Amid these changes, CASO faced the challenge of a staffing strike, testing our resolve and unity. Despite the difficulties, we are pleased to report that our dedicated staff have returned, and we are rebuilding with renewed strength and solidarity. Their unwavering commitment and expertise are central to our operations and set the stage for a new chapter of growth and collaboration.

Guiding all our efforts is a commitment to principles of equity and inclusion. We remain focused on disrupting the overrepresentation of Indigenous, Black and racialized children and families in the child welfare system. Additionally, we recognize that creating meaningful change requires openness to difficult conversations. We are committed to listening respectfully to the concerns of clients, staff and community members, and working together to build a shared, inclusive future.

As we look to 2024-25, CASO is entering this phase with a stronger, more representative and diverse Board of Directors, united in the mission to secure sustainable funding and build towards a strategic future. The Board has full confidence in the leadership of its management team and the staff at CASO.  

Financial sustainability remains a key priority. While recent investments by MCCSS provide some support, they do not fully address the provincial funding shortfall or CASO’s financial needs. We are committed to executing our deficit management plan and will continue leveraging the transfer payment risk assessment process to anticipate and mitigate future financial challenges.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge the success of our Foundation, whose fundraising efforts have been instrumental in supporting CASO’s priorities. As we look ahead, CASO’s resolve is stronger than ever. The successes reflected in this annual report provide a solid foundation for continued growth. We remain committed to advocating for children, youth, and families, improving our services, and fostering a supportive environment for our staff and the communities we serve.

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It’s not just about meetings and initiatives—it’s about trust, understanding, and a commitment to culturally appropriate care. In March 2024, CASO staff took part in a workshop led by Ottawa Muslim Community Services (OMCS) to deepen their understanding of the unique challenges faced by Muslim families. This was more than just a learning session; it was part of a broader strategy to create meaningful connections and equip staff with the tools to better support the families they serve. Alongside this, CASO staff worked with OMCS to distribute food hampers, providing much-needed resources to families during key moments.

But the impact doesn’t end there. The heart of this change lies within CASO’s Muslim Steering Committee, launched in 2023—a collective of community voices from OMCS, Somali Center Ottawa, Muslim Family Services of Ottawa, Sakeenah Canada, AMA – Mosque Of Mercy, Nisa Homes, South Nepean Mosque and the Royal Ottawa Hospital.

Meeting monthly at a local mosque, the committee isn’t just discussing policy—they’re actively reshaping how child welfare services connect with and support Ottawa’s Muslim community.

“Connecting families with a worker who understands their language and their world goes a long way in terms of building trust and helping families become more open to receiving our support,” said Alain Corriveau, CASO Child Protection Services Supervisor and committee co-chair.

The committee’s efforts have already led to the placement of specialized CASO workers who understand the cultural nuances and speak the language of the families they serve, significantly boosting trust and engagement. This culturally sensitive approach has made a tangible difference, with about 10 times more Muslim families now connected to supportive services that resonate with their needs.

“We’re focused on building relationships in the community to be able to connect Muslim families with culturally appropriate supports as soon as possible,” said Corriveau. “This is important because it provides families with tools to address their challenges without the need for long-term services and involvement from CASO. Overall, this approach is less intrusive and more collaborative – we’re already receiving positive feedback from families.”

Looking ahead, CASO’s vision is to further embed this community-first approach by expanding its network, recruiting more Muslim foster homes, and attracting Muslim social workers to bring even deeper cultural insights into the organization.

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