A Message from Ginelle Skerritt

Welcome to the York Region Children’s Aid Society’s quarterly community newsletter. In this edition of The Pulse, I am excited to provide you, our community partners, with important updates within our organization from April to June 2023.

In this quarter, we introduced our Strategic Plan which strives to ensure the well-being of children, youth, and families by providing and advocating for equitable service delivery and outcomes for all in the region of York, while fostering an inclusive workplace culture. To accompany our Strategic Plan, we redefined our vision, mission and guiding values.

In addition, while participating in numerous community events over the past three months, we welcomed the public to our Annual General Meeting where we shared important updates within our Agency such as: finances, election of directors, and key messages from myself and the Chair of the Board, Justin Rangooni. You can find all of this and more by scrolling through this newsletter!

As always, your comments and/or suggestions are welcomed, and we look forward to hearing from you about how we can create a better York Region for children, youth and families through communications@yorkcas.org.

Sincerely, 

Ginelle Skerritt

Click the video above to learn more about York Region CAS' Strategic Plan.

You can also Click Here to view the Strategic Plan document.

York CAS Hosts Annual General Meeting in Richmond Hill

On June 20, 2023, York Region CAS hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Richmond Hill.

With over 60 staff, volunteers, foster parents, Board members, and community partners in attendance, the AGM was an opportunity to honour long-time volunteers and amplify the voices of children, youth, and families highlighting this year’s theme, “Listening and Learning”.

York Region Children's Aid Society Annual Report 2022-2023

On June 20, 2023, York Region CAS hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Richmond Hill where we shared our 2022/23 Annual Report.

In our latest annual report, we share our strategic planning process, our agency financials, and highlight key community partnerships.

Read more by clicking the button below!

Wellness Day at York Region CAS

On May 3, 2023, York Region CAS invited staff, volunteers and foster parents to take part in our annual wellness event hosted by the Department of People and Culture at our Leslie Street Head Office in Newmarket.

Over one hundred people attended the all-day event and had the chance to interact, play games and learn more about some of York Region CAS’ internal committees and our community partners by visiting a variety of booths.

York Region CAS Annual General Meeting in Richmond Hill

York Region CAS Celebrates Children and Youth in Care Day

On May 14, we celebrated Children and Youth in Care Day!

This year, to celebrate Children and Youth in Care Day, the YRCAS Youth Events Committee held a picnic on May 10 at Brooks Farms that was open to all York CAS children and youth (infants to twenty-three years of age, or those eligible for RSG) and their foster parents or caregivers.

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

From April 16 - 22, 2023, York Region CAS celebrated National Volunteer Week.

During National Volunteer Week, York Region CAS and the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies recognized and celebrated the volunteers who work with us to support children, youth, and their families. We are grateful for all that they do.

Interview With Long-Time York Region CAS Volunteer, Beulah Osei

For over 20 years, Beulah Osei has been serving as a volunteer driver for the York Region Children’s Aid Society.

York Region CAS had the opportunity to interview Beulah as she answered some questions on why she volunteers. Click the button below for more information.

York Region CAS takes part in York Pride Celebrations

York Region CAS Takes Part in Pride Parade Celebrations

On June 17, York Region CAS participated in York Region’s Pride Parade celebrations held in Newmarket. The annual event is held to help inspire positive change through human connections, support, and education.

In addition, York Region CAS is currently looking for diverse foster parents to help provide a safe, secure, and nurturing home for children coming into temporary care. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact fostering@yorkcas.org for more information.

York Region CAS Celebrates Asian and Jewish Heritage Month

Throughout the month of May, York Region CAS acknowledged Asian and Jewish heritage month to remind everyone of the rich experiences that each one of our staff brings to the agency. Asian heritage month was recognized by staff through various, “Chai and Chat” meetings, anti-Asian Racism training, and an in-person event open to all staff across the agency. In addition, Jewish heritage month was also recognized by Jewish staff with weekly communications highlighting music, recipes and Jewish holidays.

York Region CAS and Quality Standards Framework Update

The York Region Children’s Aid Society has been busy preparing for the implementation of the Quality Standards Framework regulations that come into effect on July 1, 2023. We have been training staff on the many changes that are coming related to the care that children receive in out of home placements.

While we continue to work to transition our organization to respond to the new requirements, please reach out to communications@yorkcas.org for any questions or concerns you may have.

Children are at the centre of everything that we do

York Region CAS and Cedar Centre Discuss Child Wellbeing with Municipal Leaders

As direct feedback from the Community Forum that was held in March, York Region CAS has been working closely with municipal leaders to ensure that our commitment for the betterment of child wellbeing does not lose any momentum.

Ginelle Skerritt and Cedar Centre Executive Director, Alison Peck have already had discussions with Mayors from Newmarket, Vaughan and Aurora centering their conversations on child welfare redesign and the role of municipalities for Project Hope. Additional meetings have been set with other Mayors.

Please stay tuned for more information.

Signs of Safety Update and Launch Event

York Region CAS is extremely excited to announce that we will be hosting a Signs of Safety Launch Event in September for all staff.

At this launch event, we will present our Signs of Safety Implementation Plan that was informed by readiness activities over the past year, including the Whole System Learning Case. We will also highlight our agency’s Signs of Safety journey to date, reflect on the Whole System Learning Case activity, hear real life examples of Signs of Safety practice, and even offer a live demo on how to use the Signs of Safety knowledge bank!

Stay tuned for more information.

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If you have any suggestions on how we can work better with you, our community partners, please email:

communications@yorkcas.org