History

A Brief History of Child Welfare in the Halton Region

Child Welfare in Ontario has a very long history. Prior to 1874, children requiring services could receive help through either the criminal system or an apprenticeship (in exchange for the child’s labour), neither very appropriate by today’s standards.

In 1888, an Act for the Protection and Reformation of Neglected Children encouraged foster homes as alternatives to institutions. With this legislation in place, John Joseph Kelso helped found the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto in 1891. He then went on to advocate for the passage of a new Act for the Prevention of Cruelty to and Better Protection for Children.

In Halton, the founding meeting of the Board of Directors was held on February 15, 1914 in the Sunday School Room at Knox Presbyterian Church in Milton. Public school inspector J.M. Denyes was elected President.

In 1976, the name was officially changed to The Children’s Aid Society of the Regional Municipality of Halton – operating as the Halton Children’s Aid Society.

Superintendents/Executive Directors

1914—1919——Charles W. Norton
1919—1929——W. H. Stewart
1929—1960——G. Frank Thompson
1960—1965——J. Paul Jolliffe
1965—1976——Dr. Gordon Askwith
1976—1998——Ron Coupland
1998—1999——Gail Vandermuelen (acting Executive Director)
1999—2006——Roy Walsh
2006—Present——Nancy MacGillivray