Child Protection – Child Welfare – Children's Aid Society Proceedings
Toronto Child Protection Lawyer
Child protection proceedings are commenced by child protection agencies, where there are concerns that a child (under the age of eighteen) is being harmed physically or emotionally or is at risk of physical or emotional harm. Child protection agencies are usually called Children’s Aid Societies (also known as “CAS”). In Toronto the following agencies provide child protection services:
- Children’s Aid Society of Toronto
- The Catholic Children’s Aid Society (serves the Catholic Community)
- Native and Family Services Toronto (serves the indigenous community)
- Jewish Family and Child (serves the Jewish community)
In Ontario, child protection law is governed by the Child, Youth and Family Service Act, 2017. Under this legislation, Children’s Aid societies may investigate allegations or evidence where children are suspected to be in need of protection. Children are deemed to be in need of protection where:
- The child is being or is at risk of being physically, emotionally or sexually abused
- The child’s basic needs are not being met (food, clothing, shelter etc.)
- The child is being exposed to dangerous situations
- The child is exposed to adult conflict or to domestic violence
Ready to Talk to a Family Lawyer?
Get a Consultation Today.
- Book your consultation
- Discuss your matter with a family lawyer
- Review your options
- Build your family law strategy
- Move forward confidently”
When does Children’s Aid Society become involved with families?
A Children’s Aid Society is often contacted by service providers, such as, teachers, doctors, nurses, and day-care workers, where they suspect that a child is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. The police may also make a report to the Children’s Aid Society after one or both parents are charged with a criminal offence. In some situations, it is the child’s parent themselves that contacts the Children’s Aid Society. The Children’s Aid Society has a legal obligation to look into every report, where it appears that a child is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed.
After child protections concerns are reported, a Children’s Aid Society will open an investigation to determine if the child is in need of protection. This will often involve a child protection worker meeting with and interviewing the child and parents/caregivers. A Children’s Aid Society may also contact third parties, such as the child’s teachers or doctors. Depending on what the Children’s Aid Society determines after their initial investigation they may:
- Close the file
- Keep the file open, while offering support services
- Bring a protection application in Court
- Bring a protection application in Court and apprehend (remove) the child
- Ask the parent to sign an agreement
Child protection cases can be very complicated. If a Children’s Aid Society has commenced a protection proceeding involving your children, it is important to obtain legal advice as soon as possible from a lawyer. Please contact one of our Toronto Family Lawyers dealing with child protection, child welfare, and children’s aid issues. Our Toronto Family law firm accepts Legal Aid Ontario Certificates.
Separy Law Child Protection Toronto Lawyers
While dealing with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) can be an intimidating and stressful experience, you do not have to go through it alone. An investigation can have serious consequences for your family, and it is crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities from the very beginning. Whether you are being investigated or are involved in a court proceeding, having a lawyer on your side is essential to navigate the process and ensure your voice is heard. It is vital to seek immediate legal advice from one of our Separy Law PC child protection lawyers in Toronto to protect your family and your rights.
Trusted Toronto
Family Lawyers
Loved by clients — with 100+ glowing reviews and counting.
★★★★★
"As a fellow family law lawyer and family mediator that has worked with Ms. Separy on a number of occasions, I can attest that I have the utmost respect for Solmaz and her team. Always professional, diligent but also reasonable and fair. Any family law client going through a difficult separation process would be well served with Separy Law..."
— B.T., Family Law Lawyer
★★★★★
"Katie Gaboury of Separy Law has truly been my rock. I had worked with a couple of other lawyers before being referred to her, and the difference was night and day. Katie is honest, fair, and an exceptional communicator. She’s easy to reach, always returns calls and emails promptly, and often takes the initiative to move things forward through settlements and mediation..."
— B.M., Former Client
★★★★★
"I had the pleasure of working with Laura for my somewhat complicated case, and it was a great experience. These issues can be very stressful, but Laura and Alex, both responded to my queries promptly and guided me calmly through the whole process! Cannot recommend Separy Law enough! I'm incredibly grateful and thankful to Laura for being so amazing!."
— D.G., Former Client
Complete the form to the right, and a member of our legal team will contact you within 24 hours to schedule your confidential consultation.
Email:
Phone:
Fax:
+1.647.352.4530
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Ready to talk?
Our team is here to listen.
- Defending your rights when CAS becomes involved
- Representing you in child protection hearings
- Helping negotiate with child protection workers
- Working toward family reunification plans
- Ensuring children’s best interests are protected
FAQs
How can a family lawyer help in a CAS or child protection case?
A family lawyer experienced in child protection plays a vital role in defending parents’ rights and ensuring the Children’s Aid Society follows proper legal procedures. Your lawyer can:
- Explain your rights and responsibilities during CAS investigations
- Represent you in Family Court hearings and case conferences
- Negotiate supervision orders or voluntary care agreements
- Help you comply with court or CAS requirements to reunite with your child
Having legal representation early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our Ontario child protection lawyers at Separy Law P.C. provide compassionate, experienced advocacy to help parents navigate CAS involvement and work toward family reunification.
What happens when CAS removes a child from a parent’s care in Ontario?
If the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) removes a child, the law requires that the agency bring the matter before a Family Court judge within five days. At this first hearing, the court will decide whether the child should remain in CAS care temporarily or be returned home under certain conditions.
Parents have the right to be heard, present evidence, and be represented by a lawyer at every stage. The process may include case conferences, settlement discussions, and hearings to determine a long-term plan for the child’s care.
Our child protection lawyers at Separy Law P.C. can attend court on short notice, help you understand your rights, and advocate for your child’s safe return under a fair and reasonable plan of care.
What is a child protection or Children’s Aid Society (CAS) case in Ontario?
A child protection case in Ontario occurs when a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) believes a child may be at risk of harm, neglect, or abuse, and becomes involved to assess the child’s safety. CAS may offer voluntary services, create a supervision plan, or, in serious situations, start a court application to protect the child.
Child protection cases are governed by Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and are heard in Family Court. These cases can affect a parent’s rights, access, and custody.
If CAS has contacted you or removed your child from your care, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced child protection lawyer immediately. Our Ontario child protection lawyers at Separy Law P.C. can represent you in CAS matters, protect your parental rights, and work toward reuniting your family.
You Might Also Be Looking For:
Subscribe to our Newsletter