Children’s Aid Society Cases

The Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) is an Ontario Legislation that governs how child protection is regulated in the Province. Child Protection and Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Cases mean the same types of cases and are used interchangeably. There are numerous Children’s Aid Society’s across the province, representing different regions and cultures. For example, there is a Peel Children’s Aid Society, a Toronto Children’s Aid Society, a Halton Children’s Aid Society and a Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto or a Jewish Child and Family Services Agency or a Native Child and Family Services agency. Depending on where one lives and what your cultural or religious background is, will depend which agency and courthouse one would fall under should they find themselves entangled in such a case. Children’s Aid Society cases otherwise known as CAS cases or Child Protection are notoriously difficult cases. All the CAS agencies have the power to apprehend children and not have to justify the apprehension with a court of law for up to 5 days after the apprehension. The safety and well-being of children are at stake and children are deemed to be the most vulnerable people in our society. As a result, many legal powers are afforded to CAS cases. For example, hearsay evidence otherwise inadmissible in a criminal trial is admissible (with certain exceptions) in a CAS case. The past history of a parent is out on the table, on full display. Medical records can also become relevant and admissible.