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Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society (HPCAS) is non-profit, community organization legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect.
HPCAS advocates for and protects children’s rights, supports and strengthens families; and is a leader for change in our community. Through culturally competent services, with the support of the community, we help parents and caregivers build healthy families and provide a safe environment for children and youth.
Call us. We are here to help. We are available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the community.
Let’s Get Social
2 hours ago
Halfway through Behaviour at Its Best and we are loving the conversations!
There's still time to join our remaining virtual sessions – Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:30pm! Scan the QR code for registration information.
Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free, …thanks to funding from the City of Stratford. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:
📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290
Halfway through Behaviour at Its Best and we are loving the conversations!
There's still time to join our remaining virtual sessions – Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:30pm! Scan the QR code for registration information.
Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free, …thanks to funding from the City of Stratford. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:
📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290
4 hours ago
Self-care for survivors of GBV
💜 Healing from gender-based violence takes time, courage, and compassion for yourself.
Self-care can look like:
✔️ Setting boundaries that protect your peace and safety
✔️ Connecting with trusted friends, family, or support …groups
✔️ Seeking counseling or therapy to process your experiences
✔️ Engaging in activities that bring you joy and comfort
✔️ Being patient with yourself – healing isn't linear
✔️ Celebrating small victories and progress
More resources: stopvaw.ca | itsnotok.ca
Support is available:
@optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
@familyservicesperthhuron 519-273-1020 / 1-800-268-0903
@emilymurphycentrestratford 519-273-7350 / 1-888-826-8117
@victimserviceshuronperth 519-600-4108 / 1-866-863-4108
@stopvawperth
#endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism #itsnotok #notok
Self-care for survivors of GBV
💜 Healing from gender-based violence takes time, courage, and compassion for yourself.
Self-care can look like:
✔️ Setting boundaries that protect your peace and safety
✔️ Connecting with trusted friends, family, or support …groups
✔️ Seeking counseling or therapy to process your experiences
✔️ Engaging in activities that bring you joy and comfort
✔️ Being patient with yourself – healing isn't linear
✔️ Celebrating small victories and progress
More resources: stopvaw.ca | itsnotok.ca
Support is available:
@optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
@familyservicesperthhuron 519-273-1020 / 1-800-268-0903
@emilymurphycentrestratford 519-273-7350 / 1-888-826-8117
@victimserviceshuronperth 519-600-4108 / 1-866-863-4108
@stopvawperth
#endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism #itsnotok #notok
1 days ago
Impact of GBV on Children
Children who witness or experience gender-based violence are impacted in profound ways, even if they’re not physically harmed.
Effects on children can include:
➔ Fear, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping
➔ Behavioral changes or aggression …
➔ Trouble at school or with relationships
➔ Feeling responsible for the violence
➔ Learning that violence is normal in relationships
Children need:
✔️ Safety and stability
✔️ Reassurance that the violence is not their fault
✔️ Age-appropriate explanations
✔️ Professional support to process their experiences
💜 Breaking the cycle of violence protects the next generation.
If you’re concerned about a child, reach out for support:
@huronperthcas 519-271-5290 / 1-800-668-5094
@optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
@familyservicesperthhuron 519-273-1020 / 1-800-268-0903
@stopvawperth
#itsnotok #notok #endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism
Impact of GBV on Children
Children who witness or experience gender-based violence are impacted in profound ways, even if they’re not physically harmed.
Effects on children can include:
➔ Fear, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping
➔ Behavioral changes or aggression …
➔ Trouble at school or with relationships
➔ Feeling responsible for the violence
➔ Learning that violence is normal in relationships
Children need:
✔️ Safety and stability
✔️ Reassurance that the violence is not their fault
✔️ Age-appropriate explanations
✔️ Professional support to process their experiences
💜 Breaking the cycle of violence protects the next generation.
If you’re concerned about a child, reach out for support:
@huronperthcas 519-271-5290 / 1-800-668-5094
@optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
@familyservicesperthhuron 519-273-1020 / 1-800-268-0903
@stopvawperth
#itsnotok #notok #endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism
2 days ago
How to support someone experiencing GBV
If you suspect a friend or loved one is experiencing gender-based violence, your support can make a life-saving difference.
What TO do:
✔️ Listen without judgment – let them share at their own pace
✔️ Believe them – …validation is powerful
✔️ Let them make their own decisions – they know their situation best
✔️ Offer practical help – childcare, a safe place to stay, help making calls
✔️ Keep checking in – even if they’re not ready to leave, your support matters
What NOT to do:
✖️ Don’t pressure them to leave – leaving can be the most dangerous time
✖️ Don’t criticize their choices or give ultimatums
✖️ Don’t blame them or ask why they haven’t left
✖️ Don’t share their situation without permission
💜 Your support could save a life. Be patient, be present, and let them know you’re there.
Resources to share: stopvaw.ca | itsnotok.ca
Need help? @optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
@stopvawperth
#itsnotok #notok #endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism
How to support someone experiencing GBV
If you suspect a friend or loved one is experiencing gender-based violence, your support can make a life-saving difference.
What TO do:
✔️ Listen without judgment – let them share at their own pace
✔️ Believe them – …validation is powerful
✔️ Let them make their own decisions – they know their situation best
✔️ Offer practical help – childcare, a safe place to stay, help making calls
✔️ Keep checking in – even if they’re not ready to leave, your support matters
What NOT to do:
✖️ Don’t pressure them to leave – leaving can be the most dangerous time
✖️ Don’t criticize their choices or give ultimatums
✖️ Don’t blame them or ask why they haven’t left
✖️ Don’t share their situation without permission
💜 Your support could save a life. Be patient, be present, and let them know you’re there.
Resources to share: stopvaw.ca | itsnotok.ca
Need help? @optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
@stopvawperth
#itsnotok #notok #endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism
3 days ago
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Today we remember the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique on December 6th, 1989, because they were women, and all women and gender-diverse people who continue to lose their lives to GBV, including the 40 women killed …to-date in Ontario in 2025.
Femicide is the gender-related killing of a woman, child, trans woman, 2-Spirited person, or gender non-conforming individual where a man has been charged in relation to the death.
Understanding the risk factors that increase vulnerability to femicide can save lives:
➔ perpetrator has a history of domestic violence
➔ victim is trying to leave or has recently left the relationship
➔ perpetrator is depressed
➔ perpetrator has access to a firearm
➔ perpetrator is obsessed with the victim
➔ perpetrator’s violence has recently increased in severity and/or frequency
Women living in rural communities with young children who have limited access to transportation face additional risks.
💜 We commit to action so that remembrance leads to change.
Need help?
@optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
Call 211 and ask for the Men’s Counselling Link
@stopvawperth
#endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism #Dec6
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Today we remember the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique on December 6th, 1989, because they were women, and all women and gender-diverse people who continue to lose their lives to GBV, including the 40 women killed …to-date in Ontario in 2025.
Femicide is the gender-related killing of a woman, child, trans woman, 2-Spirited person, or gender non-conforming individual where a man has been charged in relation to the death.
Understanding the risk factors that increase vulnerability to femicide can save lives:
➔ perpetrator has a history of domestic violence
➔ victim is trying to leave or has recently left the relationship
➔ perpetrator is depressed
➔ perpetrator has access to a firearm
➔ perpetrator is obsessed with the victim
➔ perpetrator’s violence has recently increased in severity and/or frequency
Women living in rural communities with young children who have limited access to transportation face additional risks.
💜 We commit to action so that remembrance leads to change.
Need help?
@optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
Call 211 and ask for the Men’s Counselling Link
@stopvawperth
#endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism #Dec6
4 days ago
Small Wonders Baby Time wraps up this Monday!
These weeks have flown! Join us for our final session on Monday at Mitchell Arena – developmental screening and take-home activities included in partnership with Perth Care for Kids!
Scan the QR code for registration info.
…Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free, thanks to funding from the City of Stratford. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:
📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290
Small Wonders Baby Time wraps up this Monday!
These weeks have flown! Join us for our final session on Monday at Mitchell Arena – developmental screening and take-home activities included in partnership with Perth Care for Kids!
Scan the QR code for registration info.
…Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free, thanks to funding from the City of Stratford. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:
📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290
4 days ago
To our incredible HPCAS volunteers – and volunteers dedicating their time to organizations everywhere – thank you! 🙌 💚
Your dedication, compassion and time make everything we do possible. From foster families to Ignite mentors, to drivers to board members, you're at the heart of… our work.
Today we celebrate you and the countless ways you strengthen our community. Thank you!
#HPCAS #VolunteerAppreciation
To our incredible HPCAS volunteers – and volunteers dedicating their time to organizations everywhere – thank you! 🙌 💚
Your dedication, compassion and time make everything we do possible. From foster families to Ignite mentors, to drivers to board members, you're at the heart of… our work.
Today we celebrate you and the countless ways you strengthen our community. Thank you!
#HPCAS #VolunteerAppreciation
4 days ago
Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace
Workplace harassment and violence includes any unwelcome conduct, comment, or action that causes harm, humiliation, or intimidation in the workplace.
It can include:
➔ Sexual harassment – unwanted sexual advances, comments, or …requests for sexual favors
➔ Verbal abuse – yelling, insults, threats, or demeaning comments
➔ Physical violence – hitting, pushing, or threatening physical harm
➔ Psychological harassment – bullying, intimidation, or creating a hostile work environment
➔ Discriminatory behavior – targeting someone based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or other characteristics
Know your rights: All workers have the right to a safe workplace free from harassment and violence. Employers are legally required to have policies and procedures in place to prevent and address workplace harassment.
💜 If you’re experiencing workplace harassment or violence, document incidents, report to your supervisor or HR, and seek support.
Resources: www.itsnotok.ca/be-a-workplace-champion
Need help? @optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
@stopvawperth
#itsnotok #notok #endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism
Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace
Workplace harassment and violence includes any unwelcome conduct, comment, or action that causes harm, humiliation, or intimidation in the workplace.
It can include:
➔ Sexual harassment – unwanted sexual advances, comments, or …requests for sexual favors
➔ Verbal abuse – yelling, insults, threats, or demeaning comments
➔ Physical violence – hitting, pushing, or threatening physical harm
➔ Psychological harassment – bullying, intimidation, or creating a hostile work environment
➔ Discriminatory behavior – targeting someone based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or other characteristics
Know your rights: All workers have the right to a safe workplace free from harassment and violence. Employers are legally required to have policies and procedures in place to prevent and address workplace harassment.
💜 If you’re experiencing workplace harassment or violence, document incidents, report to your supervisor or HR, and seek support.
Resources: www.itsnotok.ca/be-a-workplace-champion
Need help? @optimismplace 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7)
@stopvawperth
#itsnotok #notok #endgbvperthcounty #endgbv #cswbperth #16daysofactivism
5 days ago
Say hello to Carah, bringing sunshine to our #TeamSpotlight this month! ✨
Carah joined our HPCAS team 7 months ago, and she's quickly become an essential part of our group. Her warmth and dedication shine through in everything she does!
Here's what Carah loves about …her role: "I love being a friendly face for families and supporting a team that makes a meaningful impact in the community. Every day brings new interactions and opportunities to offer support, and it's something I truly enjoy!"
When she's not brightening our office, you'll find Carah weightlifting at the gym, baking treats, or savouring a good latte (bonus points if it's seasonal!)
Carah's genuine care for families and positive energy make such a difference to our team every single day. Thank you for being such a welcoming presence for our HPCAS team and the children, youth & families we serve! 💚
#HPCAS #EmployeePride
Say hello to Carah, bringing sunshine to our #TeamSpotlight this month! ✨
Carah joined our HPCAS team 7 months ago, and she's quickly become an essential part of our group. Her warmth and dedication shine through in everything she does!
Here's what Carah loves about …her role: "I love being a friendly face for families and supporting a team that makes a meaningful impact in the community. Every day brings new interactions and opportunities to offer support, and it's something I truly enjoy!"
When she's not brightening our office, you'll find Carah weightlifting at the gym, baking treats, or savouring a good latte (bonus points if it's seasonal!)
Carah's genuine care for families and positive energy make such a difference to our team every single day. Thank you for being such a welcoming presence for our HPCAS team and the children, youth & families we serve! 💚
#HPCAS #EmployeePride