What is Children’s Aid Society, also called CAS?
CAS is an organization that makes sure children are safe.
CAS has offices in different areas of Ontario. In some areas of Ontario, CAS is called by a different name, like Family and Children Services.
If you move from one place in Ontario to another place, your case might be transferred to a different CAS office.
How can CAS help me if I am in Canada alone?
Being Safe
If you are here alone , CAS can make sure that you are safe in your daily life. If you do not have a safe place to live, CAS might put you to live for some time with a foster family or another safe place to live in the community.
Foster care
A foster family is a family that CAS pays to take care of children that are taken away from their parents or here alone. CAS will try to put you with a family that speaks your same language, or is from your same culture or religion.
If you are a minor, have no money and need income support, CAS might be able to help you.
What if am in Canada with my parent or guardian?
If you are not in a safe situation with your parent or guardian, CAS might get involved to check on your situation and make sure you are safe.
This might mean that CAS will take you out of your home and put in a safe place, such as a foster home.
What age group does CAS help?
If you are under 16 years old
and you are in an unsafe situation, CAS has to take you to a place of safety.
If you are 16 or 17
and you want the help of CAS, you can ask them to help you and say that you agree to their help. This is called a VYSA, or a Voluntary Youth Service Agreement.
VYSA
A VYSA is an agreement between you and CAS.
What happens when I turn 18?
You could continue getting help from CAS after 18 if you want it. This help might be financial help or it might be other kinds of support.