First Environmental Scan on Agency engagement with Community Groups and/or Organizations is complete Ecosystems Map is created to visualise and provide an overview of the broader context and influences on child welfare disparities. This map is used in meetings and presentations in and outside of the sector to demonstrate how
Transforming Evidence intoAction: A Policy Forum on Anti-Black Racism in Child Welfare. The inaugural Policy Forum focused on research findings, cross-sectoral experiences, and solutions to address anti-Black racism.
The inaugural OVOV Youth Action Committee is formed.
4th annual PowerUp! Symposium takes place in person.
OVOV publishes the OIS Report, prepared in collaboration with the Ontario Incidence Study Research Team. This report describes maltreatment-related investigations conducted in Ontario that involved Black children and compares these investigations to those involving white children using data from the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect 2018
Disparity Mapping Project begins. In partnership with Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work’s Youth Wellness Lab, OVOV begins conducting research on disparities experienced by Black families through policy work, existing research, as well as focus groups and interviews with child welfare workers.
OIS Report preview webinar takes place, with the report slated for a June publication date. The webinar was presented by University of Toronto researchers: Dr. Barbara Fallon, Dr. Bryn King, and Travonne Edwards (Ph.D. Student) along with OACAS CEO Nicole Bonnie and OVOV Manager Keishia Facey.
One Vision One Voice program receives permanent funding from the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, transitioning from a project to a full program at OACAS.
First All-In! African Canadian Child Welfare Staff Symposium took place in person.
The first Power Up! Symposium for African Canadian youth in care took place in person.
The first African Canadian Provincial Advisory Council is formed. Pilot implementation of the African Canadian delivery model at Toronto Catholic Children’s Aid Society. Launch of the Aunties and Uncles program.
OVOV officially launches Phase II, which includes implementation of the 11 Race Equity Practices outlined in the Practice Framework, agencies’ completion of an anti-Black racism needs assessment, and initial steps towards the creation of an African Canadian Provincial Advisory Council.
Through the guidance and leadership of the African Canadian community, OVOV launches the Practice Framework, comprised of Part I, the Research Report, and Part II, the Race Equity Practices, at a one-day Symposium.
September 15 — Community Consultation sessions begin. These sessions are to gather feedback from African Canadian service users, youth, advocates, community agencies, and service providers regarding issues, experiences, and recommendations for improving child welfare services.
Launch of “One Vision One Voice: Child Welfare Service to African Canadian families in Ontario” project, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Formation of a Steering Committee and the CAS Reference Group.
The Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect is published.
In its 2012 report, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child raised about the significant overrepresentation of Indigenous and African Canadian children and youth in Canada’s child welfare system and recommended that Canada “take urgent measures” to address this racial disproportionality.
