Protection Services

Each year, approximately 8,000 calls to Peel Children’s Aid Society are serious enough to warrant investigation by a child protection worker.

A worker will meet with a family to assess a child’s safety. The worker may also speak to other children in the family, doctors, teachers, or other community partners to get a full understanding of the potential risk factors and strengths within a family.   

At-risk families receive the help they need.  This might include a referral to parenting or treatment programs to learn how to improve the quality of care for their children. Some families become ongoing clients of the agency. If they do, a case worker completes a full assessment, and works with the family on an ongoing basis to provide help, guidance and support. We develop a plan, in collaboration with the child or youth and their family, to build on their strengths and create a safe, loving environment for children.

We believe that children belong with their families, and 99 per cent of our work is done with children, youth and families in their own homes. Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to take children into our care to ensure their safety and best interests.

For children and youth who are unable to stay in their own home, or have no parent or guardian available, we place them in a temporary, safe and caring environment with kin, family friends or a foster caregiver.

Services for 16 and 17 year olds

In 2018, the Government of Ontario raised the age of protection to include 16 and 17 year olds. Peel CAS provides a full range of child protection services to youth 16 and 17 years old including assessment, ongoing services, kinship, and out-of-home protection services.

At Peel CAS, we believe that youth are best supported at home with their families, extended families and in their communities whenever possible. When we work with these youth, we seek to minimize disruption, maintain permanency and connections with kin and community, include the voice of the youth, and be culturally appropriate. 

Peel CAS has a Youth Strategy to support youth to achieve success and offer youth programs in the areas of financial literacy, life skills, job preparedness, housing, education, mentorship and youth justice. Learn more about our Youth Success services.