Paul Wheeler | Children's Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk

National Volunteer Week – April 18-24

National Volunteer Week is coming up, April 18-24, a time to celebrate, recognize and thank volunteers – for their inspiring acts of kindness and the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. The theme this year is “The value of one, the power of many”. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours and strangers. We recognize the value of caring and compassion that volunteers show, and we recognize the power of people and organizations working together.

Please visit the link below to view a short video of thanks, compiled by HN Network of Volunteer Administrators (NOVA), including Brenda!

https://youtu.be/NMJSENZmI6Q

Thank you Volunteers!

Amalgamation Planning update – CAS-HN and Brant Family & Children’s Services

Click here to view the media release

Haldimand and Norfolk Justice for Women Review Team Research Project

The Haldimand & Norfolk Justice for Women Review Team is pleased to announce a new research project currently underway focused on the experience of gender based violence in our community.

H&N Community Report Card Poster

Press Release Community Report Card

Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement – Crown wards

In 2014 a class action was filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and was certified as a class proceeding to include all individuals who became Crown wards in Ontario anytime between January 1, 1966 and March 30 2017, and suffered physical or sexual assault before or while a Crown ward (“Class Members”).
A proposed settlement has been reached with The Government of Ontario in this class action to provide compensation to Class Members. The proposed settlement needs to be approved by the Court before it is finalized. A settlement approval hearing has been scheduled for May 12, 2021, “Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement” approval hearing is available below for more information.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT

Message to CASs from Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé

Message from Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Dear Executive

Director, As we all work to navigate the ongoing disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we want you to know that the Ombudsman’s Children and Youth Unit is here for Ontario’s young people in care, and eager to assist you in serving them.
While we continue to work remotely, we have ensured that we are accessible via phone/voicemail, email and our website to hear and respond to the needs of children and youth, and those who work with vulnerable young people across the children’s services sector. We have also created new digital resources to assist you in informing young people in care about their rights and how to contact us with questions or

concerns. These materials have been created specifically to help stakeholders and service providers communicate with young people about when they should contact us, and what we can do to help them and you. Please help us distribute them widely – for example, by sharing them with your colleagues and staff and on your website, to ensure they are readily available within your agencies and/or residences.

These
items
include:

A range of videos geared towards young children and youth you can show directly to them to let them know who we are – and why they should call us. We encourage you to embed these videos directly on your website, or share them by email.

A new, two-page “Know Your Rights In Care”brochure that explains the various types of rights to which young people are entitled under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (this can also be printed out for distribution, and/or used as a poster).

Our “Watchdog” contact cards,which can be printed out for distribution.

We also plan to send materials out to every children’s aid society. Please help us assess your needs by indicating how many resources you require to give to children and youth, and to adults, over the next year. Please email Akihiko Tse at atse@ombudsman.on.ca by February 3rd, 2021 to place your request.

We would also be happy to arrange virtual meetings or presentations to answer questions and share information with you, your colleagues and the young people in your care. Our staff have already held many such meetings with agencies and groups across the sector and welcome opportunities to engage with you and hear your feedback.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Children and Youth Unit by phone (416-325-5669; 1-800-263-2841) or email (cy-ej@ombudsman.on.ca).

We also encourage you to stay up to date on our work via our monthly newsletter, our social media channels (Twitter: @Ont_Ombudsman and @Ont_OmbudsmanFR; Facebook: @OntarioOmbudsman; Instagram: @OntOmbuds), and the Children and Youth Unit section of our website: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/what-we-do/topics/children-youth).

Yours sincerely,

Paul Dubé,
Ombudsman of Ontario