Support Services
Our Access Program
We provide individualized, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed supervised parenting time and family visit services that are child-focused and family-driven. Our approach fosters stronger family connections, improved relationships, and increased stability and resilience. We empower families to build capacity through community support. Services are offered weekdays and Saturdays at 2206 Eglinton Ave. E, George Jackson House on Keele Street, and various partner locations across Toronto.
Family Network Engagement Program
Family Network Engagement is a vital process focused on establishing permanent, caring relationships and lifelong connections for children, youth, and their families. At CCAS, our Family Network Engagement Workers assist children and families to identify and connect with relatives and other significant individuals to build supportive networks by:
- Contacting family members through various methods, including phone, email, letters, and in-person meetings.
- Utilizing online resources and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn) to seek out and engage relatives and others in the family’s support network.
- Reviewing internal records to gather relevant family history and information that can be used to support the work.
To Young People in Care
Understanding your family history and building lasting connections is important. Family Network Engagement Workers can help you connect with existing family, reconnect with lost family members, and even discover relatives you never knew existed.
Building Safe & Permanent Futures for Children
Child safety, well-being, and permanency are at the heart of our work. Permanency looks different for every child and family. It can include:
- The family’s supportive network actively participating in the plans, potentially leading to reunification.
- Children living with relatives or significant others, providing a stable family home.
- Building lifelong family connections and support networks for children.
Benefits of Family Network Engagement
Family Network Engagement offers many advantages:
- Lifelong Connections
- Support with child planning and major decisions
- Learning about your family history
- A sense of belonging and acceptance
- A stable home
- Shared life experiences and support
- Trusted relationships
- Diverse perspectives
Family Support
Our Family Support Program offers help to families in the community and Resource Families (Kinship, Foster, Adoption) receiving protection services from CCAS.
This voluntary support program collaborates with caregivers, children, and youth to set goals for services and interventions. Our Family Support Workers provide information and connect families with community resources that strengthen family relationships, attachment, parenting skills, and permanency.
What we offer:
- Child Development Support: Helping parents/caregivers understand child development and age-appropriate behaviours.
- Strengthening Family Relationships: Supporting positive family relationships and interactions.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Promoting understanding of the impact of trauma, loss, and grief on child behaviour, enabling caregivers to provide better support.
- Family-Centered Approach: Placing families and caregivers at the center of the support program, empowering them to set goals and direction.
- Community Resource Navigation: Providing information and connecting families with appropriate community resources.
- Support for Special Needs: Connecting families caring for children/youth with special needs, or where a parent has special needs, to additional supports.
- Promoting Permanency: Providing services and support that promote permanency for children and youth.
Health Specialists
CCAS Health Specialists are registered nurses who provide an in-home support to families with infants and young children. Our aim is to promote the health, safety, and an overall sense of well-being of both parents and children. Through individualized health and safety education, our nurses strive to support families to build knowledge and confidence while connecting them with appropriate community health resources and services.
Many families share that these visits help them feel more confident caring for their baby, strengthen their connection with their young child, and enhance their overall sense of well-being.
Community Partners
For some helpful tips and guidance to keep your child safe, please see these links.
Safety Tips:
Health & Wellness:
Immigration Program Services
In response to the evolving needs of Toronto’s diverse population and recognizing the growing number of families affected by unresolved immigration issues, CCAS has created an Immigration Program dedicated to providing equitable supports and services for children and young people in care, as well as families in the community.
The services of our Child Protection Immigration Specialist are unique to CCAS and provide the following types of assistance:
- Immigration Documentation and Support: Assisting children and youth with preparing immigration documents and navigating immigration proceedings.
Pro Bono Legal Referrals: Providing referrals to pro bono legal services for immigration matters.
- Securing Legal Status and Citizenship: Supporting children and youth in extended Society care and the community in obtaining legal status and Canadian citizenship.
- Immigration Resource and Consultation: Serving as an immigration resource for CCAS staff, community members, and community partners.
Male Engagement Worker (MEW) Program
If you’re a father involved with child welfare because of concerns around domestic violence, conflict, or relationship challenges, you are not alone. The Male Engagement Worker (MEW) Program at the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto offers supportive, judgment‑free services to help you make meaningful changes and strengthen your relationship with your children.
The MEW Program was created to fill a gap in the child welfare system by engaging fathers in honest, respectful, and culturally responsive ways. When men are supported to reflect on their actions, build healthier relationships, and understand their impact, children and families benefit.
What the MEW Program Provides
- One‑on‑One Counselling: Explore your goals, challenges, and strengths using approaches like motivational interviewing.
- Safety Planning & System Navigation: Get help making safe decisions and connecting with community supports.
- Group Sessions for Fathers: Learn alongside other men about co‑parenting, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, and the impact of behaviour on children.
The MEW Program is here to support your growth, your healing, and your role as a father.