Brief History of Children's Aid Societies

The first Children's Aid Society in Ontario was established in Toronto in 1891 through the determined efforts of concerned citizens and volunteers. John Joseph Kelso, a Toronto journalist concerned with the plight of abused and neglected children, made one of the most significant volunteer contributions. He was instrumental in setting up, not only the first Children's Aid Society in Toronto, but also the development of many others. He was appointed by the province in 1893 as the First Superintendent of Neglected and Dependent Children. For a long time, Kelso was the only government employee in children's services in the province. He retired in 1934.

Kelso believed that that all measures should be taken to keep children from harmful moral influences and that if a family failed to meet established standards, the authorities should remove children from the home.

By 1907 sixty (60) Children's Aid Societies had been established across the province, largely through Kelso's efforts. Prior to the existence of these organizations, whatever services existed were provided by benevolent organizations, such as religious organizations or fraternal societies. Children in need of protection were often placed in unregulated orphanages and foster homes.

Children's Aid Societies in Ontario were largely dependent upon the work of volunteers until the 1940's, which saw the establishment of government funding and as a consequence, an increase in monitoring by the Ministry.

Our History

Each CAS is locally based in order to understand and respond to the specific needs of children and families in their community. Our CAS has been providing caring and professional service in our community for over 90 years. Some dates of interest:

1920
The Children's Aid society of the County of Lanark was founded in Perth, as a result of the leadership of Judge Scott.

1924
A children’s shelter was established in Carleton Place.

1934
The Society was incorporated and received its letters patent “ …The Children's Aid Society of Perth, County of Lanark, is authorized to exercise the usual powers conferred on such organizations by the Children’s Protection Act. Dated with 20th day of March, 1934.”

1975
Branch offices were opened in smiths Falls, Carleton Place and Almonte.

1977
A foster parent was elected to the Board of Directors.

1982
The Society relocated to the County Administration Building in Perth.

1986
The first Society in the Kingston area to receive a license to provide foster care.

1987
The Society became a member of the United Way of Lanark County.

1992
The Society re-opened a branch in Carleton Place