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Welcome to the new e-newsletter from the Children's Aid
Society of Ottawa. The information provided in this newsletter is meant
to inform community service providers and stakeholders on upcoming events,
pertinent updates and any other information that may be useful to you
in your work with the children and families of the Ottawa community.
National Volunteer Week - April 15-20
Thank you to our volunteers who last year contributed to over 33,000 hours of volunteer work. Their contribution is vital to the services that we can provide to the families in the Ottawa community.
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Child Welfare
Transformation Update
Responding Differently
Changes to
the child welfare system in Ontario will result in positive improvements in the
way Children's Aid Societies serve children and families in their
communities.
The
Children's Aid Society of Ottawa recognizes the importance of engaging parents
and extended family in protecting children and in building on the strengths of
parents, families, and communities to ensure their safety.
The changes
to the Child Welfare system include changing the approach to responding to
child protection calls. "Differential Response" will be the new method used to
respond to requests for service, and contrary to previous years, will allow for
a flexible approach depending on the severity of the situation.
For example, if there are serious protection
concerns, a traditional approach and intervention will be used, and for less
serious concerns a more collaborative approach focusing on engaging the family
and community services will be used.
Next Transformation Update: Kinship Services
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Community Capacity Coordinator
In the previous issue we advised a new resource of 'Community Capacity Building Coordinator'. This full time position is dedicated to reaching out into various communities at a 'grass roots' level and engaging two-way conversations with its members. Learnings from this outreach program are then fed back through internal structures to inform service delivery.
Our current Community Capacity Building Coordinator is Diane Ciravolo. Diane has over 20 years of experience in the child welfare sector and is available to speak to your agency staff or community members about the new changes to how CAS delivers services, and to answer any questions about working with the system.
If you would like to speak to Diane you can reach her at (613) 747-7800 ext. 2680 or by email at diane.ciravolo@casott.on.ca.
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New Positive Parenting Tool Kit - Coming Soon
The CAS, in collaboration with various community agencies is developing a comprehensive parenting tool kit available in English/French, Somali, Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. This tool kit will address common parenting concerns such as When can I leave my child home alone? Who can babysit my child? Never shake a baby, Talk to your child about sexual abuse, among others.
We are very excited to be able to make these pamphlets available to the community free of charge.
The tool kit will be available in June and an update will be provided in the e-newsletter at that time.
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Supporting our Community
Each month we will be highlighting a community event from various community agency. If you wish to have your event highlighted in the Ottawa CAS newsletter please contact the Communications Office at (613) 747-7800 ext. 2033 or email fclost@casott.on.ca. Odawa Pow Wow Throughout the year First Nations
communities from all four directions of Turtle Island (America) gather together
at inter-tribal celebrations called Powwows.
These dynamic and colourful week-end long
events feature dance contests, group and inter-tribal dances, drum groups,
traders selling art such as jewelry, clothing and basketry, and educational
information about culture, health and community services. Especially moving is
the Grand Entry, a very special ceremony for the Eagle Staffs, Flags, Elders,
special guests, Lead Dancers and dancers to enter the circle. (No photographs
or hats allowed and attendees are asked to stand for the duration.)
Here in Ottawa, the Odawa Summer Pow Wow is
enjoyed by over 18,000 visitors from across North America. Held annually on the
week-end following the Victoria Day holiday, it takes place this year May 25 to
27, 2007. Non-Aboriginal people are welcome to attend and experience the
enduring Spirit and celebration of life that is the Odawa Powwow.
For
further information check out the Odawa website at: www.odawa.on.ca
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Other Publications
The Ottawa CAS continues to have available to you an information tool kit which help answer some of the frequently asked questions that we receive regularly. For example, we address: 'what is the cas?' 'what happens when the CAS gets involved?' ' if you child is in care', and many others. This information tool kit is available in Somali, Farsi, Arabic, Vietnamese, Chinese, Spanish and French/English. It is also free of charge. If you would like to order a tool kit please contact the Communications Office at (613) 747-7800 ext. 2033. |
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Distribution of Newsletter
If you know of anyone else who wishes to receive this e-newsletter please contact fclost@casott.on.ca to provide the email address.
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