There is an acknowledged disproportionality, disparity and discrimination in services provided to Black and Aboriginal children and families by child welfare agencies across North America. To help us better understand and address these concerns in relation to the services provided by the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto in 2015 we held a series of consultations with members of the Black community in Toronto with a twofold purpose;
Share and detail with the community our most recent data regarding the over representation of Black children in the care of the CAS of Toronto in relation to the general of the City of Toronto.
To establish a community advisory committee to guide and inform our examination of all aspects of our service to Toronto’s Black community.
Download Community Consultation Recommendations 2016 - PDF
Download Community Consultation Recommendations 2015 - PDF
Download "One Vision One Voice" Report - PDF
Community Advisory Committee
About Us
The Community Advisory Committee provides perspective, knowledge, expertise and advice to the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto regarding services provided to the Black African Caribbean Canadian children, youth, families, caregivers and communities to assist CAS of Toronto achieve the best possible and timely outcomes in a discrimination free and safe environment for Black children in care.
More information about the committee can be found in the terms of reference (PDF).
Community Membership
The Advisory Committee is comprised of CAS Toronto staff, representatives from community organizations and individual community members.
Co-chairs:
Mahesh Prajapat Chief Operating Office, CAS of Toronto
J. S-Quire Johnson
Members
- Jasmine Artis-Longhurst, Manager, Employment Services Division, Operation Springboard
- Donna Alexander
- Julet Allen, Program Director, Delta Family Resource Centre
- Brian Parris
- Sandra Costain
- Ken Daniel
- Dave D’Oyen, Community member
- Everton Gordon, Executive Director, Caribbean African Canadian (CAFCAN) Social Services
- Gerard Meade
- Sonia Mills-Minster
- Marcia Shelton, Manager of Family Services, Yonge Street Mission (YSM)
CAS of Toronto members
Nicole Bonnie, Director of Diversity, Anti Oppression and Community Development
Tina Garnett – Coordinator, Black Education and Awareness Committee
Ann Fitzpatrick- Supervisor, Community Development
Other CAS of Toronto staff attend Committee meetings as guests to share information on programs and services.
Work Plan
Three working groups have been established:
Community/Service Connections
Clinical Decision-making
Communication
Meetings
Community Advisory Meetings are held quarterly at the CAS of Toronto downtown office at 30 Isabella St.
Working group meetings are held monthly or as needed.