PROTECTING CHILDREN

As our elder, Diane Longboat, teaches us, “Our children have been born with all of the Gifts of the Ancestors to heal, to speak, to be leaders, to walk in the world to bring the change that everyone wants to see for peace and a more loving world.”

We all share in the responsibility for the safety and well being of our children. Native Child and Family Services of Toronto is the safety net for children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, or who are living in unsafe conditions.

We believe that it is usually best for children to remain in their homes, but in some cases we bring children into our care to make sure they are safe and well cared for.

If you know or even just suspect that a child you know is being abused or neglected, call us at 416.969.8510.

To learn more about what abuse and neglect are, click here.

As the children’s aid society for the Native community in Toronto, we:

• Investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect

• Protect children who have suffered abuse or neglect (or are at risk of harm) by assisting and supporting their families to reduce harmful circumstances

• Offer guidance, counseling and referral services to families whose children are at risk of abuse and neglect

• Refer families to other service providers where we do not offer a service

• Arrange for treatment services for children in our care

• Place children with family members or extended family, in foster homes or adoptive homes, depending on the legal status of the child and his or her needs

• Recruit, develop, educate and support foster and adoptive parents.