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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
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Did you know? Research shows that broad kin networks are directly linked to better outcomes for children and youth in the child welfare system.
Here are 5 reasons why child welfare is increasingly collaborating with community members to keep children and youth safe
1.) Children …and youth in the care of the child welfare system really care about the adults in their extended networks – regardless of whether they are related to them or not.
2.) Children and youth are safer and happier when extended kin networks are involved in their lives.
3.) Community members who are familiar to a child or youth (also sometimes referred to as “kith”) can be great primary caregivers when children and youth are not able to live with their families.
4.) Broad kinship networks also improve outcomes for children and youth in care because they provide invaluable respite to the primary temporary caregiver, whether it is a foster parent or kin parent who has stepped in.
5.) Broad kinship networks are strong and highly valued in many racialized and ethnic communities, as well as in Indigenous communities. Given the known overrepresentation of both Indigenous and African Canadian children and youth in Ontario’s child welfare system, the Reconciliation Call to Action as well as the One Vision One Voice: Changing the Child Welfare System for African Canadians Race Equity Practices have recommended placing Indigenous and Black children and youth with their kinship networks within their communities.
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The Huron – Perth Children’s Aid Society had the pleasure of welcoming consultants, Heidi Hebditch and Rosina Harvey, to the agency for a 3-day Safety Planning Practice Intensive where staff had the opportunity to strengthen their Signs of Safety practice.
It was an amazing three …days of collaboration and learning.
#HPCAS #ChildWelfare
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The Ignite Students were proud to complete their first “Stained Glass” art pieces! 🫶
These intricate pieces took patience and a steady hand. Their effort paid off because they are stunning!
Ignite is a creative learning program focused on Igniting Curiosity, Creativity …and Confidence! Each week we explore a new activity with the help of our dedicated Volunteer Mentors.
#IgniteStudents #HPCAS
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September 18 to 22 is Kinship & Alternate Care Awareness Week. During this week, children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies celebrate the family and community members who support children and youth when they need it most.
When it is not possible for …children or youth to live with their primary caregiver, child welfare agencies first look to family and community for placement options. Kinship placements can involve biologically related kin, members of cultural communities, or individuals with other social, emotional, or community connections, such as teachers, coaches, or neighbours.
This year during Kinship & Alternate Care Awareness Week, OACAS is reflecting on the various layers – identity, relationships, organizations, community collaborations, and government – that influence the well-being of children and youth, as well as the family and community members who support and care for them
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From all of us at Huron-Perth Children's Aid Society, we wish you a happy Rosh Hashanah!
#HPCAS #RoshHashanah
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Unlock the Magic of Communication
Calling all parents, grandparents and caregivers! Join us for an incredible early language workshop that will provide strategies to help enhance development.
Don't miss out! Call 519-271-5290 to register for our September 19th and 26th …workshop dates or visit the link in our bio.
#HPCAS #Workshop #ParentingResources
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International FASD Awareness Day is held annually on September 9th
FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Day is held on the 9th day of the 9th month to highlight the importance of going alcohol-free during the full 9 months of pregnancy
We all have a role to play in FASD …prevention. The more we talk about the social and structural factors influencing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the more we are able to understand and act together on FASD-related issues.
Learn more about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) at www.canfasd.ca
#FASDMonth2023 #RedShoesRock #UnitingStrengths
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Today is #FosterFriday!
If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child or youth, we invite you to apply to become a foster caregiver.
To learn more, visit the link in our bio.
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Helping to ensure that children and adolescents stay healthy is important for their individual development.
Parents and caregivers play an important role in developing healthy eating habits by:
– Eating together
– Make healthy foods the routine
– Make healthy drink …choices
– Make mealtime the focus
– Getting the children involved in the kitchen.
For more information on healthy eating habits visit https://food-guide.canada.ca/en
#HPCAS #CanadaFoodGuide
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Happy Labour Day!
We hope everyone is having a wonderful final long weekend of summer.
Back-to-school season is in full swing! We have tips to help ease the transition into a new school year. (Source: @kidshelpphone)
1.) Prepare early: Write a list and prepare your …back-to-school essentials at the start of the summer instead of the end to avoid the rush.
2.) Sleep smart: In the weeks leading up to your first day, try going to bed earlier each night — and getting up earlier each morning — to help your body adjust to a new schedule.
3.) Know the route: No matter what method of transportation you use to get to school, it’s a good idea to test out the route so you know exactly how to get to class and how long it will take.
Feeling nervous or anxious about returning to school is common. If you need support, a Kids Help Phone counsellor is available 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868.
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True or False? 13 is the legal age a child can be left home alone or to babysit other children.
If you guessed false, you are correct The Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, does not identify a specific age at which a child can be left alone, or an age at which a child can …supervise or babysit other children.
The Act says that a person who has charge of a child who is less than 18 years of age cannot leave the children without making provision for their care or supervision that is reasonable under the circumstances.
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Installing a car seat can seem like a complicated task, but parents and caregivers are often pleasantly surprised at how easy it is once they know where to find the information they need.
There are four stages of child car seat including seat belt use for children. Each stage is designed …to keep your child as safe as possible, given their particular age, height and weight.
Stage 1: Rear-facing
Infants and young children ride facing the rear in an infant seat with a detachable base or in a convertible seat.
Stage 2: Forward-facing
Children who have outgrown their rear-facing seat and weigh at least 10 kg (22 lb) may ride facing the front in a child car seat.
Stage 3: Booster seats
Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown their forward-facing seat and weigh at least 18 kg (40 lb).
Stage 4: Seat belts
The vehicle seat belt should only be used alone when children have outgrown their booster seats.
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Children and youth are at the centre of our services.
A child and youth's voice, identity, culture and heritage are at the centre of safety planning.
We centre services and planning around a child and youth’s voice, identity, culture, and heritage.
Great …emphasis is placed on ensuring that children and youth can stay with their families and be safe and thrive whenever possible. We try to minimize disruption and maintain connections with extended family, kin, and community.
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We encourage individuals looking to enhance the lives of children and youth to apply to become a foster caregiver.
To learn more about the application process, visit: https://www.h-pcas.ca/foster-care-2/
#FosterFriday #HPCAS #HuronPerth
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Most injuries to young children happen at home. Prevention is the most important thing parents and caregivers can do to keep children safe at home. Check your home often. Look at your home from your child's point of view to see what might be dangerous.
Make your home a safe place to …explore by:
– Blocking stairs with gates at the top and bottom.
– Cut cords for blinds and curtains short. Remove all drawstrings from clothing. Children can be strangled by these cords.
– Lock all medicines, vitamins, household cleaners, and other dangerous chemicals in a high cabinet.
– Keep lighters, matches, sharp objects and electrical appliances out of your child's reach.
– Attach all bookcases, heavy appliances, and other heavy furniture to the wall.
– Keep electrical outlets covered and tie up electrical cords.
#HomeSafety #HPCAS
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As a parent, raising a child can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Positive parenting is an approach that emphasizes empathy, communication, and mutual respect between parents and children.
The purpose of positive parenting and positive discipline is to teach children …boundaries, values, and behaviour in a non-punitive way.
We are proud to offer a wide range of positive parenting resources. To find a resource visit: https://www.h-pcas.ca/caregiver-supports-2/positive-parenting/
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Today, we recognize #InternationalYouthDay
This day is commemorated every year on August 12th, bringing youth issues to the international community's attention and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today's global society.
This year will focus on green …skills for youth, highlighting initiatives at the global and national levels, discussing relevant opportunities and challenges, and offering forward-looking policy guidance.
#InternationalYouthDay #HPCAS
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From all of us at Huron-Perth CAS, we wish you a safe and happy long weekend.
Please be informed that our office is closed today in observance of the Civic holiday. However, our community can still get in touch with our trained workers by phone 24/7.
If you are not sure whether to… call, we recommend that you do. We are here to help and can be reached at:
☎️(519) 271-5290
☎️(519) 524-7356
☎️1-800-668-5094.
#HPCAS
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Huron-Perth Children's Aid Society continues to encourage individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of children and youth to apply for our foster parent program.
We encourage individuals with a variety of backgrounds, who are single, living common-law, married, with or …without children of their own and range in cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
If you or someone you know is interested, visit the link in our bio to start your application, today
#FosterFriday #HPCAS #ChildWelfare
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Did you know? In 2018, the age of protection in Ontario was raised from 16 to 18.
As a result, 16 and 17-year-olds are now eligible for the full range of child protection services, including the option of a voluntary youth services agreement if the youth is in need of protection and an …out-of-home placement is required.
A Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA) is available for youth who:
🤝Are aged 16 or 17
🤝Cannot be adequately protected at home or in their current living situation
🤝Have no other safe options with family or friends
🤝Need an out-of-home placement
If you are concerned that a 16 or 17-year-old may be in need of protection; or if you are a 16 or 17-year-old and you think you may be in need of protection, you can contact us or the children’s aid society in your area.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more.
#YouthProtection #HPCAS #ChildWelfare