If your child or youth is in the care of CAS

Sometimes children and youth are unable to remain in their family home. When a child or youth comes into the care of the Society it is either on a voluntary basis with parental consent or through a court order.

Every effort is made to place a child in a home sensitive to the racial, ethnic, cultural and religious background of the child. Whenever possible, it is the practice of the Society to place children and youth with extended family. When this is not possible the preferred option is with foster parents. Placing siblings together is a priority for the Society.

A social worker will work with you in developing a plan of care for your child.

Unless a family court Judge says there can be no access regular visits are scheduled between the parents and the child or youth in care.

Our main goal is to work toward reuniting children with their families. A plan of service is developed with you toward this goal. If however, a situation is deemed too serious and a child cannot be safe at home, a permanent plan is developed and presented before a Family Court Judge.

While in care, your child or youth has the following rights:

• Access to legal counsel
• Access to a social worker and their record
• Access to a complaint procedure
• Have his/her basic needs met, food, shelter, health, education
• Appropriate discipline
• Visits with family and friends where appropriate
• Participation in their own plan of care