Keeping Children Safe - CAS of Toronto

The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto has a legal mandate to keep children and youth, birth to 17 years of age, safe from abuse and neglect. Our goal is to keep children and youth at home and in their communities by connecting families with culturally relevant resources, supports and networks that strengthen their family unit.

Working with families and communities to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect is critical to ensuring that children and youth can reach their full potential, free from physical and emotional harm. A parent, child or youth may contact us directly. A relative, friend, neighbour, teacher, nurse, doctor or other professional must make a report when they are concerned for the safety and well-being of a child or youth. Learn more about Duty to Report.

We deliver Service and accept all reports of children and youth in need of protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)

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

Learn More About The CYFSA

What Happens When You Call

Anytime you call us regarding a concern that a child or youth may be harmed, or are at risk of harm, you will be able to speak to a Child Protection Worker who will listen to your concerns to assess and determine if a response is required and what type.

Learn More About What Happens When You Call

Duty to Report

In Ontario, it is the law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Section 125 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, states that members of the public, including professionals who work with children, must promptly report any suspicions that a child under the age of 16 is, or may be, in need of protection to a children’s aid society. An individual concerned that a 16- or 17-year-old is, or may be in need of protection may, but is not required to, make a report to a Children’s Aid Society

Learn More About the Duty to Report

Signs of Abuse

Children and youth exhibit signs of maltreatment in different ways, indications may be physical or behavioural, and can often be subtle. You do not need to prove that a child has been harmed or is unsafe, you just need to let us know about your concerns.

Learn More About Recognizing Maltreatment

Protecting Children and Youth from Human Trafficking

In Ontario, most reported cases of human trafficking involve sexual exploitation, referred to as sex trafficking. At CAST we are actively collaborating with our community partners on raising awareness, identifying risk, intervening early, and providing support and care for survivors. If you suspect that a child or youth is being sexually exploited, call us to report your concerns.

Learn More About Human Trafficking in Canada

News

Children’s Aid Society of Toronto named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers

Dec. 05

Careers and Volunteering

We’re pleased to announce that the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) …

CAST Supports 2SLGBTQ+ Communities

Sep. 20

Announcements and statements

The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto continues to stand in solidarity and …

Launching Our Renewed Strategic Plan – 2023-2025

Aug. 02

Announcements and statements

We are delighted to share our Agency’s renewed Strategic Plan, which will …

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