OUR MISSION
The Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk values and supports children, youth and families so they thrive in safe and nurturing environments enabling them to reach their full potential.
OUR VISION
A community that nurtures the lives and dreams of children.
ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY
Since 1896, the Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk (CAS) has been providing protection, prevention and counseling services to children and families. The Society is funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who represent the communities we serve.
The CAS is mandated by the Child and Family Services Act, R.S.O. 1990 to:
- Investigate allegations or evidence that children who are under the age of 16 years or are in the Society’s care or under it’s supervision may be in need of protection.
- Protect, where necessary children who are under the age of 16 years or in the Society’s care or under it’s supervision.
- Provide guidance, counseling and other services to families for protection of children or for the prevention of circumstances requiring the protection of children.
- Supervise children assigned to it’s supervision under the Act.
- Place children for adoption.
These functions are undertaken within the paramount purpose of the Act which is to promote the best interests, protection and well-being of children.
Become a member of the Society
Membership with The Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk is one way to show your support for child advocacy in our communities. Membership increases public awareness of our programs and services. Your ideas and opinions are valued. Becoming a member entitles you to vote at the Annual General Meeting. You will recieve a membership card and an invitation to the Annual General Meeting which takes place in June of each year.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.
