Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
York Region Children’s Aid Society values diversity and inclusion, and respects the dignity, beliefs, and ideas of individuals. We are committed to creating an environment of equity and inclusion so that every individual can work and receive services with dignity and respect.
Organization Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
York Region Children’s Aid Society will build, foster, and sustain an organizational culture, and service that values difference.
We will nurture and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of staff, resource parents, volunteers, children, youth, families, and our communities. York Region Children’s Aid Society will cultivate a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, and where staff, volunteers, and resource caregivers are empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe every member of the organization enriches and contributes to a broad range of ways of understanding, engaging, and supporting service delivery that is responsive to the unique, and intersecting experiences of diverse and equity-seeking communities.
At York Region Children’s Aid Society, there is zero tolerance for all forms of oppression, discrimination, racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, religious/creed discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, any discrimination against invisible or visible disabilities, hate and racial violence, and violence against women. As an organization we are committed to human rights, respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion; we dedicate our efforts to combat racism, discrimination, hate and violence in our organization and within the community.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is recognized as an organizational priority, with everyone within the organization holding responsibility for integrating equitable practice and outcomes.
We will provide equitable and inclusive services that are focused on the safety and well-being of children and youth within their individual family, community, and unique lived experiences.
We will take decisive and intentional actions in disrupting the oppressive structures, processes, and practices that have led to the underrepresentation of equity-seeking groups in our workplace, and the over-representation of Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth and families involved in child welfare.
The diversity of our workforce will be present at every level of the organization and in every service area. York Region Children’s Aid Society is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the Region of York.
Human Resource practices and processes will integrate equity strategies to facilitate those who have been marginalized, equity-seeking groups, and communities, having access to employment opportunities, where they have been historically underrepresented due to systemic barriers within the organization.
Communication is respectful between all individuals regardless of position or level of authority.
Insights from diverse groups are actively sought and welcomed; staff report their background and lifestyle do not affect perceptions of them as a professional or affect their opportunities for development and promotion.
Employees are aware of bias and use active strategies/tools to minimize its impact/influence on decision-making and interactions.
In respecting and valuing the diversity among our employees, third-party service providers, those with whom we work alongside, serve, and partner with, are expected to ensure that there is a work environment free of all forms of unlawful discrimination and all forms of harassment.
Inclusion Charter for York Region
Our Commitment to Welcoming and Inclusive Communities
York Region Children’s Aid Society is committed to supporting the vision of the Inclusion Charter for York Region. We strive to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization based on mutual respect for the dignity of every person’s individual identity. We aim to advance and sustain an inclusive work environment to promote service excellence, integrity and accountability, meaningful employment, and strong community partnerships locally, regionally, and provincially.
For further details, please visit: www.york.ca
Resources
As the child welfare sector, we know there is an over representation of Black and Indigenous children in care and a disparity in service. It is our commitment that service delivery ensures that children, youth and families with diverse identities are aware of, and have access to, diverse community services and resources that will support their intersecting needs and identities. See the list of resources below to access to the YRCAS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Resource & Service Directory, and the Black, African Canadian and Caribbean Services.
