In May 2009, workers at the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) in Brantford threatened job action against their employer because they wanted improved pay and working conditions; however, they also wanted taxpayers to cover them against an increasing number of civil suits filed against them by families affected by their work. Traditionally, children’s aid societies indemnify workers against criminal charges filed against them, but not civil suits. On May 8th and May 22nd, 2009, a number of parents protested outside the CAS offices and the offices of their local Member of Provincial Parliament to raise the issue of accountability.
Children's Aid Societies Perceived to Hold Substantial Power but Lack Accountability
This story is the tip of the iceberg on the whole issue of accountability in Ontario’s child protection agencies and the employees they hire to ensure the safety of our most precious resource: our children. Those calling for accountability are not asking for child protection agencies to disappear or be shut down, but are instead asking for greater accountability and transparency with respect to the way these agencies do their work.
For example, somebody selling T-shirts on Yonge Street must apply for a license and carry insurance in Toronto, while child protection workers who at times must act quickly and intrusively to apprehend children from alleged imminent harm are not required to carry insurance, be licensed or legally accountable to anybody, such as a professional body. At one time, most child protection agencies required all of its workers to have a social work degree and for the most part, specialize in children and families. However, high caseloads, funding pressures and difficulty retaining staff have led to many agencies lowering requirements.
