Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario (sometimes referred to as Child and Family Services agencies) as well as similar agencies or government departments in other provinces/territories (such as, child protection services, child welfare) have legal authority to protect children from abuse and neglect.
A child who is in the custody and care of a Children’s Aid Society (or Child and Family Services agency) has been removed from a home where they faced either a risk of harm or experienced harm. Children who are taken into care may be placed with other family members, family friends, foster homes or group homes, or may be adopted.