A Holistic Vision for Child and Family Support

The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO) is committed to promoting the wellbeing and safety of children and youth while strengthening families and communities. To do this, we embrace a holistic, family-centered approach that balances child protection with the preservation of family integrity.

We recognize that families may need support at times, and our approach is designed to empower them through collaboration, mutual consent and respect for their rights. Our interventions focus on reinforcing family unity, offering assistance that builds on a family’s strengths and respects their autonomy. We believe that sustainable and positive outcomes for children and youth are best achieved when families are supported as equal partners in the process.

In alignment with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), CASO is committed to implementing the least disruptive interventions possible. Prevention services, early intervention, and community support are the foundation of our approach. By addressing challenges before they escalate, we help protect children and youth during their most formative years while reinforcing the stability of their family environments.

Our work is grounded in the belief that every family has unique strengths that can be leveraged to support their children. Our services are designed to enhance these strengths, empowering families to thrive rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions.

Despite the critical importance of prevention and early intervention, the current funding model for child welfare does not fully support these essential services. The child welfare redesign initiative launched in 2020 aims to bridge this gap by advancing a more integrated, family-centered approach to service delivery. This redesign seeks to move beyond fragmented systems and create a cohesive network of support for families.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on enhancing our support for families and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. We will continue to advocate for the resources needed to provide comprehensive and effective services while deepening our partnerships within Ottawa’s service community to advance child welfare redesign. Through these efforts, we are committed to delivering the holistic, family-first support that is essential to building a brighter future for children, youth and families in our community.