On March 16, 2021, the world witnessed another act of racial violence, this time targeting the Asian community in Atlanta, Georgia. A shooting left eight people dead, six of whom were Asian women. The Halton Children’s Aid Society denounces these violent acts as well as their racist and misogynistic underpinnings. These continued acts of violence emphasize the vital need to continue the work to end systemic racism, sexism and all forms of oppression.

Since the start of the pandemic, racially-motivated violence against the Asian community has been on the rise both here in Canada and in the US. The Halton Children’s Aid Society acknowledges the impact these traumas bring to individuals and communities including the children, youth and families we help, our staff, our volunteers and our resource parents.

This notice was approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice

To all persons who were Crown Wards in Ontario at any time from the period on or after January 1, 1966 until March 30, 2017 and suffered physical or sexual assault before or while a Crown Ward ("Class Members")

A proposed settlement has been reached with Ontario in this class action to provide compensation of up to $3,600 to Class Members who are former Crown Wards who suffered physical or sexual assault before or while a Crown Ward.

A symposium for Black/African Canadian Youth in Care

On Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, the One Vision One Voice program will present the second edition of PowerUp!, a symposium for Black/African Canadian youth. PowerUp! is the first Canadian event specifically designed for Black youth in care and this time we’re going virtual to connect, empower and inspire unity and togetherness amongst Black youth across Ontario in the child welfare system.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ootl6m

Office Closed--Thursday, December 24th at 12:30 pm, Friday, December 25th and Monday, December 28th

Office Re-Opens--Tuesday, December 29th at 8:30 am

Office Closed--Thursday, December 31st at 3:00 pm and Friday, January 1, 2021

Office Re-opens--Monday, January 4, 2021 at 8:30 am

Here is how you can help make Holiday Dreams come true.

During the holidays, our goal is to brighten the season by delivering necessities and gifts to those who have been referred to our Holiday Dreams program through their Halton Children’s Aid Society worker.

Anyone, an individual or group, wishing to contribute to the Holiday Dreams program may do so, with our thanks.

For more information, please contact: Lisa Janssen, CAFH/Halton CAS Partnership & Program Development Ljanssen@haltoncas.ca, 905-333-4441 ext. 0724

Thank you for helping deliver Holiday Dreams and bringing smiles to children, youth and families in need this holiday season!

Every October, Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth and families through the Dress Purple Day campaign. This year, the campaign is more important than ever, as the pandemic has created additional stressors for families and, in some cases, has increased risk for the well-being and safety of vulnerable children and youth. This year, Dress Purple Day will take place Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

Today, the Honourable Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women's Issues, announced the government’s strategy to Redesign the Child Welfare System (CW Redesign) by focusing directly on the needs of children and youth and creating solid foundations to support strong families.

This is a result of over a year of Ministry engagement with youth, families/caregivers, Indigenous communities and representatives across various sectors including child welfare. The Halton Children’s Aid Society applauds the government’s thoughtful stakeholder engagement process.

The relentless acts of violence and disrespect inflicted upon Black people are compounded by centuries of physical, social, and psychological anti-Black racism that has been normalized in our white supremacist society. As a Children’s Aid Society, we share in that history.

The Halton Children’s Aid Society re-dedicates itself to the development of a Declaration of Equity and Inclusion that moves our Society from words to real change. Change that can be seen and felt by our staff and the children, youth and families in our community.

We are committed to working with other children’s aid societies and community leaders to systemically change the racist structures and cultures that exist and move this work forward together.

At this time of great difficulty, our hearts and minds are with everyone who is experiencing loss and pain. May they find strength, hope and peace in the days ahead.