About Us

Durham Children’s Aid Society provides child protection services to children and youth under 18 and their families who live in Durham Region. We work with families and community partners to help children grow up safe, healthy, and happy. In most cases, children remain safely at home while we help parents address challenges they may be facing.

Children’s Aid Societies are regulated by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and governed by Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA).

We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that ensures accountability, transparency, and community leadership in all we do.

Durham Children’s Aid Society is committed to the safety and well-being of children and youth in our community, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness. We work with parents, caregivers, and community partners to create safe environments and equitable services.

Keeping children safe is a community responsibility.

Each year, we receive calls from concerned citizens, teachers, police, and health care professionals about children and families who may need help. Families often face challenges such as poverty, unemployment, health issues, intimate partner violence, or mental health concerns. When families need support, we connect them to community resources and work together toward a stronger, healthier Durham Region.

Our Mandate under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA)

Investigate allegations or evidence that children under 18 may be in need of protection
Protect children where necessary
Support families to prevent circumstances that require protection
Provide care and supervision for children in our care
Facilitate adoptions when needed

Supporting Families and Children in Care

We believe that children belong with their families whenever possible. Our work is rooted in family and community, providing support in children’s own homes whenever it is safe to do so. When children or teens cannot remain safely at home, or when no parent or guardian is available, we ensure they are placed in safe and caring environments with extended family (kin), family friends, or foster caregivers.

Many of the children who come into care have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect and need stability to help them heal and grow. We provide ongoing support to these children, their kinship caregivers, and foster families to help every young person reach their full potential.

Vision & Mission

Vision

All children and youth in Durham Region are safe and thriving in their families, identities, cultures, and communities.

Mission

We protect and support children and youth by engaging families and partnering with communities to deliver trauma-informed, responsive services. Our work is guided by Indigenous and equity-affirming outcomes, transparency, accountability, and compassion, with a commitment to transformative change.

From Insight to Action: Strategic Plan 2025–2030

In 2025, we conducted a comprehensive community consultation to ensure our services are responsive, inclusive, and forward-looking.
The result is our
Strategic Plan for 2025–2030,
“From Insight to Action.”

Developed collaboratively with staff, youth, families, and community partners, this plan is a living document guiding Durham CAS toward a future where every child and youth is safe, valued, and thriving.