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Provincial Financial Picture
Over the past few weeks the funding issue for child welfare agencies in Ontario has become very public and is often being discussed in the House and through the media. Although this issue is accelerating and gaining increased attention, there is still no indication that agencies will get the financial relief that is needed.
Ottawa is currently not one of the agencies identified as in 'critical need' at this time, and is anticipating ending the year within the allocated budget. However, this picture could change drastically next year if the existing funding model is not changed. The Ottawa CAS has been working diligently over the last year to identify efficiencies and implement cost containment strategies. Our main goal is to ensure that the families in Ottawa continue to be served.
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Ottawa CAS Named Top 25 Employer in National Capital Region
Mediacorp Canada Inc has name The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa as a finalist in the Top 25 Employers of the National Capital Region. For more information on the selection of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa visit Eluta.ca
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Leaving Children Unattended- When is it OK to leave children alone?
 The Child and Family Services Act states no person having charge of a child less than 16 years of age shall leave the child alone without making provision for his or her supervision and care that is reasonable in the circumstances...
What should parents do? The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa recommends that children less than 12 years of age not be left alone. The parent/adult in charge must make sure that the supervision and care is sufficient for the child. Young children or infants should never be left unsupervised.
Parents should consider:
· child's age
· child's developmental level
· child's ability to communicate
· time of day
· length of time the child will be alone
· amount of responsibility required of the
child
· child's level of competence
· accessibility of parents/adults/ friends and neighbours if assistance is required
· safety of home environment and neighbourhood
· child's ability to handle previous similar situations
Talk to your children and discuss their feelings about being left on their own. Only you can decide whether they can handle it! |
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month
In recent months there has been a large amount of press coverage on local incidents involving child safety, for example leaving children unattended, and corporal punishment. The coverage on these social issues allows community organizations such as the CAS with the opportunity to educate the public on the importance of being vigilant and reporting suspicions of abuse or neglect. However, it also highlights the lack of accurate information in the community on identifying signs of abuse and the appropriate steps to take to report concerns. We are extremely grateful that the Ottawa community continues to advocate for children, youth and families during the month of October. CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT THE OTTAWA COMMUNITY HAS TO SAY. For more information on the Child Abuse Prevention Campaign visit useyourvoice.ca or casott.on.ca. |
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Spanking - Media Coverage
Recently there has been increased media coverage on the effects of spanking for a child. The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa believes that physical punishment is unnecessary.There are many proven, age appropriate ways that are effective in guiding a child's developing sense of self-responsibility and setting limits on unacceptable behaviour. For more information on positive parenting contact the Communications Office at france.clost@casott.on.ca or call 613-747-7800 ext. 2033. |
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2009 Board Community Awards
The Children's Aid Society Board Community Recognition awards were established in 2004 by the Board of Directors to honor those individuals and organizations that have been exemplary in their efforts to support the children, youth and families in Ottawa.
Congratulations to the 2009 recipients:
Community Service Provider Award - Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre
Community Partner Award - Black History Ottawa
The Champion Donor Award - Mr. Rob Matthews
Foster Parent Recognition Award - Patrick & Marlyn Wall
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Volunteer Recognition Event
The Society celebrated and acknowledged LOCAL HEROES:CAS VOLUNTEERS!
On Tuesday, September 29th, 2008, The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa hosted their Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony where the work of the 325 Volunteers whose dedication and compassion greatly impacted the lives of the children and families we served in 2008 was celebrated! Thank you to all of our volunteers. |
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Ottawa Top 50 People
 Ottawa Life Magazine has named Barbara MacKinnon, Executive Director of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa as one of the top 50 influencial people in Ottawa. readers. |
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Thank You Foster Parents
Let's say thank you to the foster parents of Ottawa!
October 18 - 24 2009 was Canadian Foster Family Week. During Foster Family Week, Children's Aid Societies (CAS's) across Ontario honoured the more than 8,000 families who give themselves to serve children and youth, and the community, by being foster parents.
Foster parents work with the CAS staff as part of a team to develop a plan for each child in care. The ideal plan is to reunite a child with their family but when this is not possible, the plan may include adoption or long term foster care. Stable, committed foster families are key in encouraging healthy growth and development in children.
The Ottawa CAS has approximately 180 foster families and they were celebrated at a banquet held October 16, 2009. Specifically mentioned at this event are the foster parents who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 years of dedication to the children in their community. |
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Foundation - World Trivia Night
Friday November 20
Aberdeen Pavillion,7 p.m.
 The Champions For Children Foundation is celebrating this year! Fifteen years of Trivia ;) Our biggest fundraiser - and most unique fund raising event has become North America's largest indoor trivia team competition. This year, the event will be held on November 20th at the Aberdeen Pavilion, Ottawa. This evening of trivia brings out the best of Ottawa in a night filled with fun, food, laughter and trivia - all to support the Champions For Children Foundation. Click here for more information. | |
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