There are children in your community who need you!

You can be the difference for a child in need by opening your home as a foster family. Foster families provide temporary, loving care to children who cannot live safely at home. Foster parents are needed for infants, toddlers, teens, children with special needs and sibling groups.

Our foster parents are married or single, have a lot of experience with children or while having no direct experience, are interested in working with children, represent the LGBTQ community, come from a variety of cultures and ethnicities, or may decide to foster with another family member. The foster parents of the Children’s Aid Society represent the diversity of our city. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you able to go the extra mile?  Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto.

If you are interested in volunteering with the CAS of Toronto we ask you to:

• Volunteer for one full year
• Volunteer every week for two to three hours
• Attend a Volunteer Information Session
• Be 19 years or older
• Participate in an interview after attending the Volunteer Information Session
• Consent to a police check
• Provide three references (only one can be personal) 

If you require further information or you would like to register for the Information session, contact the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto Volunteer Services department closest to your home location listed below.

Do you reside in Scarborough or East of there? Do you want to volunteer in a group home run by the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto?
Contact Krista Umerah at 924-4640 Ext. 3355 or kumerah@TorontoCAS.ca 

Do you reside in Etobicoke or West of there?
Contact Lori Gibbard at 924-4640 Ext. 3723 or lgibbard@TorontoCAS.ca

Do you reside in the City of Toronto?
Contact Jo-Anne Meslin at 924-4640 Ext. 2946 or jmeslin@TorontoCAS.ca 

Do you reside in East York or North York or North of there? Are you interested in becoming a volunteer driver? Do you want to volunteer to help foster parents?
Contact Tracy Ford at 924-4640 Ext. 3412 or tford@TorontoCAS.ca

Do you want to volunteer with children and teens who are in Child and Youth Services, in foster homes, group homes or living independently - anywhere in Toronto or outside the GTA?
Contact Nancy McAlpine at 924-4640 Ext. 2129 or nmcalpine@TorontoCAS.ca

The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto is committed to developing a work environment and a service delivery system, free from all forms of oppression, including racism.

Our VISION

Leading with excellence and working in partnership, we will create a city where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are supported. 

Our MISSION

To…

• Prevent situations that lead to child abuse and neglect by embracing, strengthening and supporting families, and communities
• Protect children and youth from abuse, and neglect
• Provide safe and nurturing care for children and youth
• Advocate to meet the needs of children, youth, families, and communities.

Our VALUES

We believe in…

• Placing the needs of children and youth first
• Creating an environment that promotes trust, equality, respect, diversity, openness, and honesty
• Affirming and valuing our staff, care providers, clients, and volunteers
• Promoting enduring relationships for children, and youth
• Being accountable and transparent
• Demonstrating excellence, leadership, teamwork, and innovation.

Service disruptions affecting the CAS of Toronto will be listed here.

We welcome your feedback regarding accessibility at the CAS of Toronto.

 Click here to access the accessibility feedback form.

Content Pending…

The CAS of Toronto is committed to providing persons with disabilities with equal opportunities and standards of goods and services in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.   These goods and services will be provided in a manner that respects dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

 To read our AODA Standard for Customer Service Policy click here.

Currently the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto is using a free TTY Service through “Bell Relay Service”. 

How Bell Relay service works for a TTY user:

Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability use a TTY to type their conversations to a Bell Relay operator. The operator then reads the typed conversation to the other party. The Bell Relay operator then types the other party’s spoken words back to the TTY user.
How Bell Relay service works for voice users:

You can easily initiate home or mobile phone calls to TTY users using the Bell Relay service. A Bell Relay operator will type your spoken words to TTY users and read back their replies.

How to use TTY Service:

TTY to Voice:
If you need to call Children’s Aid and require TTY service, please do the following using your TTY machine:

• Dial 711 (The Bell Relay operator will answer saying Bell Canada Relay service, (operator’s name) speaking, followed by GA (for go ahead).
• Type in 416 924 4646 and then type GA.  Type in the name of the person you are trying to reach, doing so helps the agent connect to the person you are calling. The Bell Relay operator will let you know as soon as someone answers the call, i.e. “John is on the line, GA” (if you provided a name).

General tips for TTY users:

• When calling Children’s Aid, be sure to give the operator the name of the person (or extension) you are trying to reach. This way, the call will progress much more quickly, and the operator won’t have to keep repeating the procedures for using the BRS system.
• If you type the wrong word or message, either backspace or type XXX after the mistake.
• When you finish your turn, remember to type GA to signal the other person to respond.
• If the person you are trying to reach is already familiar with the Bell Relay service, tell this to the operator at the beginning of the call.
• You can leave messages on answering machines or voicemail systems with the Bell Relay service. When you do so, you could mention that you have called using the relay service, and leave the Bell Relay service 1 800 number with your area code and phone number.
• When the conversation is finished, type GA or SK (stop keying).  Complete your call by placing the handset back on the phone and turn the TTY power switch off.
• Always wait for the Bell Relay operator’s GA before typing.

SHARE Newspaper published an article on December 1, 2011 about Toronto Children’s Aid Youth visiting Washington, D.C. as part of the Soul Journey V experience.

 Click here to read the article…

Daisy, nearly 8, is a vibrant, happy and curious girl with the biggest smile imaginable. Now in grade 2, she is an enthusiastic learner who can read, write and take part in all class activities. Her proud mom, Nancy adopted Daisy as a 5 1/2 year old after seeing her profile on the AdoptOntario website. Daisy has come a long way from the little girl that first caught her mom’s attention.

A commonly held belief about adoption is that people only want children who are considered to be “normal” or without special needs. Along the same lines, those children who have exceptional needs are often characterized as “unadoptable” because they are thought to be too difficult for any family to manage. Daisy and Nancy prove both notions wrong. Read the rest of this entry »

Annual Awards presented by Toronto’s 4 Children’s Aid Societies recognizes those who take action against child abuse and neglect
Chris Paulson, a Toronto Transit Commission bus driver, whose actions potentially saved a toddler from serious harm and Dr. Johanne Roberge, Director of the Psychiatry Emergency and Crisis Service at The Hospital for Sick Children, were both recognized for their contributions in protecting children from abuse and neglect at a ceremony that concluded Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“We all have a responsibility to take action when we see children in need - from looking out for a child who is alone or neglected to improving services for all vulnerable children and youth. I commend both of these deserving recipients and the Children’s Aid Societies honouring them for their unfailing compassion and commitment,” said Minister of Children and Youth Services, Dr. Eric Hoskins. Read the rest of this entry »

Adoption is the legal process that gives a new family to a child whose birth family can’t care for him or her. Children of all ages can be adoption and come from a variety of cultural, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Each child is different but all can benefit from becoming part of a warm and loving family!

The most comprehensive evaluation ever conducted on family recruitment practices for children in foster was recently released from the US based Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA).

• Click here to read the media release
• Click here to read the full report summary

Unadoptable is Unacceptable
This video, released to highlight the positive findings of the Foundation’s five-year research evaluation of its Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program, shows that the program works.

The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto expresses sincere gratitude to the over 243 foster families, who provide their homes to care for and nurture vulnerable children. These community members are a integral part of our child welfare team and we are extremely proud of the fact they represent the wonderful diversity that makes up our city. Last year, they opened their homes and lives to over 1,000 children. The remarkable dedication that these families demonstrate is a reflection of the generosity of their hearts and their commitment to the understanding that children depend on all of us. On behalf of the CAS of Toronto, we want to thank all foster families for their tireless and unselfish dedication and their overall commitment to the best interests of children.

David Rivard, Chief Executive Officer

Nancy Dale, Chief Operating Officer

The new edition of Communicate is now available…click here to access.

Toronto’s child protection agencies use social media to
help children and inform the community -

Toronto’s four Children’s Aid Societies are “going social” to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month. The agencies have combined forces to create a Facebook (www.facebook.com/CAPM2011) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/CAPM_Toronto) campaign to spread the word about ways to identify and prevent child abuse and neglect.

This campaign allows Toronto CASs to bring a wealth of information to a large number of people through social media. The agencies will donate 200 stuffed toys to kids once 1000 people ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ the Facebook and Twitter pages. Read the rest of this entry »

On Sunday September 25, we hosted over 40 leaders and community members from Toronto’s Muslim community at a breakfast meeting at our head office on Isabella St. The purpose of the meeting was to share with the community the work that our Services to Muslim Families Advisory Committee has done over the past three years and to provide information to the Muslim community about how they can become involved with us through fostering, adopting, kinship care or volunteering.

A brochure developed for the event outlines how we operate, our programs & services and opportunities to get involved with our agency.  To download a copy click here.

 To request hard copies of the brochure contact our Communications dept at  inquiries@TorontoCAS.ca   or phone 416-924-4646

Men and women of all ages will be showing their “baby bumps” for the 13th annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day “Pregnant Pause” at Toronto’s Union Station - and around the world - for 99 seconds on September 9. The ninth day of the ninth month at 9:09 a.m. provides an annual reminder to everyone that during the nine months of pregnancy, women should abstain from alcohol.

“There is no safe time and no safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy. The message is clear today - alcohol and pregnancy do not mix,” said Dr. David McKeown, the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto. Read the rest of this entry »

On September 9th at 9:09 a.m. join us for a 99 second “Pregnant Pause” at Union Station. There is no safe time and no safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Every year 3,000 babies in Canada are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It is estimated that more than 130,000 children and adults in Ontario are currently living with this lifelong disability.

FASD is a lifelong disability for which there is no cure.
FASD is an umbrella term used to describe the range of lifelong physical, mental, behavioural and/or learning disabilities that can occur only in individuals whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. Read the rest of this entry »

Click here to access our Annual Report for 2010 - 2011

Click here to access our Annual Report Poster

Chief Executive Officer
David Rivard

David began with our Agency in 2008. Prior to that, he was Executive Director of the Sudbury/Manitoulin CAS and the Family Counselling Centre of Sault Ste. Marie and District. He possesses a Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and an Honours Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Laurentian University.

David has also been an Adjunct Professor in Social Welfare and Social Work at a number of Canadian and American Universities over a period of twenty years, teaching courses on social policy; child abuse and neglect; and Canadian/International Social Welfare.

David has authored/co-authored a number of publications on healthy personal and organizational growth and has also conducted research in the areas of poverty and divorce.

Chief Operating Officer
Nancy Dale

Nancy has served Toronto’s vulnerable children and families through the CAS of Toronto for over 30 years. She has worked directly with children and families, and held progressive positions through all facets of management. Her experience and skill has lead to the creation of many ground-breaking services and training programs. A true believer in partnership and collaboration, Nancy has hosted or spoken at a wide variety of community forums about our Agency. Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McGill University, a Masters in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Masters of Arts, Public Policy and Administration from the University of Toronto.

Chief Financial Officer
Tony Quan

As Chief Financial Officer, Tony is responsible for the financial, administrative, real estate and information operations of the Agency. Tony graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and obtained both the Chartered Accountant and Certified Management Accountant designations in 1983. He has worked at the Auditor General of Canada and held senior positions at several Ontario Government Ministries.

Tony also volunteers as the Treasurer of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto and participates as volunteer director at several community organizations.

Chief Human Resources Officer
Laurie Hewson

Laurie has been the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto since January 2000. She has over 25 years of human resources management experience and has also worked in the Ontario Government, health care, developmental services and policing sectors. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Development and is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP). She co-chairs the Human Resources Inter-agency Network, which is a forum for sharing information and resources on human resources issues affecting child welfare.

Thanks to the commitment of a group of Centennial College students, the Pape Adolscent Resource Centre(PARC) has a brand-new look. To find out all the details, please visit:http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/998410–centennial-students-leave-lasting-legacy-on-pape

The Society asks all clients, visitors, foster parents and volunteers to refrain from wearing scented products to Children’s Aid Society of Toronto premises.

Scented products can have negative health effects on people, particularly individuals with environmental hypersensitivities.  The Society strives to provide an indoor air environment that reduces the risk of chemical hazards to staff, clients, visitors, foster parents and volunteers. 

Help keep the air healthy for everyone.

Student volunteers from Centennial College’s child and youth worker program are working to refresh the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre (PARC) in east Toronto with new paint, furniture and equipment to make the drop-in centre a more welcoming environment for youth transitioning into adulthood.

PARC provides a safe and supportive environment for youth looking for guidance as they move from the care of Children’s Aid to independent living. Third-year Centennial students identified the centre - which is operated jointly by the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, Catholic Children’s Aid and Jewish Family and Child - as a community resource in need of support. The students embarked on a fundraising effort that has collected more than $12,000 in a few short weeks.

“As a youth in care, I lived with labels, with stigma, with a feeling of shame. I was an abused kid; I did not have a family,” recounts one former PARC client, who now studies at Centennial. “But at PARC I did not have to explain. All of a sudden, it was okay to be on my own at 18, okay not to have a family or go home for the holidays.”

On Thursday, April 21, students will be painting and working at the PARC house at 469 Pape Ave. to brighten the basement, renew the front porch and install equipment to help deliver the seminars and coaching its young clients are looking for.
Members of the media are invited to drop in and witness the transformation, and to speak with volunteers about their grassroots effort to enhance the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre.

When: Thursday, April 21, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Pape Adolescent Resource Centre (PARC)
469 Pape Avenue, Toronto
(at Withrow Ave., 0.5 km south of Danforth)

For further information:
Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142 or 416-605-6012/mtoljagic@centennialcollege.ca

TORONTO – The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) welcomes the Government of Ontario’s new initiatives to increase adoptions in Ontario and help youth in care succeed.

“We appreciate Minister Broten’s strong commitment to this comprehensive and very thoughtful set of proposals. Yesterday’s announcement is another important step to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable children and youth in Ontario,” said Mary Ballantyne, Executive Director, OACAS. Read the rest of this entry »

Families, individuals and corporations all over the city are helping those in need this Holiday season by taking part in the Children’s Aid Foundation Surrogate Santa Program. The program, in partnership with Boom 97.3, helps thousands of children, independent youth and families have a special and memorable holiday by helping provide gifts and food for those who would otherwise go without. Donors can “adopt a family” to donate gifts, donate cash directly to the program, or become a Virtual Surrogate Santa and raise money online.

For further information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at the Children’s Aid Foundation at 416-923-0924 ext. 224 or email surrogatesanta@cafdn.org or visit

Watch a PSA about Adoption here: