian currency, your donation is then used to support programs for children and youth living in vulnerable situations.
In York Region alone, there is between $69 and $104 million in foreign currency available for collection. Just imagine for a moment, what YRCF could do with this level of funding?
Donate to the York Region Children’s Fund today by mailing or dropping your donation of foreign currency to YRCF (16915 Leslie Street, Newmarket). You can also visit the Continental Currency Exchange locations at Markville Shopping Centre and Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket.
General donations can also be made to the York Region Children's Fund at: www.yorkregionchildrensfund.org/donate
#CurrencyforKids #YRCAS #YorkRegion
6 days ago
As our Agency continues to recognize Foster Family Appreciation week (October 21-25), we would like to honour all of our dedicated foster parents both past and present!
Swipe through the photos to see some of our foster caregivers over the years.
A sincere thank you for all their …dedication, kindness and positive impact that they have made and continue to make in the lives of so many in our community.
By sharing their stories and photos, we hope to inspire others to help support child, youth and family wellbeing in York Region and beyond.
If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a foster caregiver, we invite you to join our friendly team at our next information session on October 30 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. (virtual event).
You can register by emailing fostering@yorkcas.org
#ThankYou #FosterParents #FosterParentAppreciationWeek2024 #YRCAS #YorkRegion
7 days ago
On Saturday, October 26, the York Regional Police will be hosting its annual spooktacular Halloween in the Village event in which all little ghouls and goblins are invited to participate 🎃🍭👻
The event will be taking place from 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Community Safety …Village at Bruce’s Mill (3291 Stoufville Road) with two dedicated time slots to choose from:
Timeslot 1 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Entrance will be permitted starting at 10:15 a.m.)
Timeslot 2 – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Entrance will be permitted starting at 1:45 p.m.)
The cost of the event is $10 per vehicle in which all funds raised will be donated to United Way.
Please also note that the event will take place in rain or shine.
Members of both the York Region Children’s Aid Society’s Foster Care Recruitment Team and York Region Children’s Fund will also be present at the event handing out candy and stickers to all the children and participants.
For more information about the event, including registration, visit:
https://calendar.yrp.ca/default/Register/2024-10-26-1030-Halloween-in-the-Village
We look forward to seeing you there!
#YorkRegion #YRP #Community #Halloween #YRCAS
1 weeks ago
October 21-25 is recognized as National Foster Family Appreciation Week and during this time, Ontario’s child welfare sector recognizes the invaluable contributions of foster caregivers across the province.
Foster caregivers are important community members who not only provide temporary… homes for children and youth, but also facilitate connections and reunification with their families and communities. Caregiving can also include taking care of children and youth from one’s extended family or cultural community, through kinship care or customary care placements.
Throughout this week and the entire year, York Region CAS would like to extend a very heart-felt, “Thank You!” to all our Foster Families for all that they do to care for children, youth and families in our community.
To learn more about the vital role of foster caregivers, please visit: https://www.oacas.org/there-to-care/
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster caregiver with our Agency, we encourage you to visit our website: https://www.yorkcas.org/foster-caregivers/
#FosterFamilyAppreciationWeek #TheretoCare #FosterCare #YRCAS #YorkRegion
1 weeks ago
This week, York Region CAS recognizes and acknowledge Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week.
Not all disabilities are visible. Disabilities can be physical, psychosocial, psychological, and/or developmental. Common examples of invisible disabilities include Bipolar Disorder, Autism …Spectrum Disorder, Diabetes, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.
York Region CAS is committed to building a community where all challenges are understood and supported.
#InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek #UnderstandingAndSupport #AbilityInDisability
1 weeks ago
York Region CAS is proud to announce that our Agency was selected to take part in the Dreams Take Flight program 👨✈️✈️🌟
Dreams Take Flight is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that provides an all-expenses paid trip of a lifetime to deserving children. Selected …children are treated to a day full of fun and adventure in a world-renowned theme park in California or Florida.
Air Canada donates planes. Volunteers raise money throughout the year. Donors give to cover all the expenses—aircraft fuel, park admission, spending money, plus cash for souvenirs and gifts. Each child and their escort are also clad in signature clothing to set them apart in the park.
This year, York Region CAS was proud to have four children take part and one of our workers participate as a chaperone.
On behalf of York Region CAS, we would like to thank the teams at Dreams Take Flight (@dreamsyyz) and Air Canada (@fondation_aircanada_foundation) for organizing such a phenomenal event. Your generosity is life-changing and will give children a chance to stretch their minds to limitless possibilities.
We look forward to nominating more of our children for next year’s event.
For more information about Dreams Take Flight, please visit: https://dreamstakeflight.ca/
#YRCAS #YorkRegion #DreamsTakeFlight #AirCanada #DisneyLand
2 weeks ago
October 18 is Persons Day in Canada.
It marks the day in 1929 when the historic decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons” was handed down by Canada's highest court of appeal.
Today, York Region CAS celebrates the important milestone for women's …rights and participation in Canadian political life.
#PersonsDay #WomenEmpowerment #EqualityForAll
2 weeks ago
Becoming a foster parent offers a multitude of rewarding benefits, both for the child and the foster family.
By providing a safe, stable, and loving environment, foster parents can significantly impact a child's life, helping them overcome trauma and adversity.
This role …allows you to make a profound difference by offering the care, support, and stability that these children often lack, thereby changing their life trajectory and setting them up for future happiness and success.
To learn more, join our friendly team at our next foster caregiver information session on October 30 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. (virtual event).
You can also give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 905.895.2318
🌐 yorkcas.org/foster-caregivers
#FosterFriday #YRCAS #YorkRegion #FosterParents
2 weeks ago
It's Secret Path Week, from October 17-22!
This week, we honour the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack, reflecting on the impact of residential schools in Canada. Chanie's story reminds us of the importance of reconciliation and understanding our shared history.
… Join us in taking action:
• Participate in a Walk for Wenjack to honour Chanie's journey.
• Educate yourself about the history of residential schools and their ongoing effects.
• Embrace the call to #DoSomething and create meaningful #reconciliACTIONs in your community.
Let’s work together to build a better future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike.
#SecretPathWeek #GordDownie #ChanieWenjack #Reconciliation #IndigenousRights
2 weeks ago
Today is Spirit Day!
Let's take a stand against bullying and support the LGBTQ youth by wearing purple.
Spirit Day is an LGBTQ+ awareness day that's observed on the third Thursday in October.
It began in 2010 by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan, in response …to a rash of widely publicized bullying-related suicides of gay school students, including that of Tyler Clementi.
Every act of kindness counts—let's create a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear.
#SpiritDay #ChooseKindness #LGBTQSupport #YRCAS #YorkRegion
2 weeks ago
Happy International Pronouns Day.
Let’s work together to help create a more inviting world where everyone, including trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people, feels comfortable sharing their pronouns every day.
York Region CAS honours and respects all identities. On …this day, we celebrate the importance of affirming gender identities by using the correct pronouns. Everyone is unique, and we celebrate their uniqueness by ensuring that every child, youth, and family feel valued and respected.
#InternationalPronounsDay #AskMeAboutMyPronouns #YRCAS
2 weeks ago
We would like to a extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jason Wong @greenlane_dental for generously donating $300 to the York Region Children’s Fund as part of their Thanksgiving food drive 🦃👏
Dr. Wong and his community of patients also collected a total of 146 lbs of food which was… donated to the @newmarketfoodpantry
On behalf of York Region CAS and the York Region Children’s Fun, we are so grateful for your generous donation!
#ThankYou #Donation #FoodDrive #YorkRegion #YRCAS #Community
2 weeks ago
On behalf of York Region CAS, we would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all those celebrating.
Please note, our office is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, October 15.
Concerned about a child or youth? Our phone lines …are available 24/7 905.895.2318 | 1.800.718.3850
#YorkRegion #YRCAS
2 weeks ago
On behalf of York Region CAS, we would like to wish all those observing a meaningful Yom Kippur.
#YomKippur #DayOfAtonement #Reflection
3 weeks ago
Happy National Coming Out Day.
York Region CAS proudly supports the 2SLGBTQ+ community. On this day, we honour the bravery of individuals who come forward and recognize that each journey is unique.
Sharing your authentic self with others is not always safe or easy, and it is not …a one-day event — but when possible, it can be an extraordinarily powerful key to breaking down the barriers for 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Let us strive to create a supportive environment for our 2SLGBTQ+ community in York Region and beyond.
#NationalComingOutDay #BeYourself #Pride #SupportandLove #YorkRegion #YRCAS
3 weeks ago
Fostering a child is a life-changing experience! It not only provides a loving home for kids in need but also enriches your life with joy, compassion, and new perspectives.
Together, we can create brighter futures! 💖
We invite you to join our friendly team at our next foster …caregiver information session on October 30 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. (virtual event).
To learn more, give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 905.895.2318
🌐 yorkcas.org/foster-caregivers
#FosterCare #MakeADifference #LoveHeals