My mother always had very abusive boyfriends so I was in and out of foster care from a very young age. I became a Crown ward at age 15 and my mother passed away when I was 18. With the support of my CAS social worker and teachers who really believed in me, I was able to complete high school and go on to pursue post-secondary education with a CAS scholarship. In 2006, I started working at Children's Aid and in 2008, I received a national award for leadership in child welfare. Thank you Children's Aid!
Adam, former Crown ward
I too have been a child formerly in care. My biological mother was a alcoholic and could not take care of herself, therefore, she put me in care at the age of two. I was adopted by a family at the age of four but in the end my adoptive father was an alcoholic and physically abusive; I was returned to care at the age of twelve. I moved around from foster homes to group homes until I was old enough to be a ward of CAS and live on my own. I had an amazing social worker who never let me fail to believe in myself. Without her unconditional support and guidance, I would not be the woman I am today. Today, I have my own daughter and have completed an office administration course in college and have explored the dental field as a receptionist and now I am currently working as a bookkeeper. I am thankful to have had my worker in my life who helped me believe and develop confidence in myself, she taught me to love and respect myself. (Thank you Lisa for never giving up on me and sticking by me, at times I did not think I would make it through). Now, I am at a point in my life where I want to make a difference, to be heard and to inspire someone to believe in themselves. Sometimes all it takes is a helping hand, and I want to be that hand.
Lee-Ann, former foster child, adopted child
I am a child and youth counsellor who worked for the Children’s Aid for 16 years, was a houseparent in a group home, moved on to become a foster parent (now 20 years) and most recently became adoptive parents to a little girl that we fostered for three years. There are so many challenges in fostering but the inner strength and courage of the children is what keeps us going. To see some of the children who are now adults themselves being loving, caring and successful parents who are able to give back to society in positive ways is so incredibly rewarding! I have to thank our own children for being willing to share their home and their parents with the children who come into our care because it's not always easy. Each new placement brings a different challenge for our own children and the young person coming into care. Providing children and youth with opportunities to be a part of a family and to be involved in activities, sports and travel is very rewarding. Seeing their face the first time they experience something (success at school, accomplishing a new skill, stepping their foot in the ocean, etc.) is really exciting for me. Children’s Aid has touched our lives on many levels!
Valerie, worker, foster and adoptive parent
I came into care when I was 12, just shortly after my biological father passed away. At home, I was being physically and emotionally abused by my step father. I was also being sexually abused by my older cousin. While I was in care, I went through a tough journey with my family. Even though I was trying to make things work, it did not work for them. I was still being abused by my family, emotionally. I then became a Crown ward when I was 16. It was a life changing experience, to say the least. I moved around the system a lot and got to know a lot of great people. It was not until recently that I came forward about the abuse from my cousin. It was then that I truly found out who really cared about me. My family abandon me in a time of hurt and need. Children’s Aid was there for me through the whole terrifying time of my life, for that I cannot thank them enough. I have seen a huge amount of success in my life thanks to the Children's Aid. I have managed to get a great education and I have managed to live my life to the fullest regardless of the past. I cherish each and every day knowing that I have become a better person. I am currently involved with the Youth Policy Advisory and Advocacy Group (YPAAG) and YouthCAN. I am so grateful for all that Children’s Aid has done for me. Thank you!
Joeline, former youth in care
I entered the system when I was 9 and was sent home against my will 6 months later, and I told my worker at that time ‘you’ll be seeing me in 4 years’. Well, when I was 13, I was put back in the system due to abuse. I was hateful, suicidal and hated everyone. I had a intake worker who cared a lot and wanted to help, and an OPP officer too. When I was brought into care, I was in a foster home and I liked it at first then I started seeing friends, and ran away, but with the support of my workers and school and the Children’s Aid, I am now a Crown word and live everyday to the fullest. I was always told by my worker that I can do it! Chase your dreams and keep the fight going. Now thanks to the Children’s Aid, I am able to talk and have a relationship with them and live a normal life. Thanks to the Children’s Aid, I am in college and am now on the Youth Executive Commitee which I have found very helpful as it shows you what happens behind the scenes that a lot of people don’t see. I would be living on the streets if I didn’t have the Children’s Aid in my life. Thanks so much :)
Eileen, former youth in care
My mother was very abusive and struggled with drug addictions, as a result I came into care when I was 13. Because of anger and emotional problems, I wasn't able to be placed anywhere for long. I was certain I was going back to my real mother soon so there was no point in getting comfortable. When I was 15, the CAS started the proceedings to make me a Crown ward. They convinced me that I didn't have to do anything I didn't want to and they would not let me go back to an unsafe environment. My worker found a long term home for me where the staff refused to let me break down my placement and after awhile I realized that for the first time I was happy. I was able to participate in many things that altered my life for the better like the Children's Aid summer camp where I was a proud camper for 3 summers. The things I learned there and the friends I've made will last a lifetime. I'm now 18 and on still in care through the youth support program (Extended Care and Maintenance-ECM). The Children's Aid saved my life and it is hard to imagine where I'd be without them and their support. Thank you doesn't seem to quite cover it but for now that’s all I've got. So thank you, for everything.
Brittany, former youth in care
I am a former foster child who lived in foster care under an Ontario CAS for sixteen years. After foster care, I started the Foster Care Council of Canada to advocate for improved transparency and accountability in child welfare.
John, former youth in care
