Volunteers provide a vital link between the Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk and the communities we serve. Volunteer contributions extend and enrich the programs and services that we provide to children and families. Volunteering gives members of the community the opportunity to meet new people and develop new skills. The greatest satisfaction of volunteering at the CAS is knowing that a difference has been made in the life of a child.

Volunteer assignments are designed to fit the skills, interests and availability of each volunteer. We are always looking for volunteers willing to drive clients to appointments, help plan and assist at special events, provide support to children, youth and families and complete administrative tasks.

As a volunteer you will recieve:

1. Complete orientation and training about Society programs and services.
2. Ongoing support in your volunteer role.
3. The opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in the role(s) that interest you.
4. Reimbursement for expenses incurred during your volunteer role.
5. Invitations to attend a variety of CAS programs and events throughout the year.
6. Ongoing recognition for your efforts.

For more information, please contact the Coordinator of Volunteers at (519) 587-5437 or 1-888-CAS-KIDS extension 298.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a citizen who has been elected to the Board of Directors, a Board member has many responsibilities vested in him or her under legislation.  For a Board member to function effectively on behalf of children and families in the community, these obligations should be thoroughly understood.

A voluntary Board, such as a Children’s Aid Society Board, is one of the community’s most essential resources.  An individual becomes a director of such a Board by virtue of the fact that he or she has been elected to the office in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act.  As an incorporated Society, and in respect of the administrative and service programs, various mandatory functions are specifically required of a Society under the Child and Family Services Act.

The Letters Patent, issued to a Society under The Corporations Act, describe in some detail the duties required of a Society and its Board members.  Each Board member should study the Letters Patent and pertinent sections of The Corporations Act so that he or she becomes thoroughly conversant with these duties and responsibilities.

ATTRIBUTES OF A BOARD MEMBER

An effective Board member is one who will undertake to become familiar with the following:

▪ An understanding of the basic purpose and function of the Society and the philosophy, which supports it.

▪ An understanding of the statutory responsibilities of the Society and its non-statutory services to the community.

▪ Knowledge of the Society’s origin and history.

▪ A working knowledge of Society policies and programs.

▪ Information on the Society’s organizational structure.

▪ A clear picture of the funding framework.

▪ Knowledge of the various positions and functions of staff.

▪ Familiarity with the Society’s relationship with other agencies in the community and the inter-relatedness of the Society with government.

▪ An understanding of the role of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.

▪ A realization of the rapidly changing role of public and private services of the community.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD

A Children’s Aid Society is governed by its Board of Directors.  It is the Board, in conjunction with the Ministry of Children & Youth Services, which determines policy.  The Board selects its Local Director; initiates and/or approves programs and services to be offered, is responsible for funds, both statutory and private, and exercises the power and authority vested in it by The Child and Family Services Act and The Corporations Act.

▪ To be effective, the Board should be:
composed of persons vitally interested in the work of the Society;

▪ adequate in number to carry out its responsibilities;

▪ aware of the geographic issues and needs;

▪ fiscally responsible for the organization and accountable to the community;

▪ comprised of persons able to reflect community views and concerns.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Some of the responsibilities of the Board of Directors are:

▪ directing the organization according to the stated constitution and by-laws;

▪developing long and short range goals and objectives and approving programs related to them;

▪ establishing priorities for non-mandatory programs and services (based on funds available, time limitations, human and physical resources);

▪ keeping abreast of community needs;
evaluating policies and program effectiveness, in response to community need;

▪ selecting and appointing a Local Director in accordance with The Child and Family Services Act, who is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operation of the Society;

▪ planning for and vigorously advocating for sufficient funds to operate the organization effectively and to serve the needs of the community;

▪ monitoring the Society’s operating budget and other financial  material and human resources;

▪ approving negotiated contracts with respect to salaries, wages and benefits for staff;

▪ assuring the maintenance of accurate financial records;

▪ having audited financial reports available for study by all members and citizens at large;

▪ ensuring that the Society is adequately insured for all possible and/or likely eventualities;

▪ ensuring a positive relationship between the Board and staff.

Persons wishing further information about becoming a member of the CAS and/or joining the Board of Directors may contact the Executive Assistant at (519) 587-5437 or 1-888-CAS-KIDS, extension 235.