Additional positive outcomes included reduced investigations and repeat involvement, improved
housing stability, increased school attendance, stronger family engagement, and enhanced
collaboration with community partners. 
Our Early Help model gained provincial and international recognition this past year through
presentations at the International Conference on Changing Child Welfare. Peel CAS also collaborated
with the University of Toronto on academic research supporting prevention-focused practice. Interest
in the model continues to grow, with child welfare organizations across Canada exploring similar
approaches to early intervention and family support.
One of Peel Children’s Aid Society’s most transformative initiatives is our Early Help model, an
innovative approach that connects families directly to community supports before concerns
escalate into crisis. Rather than relying solely on clinical investigations, Early Help provides rapid
access to wraparound community services such as food support, housing assistance, parenting
programs, settlement services, and mental health resources. 
The impact has been significant: 
Early Help & Prevention cases increased from 0% (2023) to 7% (2026), reflecting a growing shift
toward earlier identification and proactive support for families before risks escalate.
Only 4% of Early Help cases progressed to protection concerns, and just 1% resulted in                 
out-of-home care, demonstrating the effectiveness of prevention-focused interventions in
stabilizing families early.
families received support through Early Help 
695
of cases were resolved without requiring ongoing CAS intervention
98%
60
families received support to help address food insecurity through
“Harvest Hope”, a program in partnership with Seva Food Bank
Early Help & Prevention Model

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