Message from the Executive Director
By Jeanette Lewis

The spring season is symbolic of new life and new beginnings. Many people around the world mark the season by celebrating Easter, Passover or the Rites of Spring.

Ontario's Children's Aid Societies (CASs) and OACAS began a new fiscal year on April 1. OACAS has developed a very ambitious Service Plan to meet the needs of member agencies and the children and youth of this province. The 2009/10 Service Plan describes the key areas of focus for OACAS including efforts to engage the public in the mandate of CASs; to advocate on behalf of member agencies for services and supports for vulnerable children and youth; and to support member agencies to deliver quality child welfare services.

OACAS and member its agencies recently recognized the efforts of thousands of Ontarians who volunteer at their local CAS in support of children, youth and families. During Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 19-24, CAS volunteers were acknowledged for their dedication and commitment, especially those elected members of voluntary boards of directors who provide leadership and governance to each of Ontario's 53 mandated child welfare agencies.

During Children's Mental Health Week, May 2-9, OACAS recognized the needs of children and youth for timely access to much-needed mental health services. Many children and youth in the care of CASs suffer from a diagnosable mental health problem. A 2007 review showed that Crown wards were identified as having: special needs (82 percent); a psychiatric disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (39 percent); or a demonstrated need for behavioural supports (45 percent). Ontario's CASs work together with mental health service providers to ensure children and youth have access to the care and supports they need to cope with mental health issues.

On June 3, OACAS is presenting a forum on promising practices and options to best serve youth in care, Crown wards and former Crown wards as they make the transition from child to adult. The “Building Bridges to Belonging” forum features speakers and presentations on a range of permanency options for youth, including Ontario experiences in adoption of older youth, foster care for youth past age 18 and other unique approaches that have proven successful in finding true and lasting connections for youth.

This edition of the Journal presents articles on research, programs and services for children and youth in care such as: a study of Crown wards; arts-based group therapy; the realities of family court; child protection in New Zealand; the upcoming YouthCAN conference and internet safety for children and teenagers.

Jeanette Lewis
Executive Director