Update on services during COVID-19 outbreak
Ontario continues to take decisive action to protect the health and safety of all people and families during the COVID-19 outbreak. To help stop the spread of COVID-19, some services will experience disruptions or delays. We appreciate your patience during this time as the situation continues to evolve.
All essential social services and government offices under the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services remain open.
Children’s aid societies continue to operate and provide services to children, youth and families. Societies are being encouraged to use technology where possible and appropriate, while also observing local public health recommendations. Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, youth in care who turn 18 or former youth in care who turn 21 will not age out of the supports and services they are currently receiving through children’s aid societies.
Read updated visitor guidelines for residential care settings.
To help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the safety of all Ontarians, stay at home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible.
Children's aid
- Ontario’s plan to redesign the child welfare system
- Improving Ontario’s child protection services - Ontario is working to help children across the province reach their full potential by strengthening and modernizing children and youth services
- Children's aid societies - In Ontario, child protection services are provided by children's aid societies
- Foster care - Foster parents provide care for a child on behalf of a children's aid society
- Reporting child abuse and neglect - We all share a responsibility to protect children from harm
Your Voice Matters
A new law called the Child, Youth and Family Services Act is changing the way we support young people like you.
What does this new law mean?
You should know that you have the right to:
- Participate in decisions about you
- Be informed of your rights
- Express your views freely and safely
- Contact the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can investigate individual complaints about children’s aid societies and complaints from children and youth in residential care. The Ombudsman’s Office can be reached at:
Tel: 1-800-263-1830
Website: www.ombudsman.on.ca
You’ll have more access to the services you need.
- On January 1, 2018, the age of protection was raised from 16 to 18.
- This means if you are under 18 you can get support from a children’s aid or Indigenous child wellbeing society to help you and your family stay together, or to help you live away from home.
Who you are matters.
- Your race, culture, heritage, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity should be reflected in decisions, services and supports for you and your family.
- If you are First Nations, Inuk or Métis, services should recognize your culture and connection to your community.
Learn More
- Supports available to youth once they leave care
- Improving Ontario's child protection services
- 2015 Child and Family Services Act Review
Class Action on Behalf of Crown Wards
Were you a Crown ward at any time from the period January 1, 1966 until March 30, 2017? If so, you may be a class member in the class action which has now been certified by the court. The lawsuit seeks money (damages) and other benefits for class members.
Read more