A Message from Laura Davidson

As announced by the York Region Children’s Aid Society’s Board of Directors, I have stepped into the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as of January 27, 2025, for the period of CEO recruitment.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and to share information on the Agency’s organizational plans. I have worked within our community and alongside many community partners over the years in various capacities including as a worker, supervisor, manager and director at York Region CAS. I’m grateful for your partnership and I am dedicated to developing and nurturing our collaborations that centre the wellbeing of children, youth and families. 

In this new role of Acting CEO, I am dedicated to advancing our strategic goals and continuing quality service delivery in collaboration with community partners to centre the voice of the child and youth, support the needs of children, youth, and families, utilizing the Signs of Safety model. Our focus remains on equity, human rights, reducing disproportionality and disparities, and Indigenous sovereignty as learned from those we serve and as outlined in the Child Youth and Family Service Act and An Act Respecting First Nations, Innuit, and Métis Children, Youth and Families.

As valued community partners, our collaborations toward creating a caring and responsive community for children, youth and families is of utmost priority. If you would like to connect, ask questions, or share your ideas, please email us at communications@yorkcas.org.

Sincerely, 

Laura Davidson

360°kids Host Stress Less Fest for York Region CAS Youth

Over the March Break holiday, our amazing community partners at 360°kids held a Stress Less Fest for our Agency’s youth at our Newmarket office space. The event was designed to help youth navigate stressful situations through interactive games, teamwork, and relaxation activities.

Featuring challenges that tested problem-solving, communication, and coping skills, youth were also given prize bags, positive affirmation stickers, and resources to help manage stress in everyday life.

York Region CAS Takes Part in 2025 Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser

On February 22, 2025, York Region CAS staff accompanied by their families and friends bundled up to take part in the annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk in support of local charity, Inn From the Cold. A family-friendly walk in support of local charities, the fundraiser aims to bring attention and support to people who may be experiencing hurt, hunger, and housing insecurity. By walking in the cold, participants had a chance to experience some of the challenges faced by those unhoused during the winter.

RBC Donates to York Region Children's Fund Through Communities Together Program



On Thursday, February 27, our good friends at RBC Dominion Securities (Newmarket and Aurora) rolled up their sleeves and helped to lift and organize bicycles with accompanying helmets into our storage space at our office in Newmarket.

The bicycles and helmets will be distributed to deserving children and youth in our community later this year. Along with their help, RBC also donated $1500 to the York Region Children’s Fund as part of their Communities Together Fund program.

You're Invited! Third Annual Anti-Human Trafficking Conference

Come join us at the third Annual York Region Anti-Human Trafficking Conference for an evening of learning, networking, and raising awareness about human trafficking in our region as we aim to, “Educate to Eradicate”.

This event will feature a variety of community agency booths (including York Region CAS), plus informative and engaging sessions for parents; with presentations from the York Region Police Human Trafficking Unit, the mother of a sex-trafficking victim, and a panel of experts in the field.

Safeguarding Futures: Privacy Innovations for Child Welfare



On January 31 and in honour of Data Privacy Week, Durham CAS in collaboration with York Region CAS were proud to host the first ever privacy symposium focusing on the intersection of privacy, data security, and child welfare. The virtual event featured keynote speakers and experts in privacy while stressing the importance of protecting information gathered pertaining to the children, youth, and families served by the child welfare sector. It also noted the rapidly changing technological landscape and ensuring that our laws and processes address the ramifications of the gathering and retention of information.

Get to Know the Youth Support Team at York Region CAS! 💚💛

The York Region CAS Youth Support Team works to support our Agency’s Youth by developing resources and programming uniquely designed for their needs by meeting them where they're at.

Alongside community partners like 360°kids York Region, John Howard Society, and many more, the Youth Support Team hosts collaborative workshops and learning opportunities such as establishing healthy relationships, cooking classes, and digital safety to help prepare them with important life skills.

The Team also works closely with our Agency’s Youth Advisory Council to ensure that youth voices are at the forefront and are embedded within the Agency’s strategic initiatives.

Certification Day for York Region CAS Youth

On March 11, the York Region CAS Youth Support Team held a certification day for our Agency’s youth.

In total, four youth ranging from 17 to 22 years of age, had the opportunity to take part in programs including Smart Serve and Food Handlers certification.

Led by the Agency’s Youth Support Team, this certification day is just one of the many programs that York Region CAS offers to our youth to better prepare them for employment opportunities and essential life skills.

Children and Youth in Care Day

May 14 is Children and Youth in Care Day and it's a chance to recognize the valuable contributions of current and former youth in care and acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by these young people in the face of adversity. This year, children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies are continuing the #ForgetMeNot campaign by focusing on the #LittleWins of young people with lived experience interacting with Ontario’s child welfare system. Celebrating the little wins in the lives of children and youth in and from care is more than just a moment of joy – it’s a powerful reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, counts. The #LittleWins matter.

The York Region Children's Aid Society Youth Advisory Council

Established in 2022, the York Region CAS Youth Advisory Council was created to help provide direct youth voice to the activities, programs and changes occurring within the Agency. The Council's mission is to ensure that the voice of youth are included in all aspects of decision-making.

Click Here to learn more about the Youth Advisory Council and some of the impactful projects that they have worked on.

York Region CAS Wears Pink to Honour Pink Shirt Day

Stand up. Speak out. Say NO to Bullying.💗

Pink Shirt Day is a reminder that kindness and respect go a long way in making our world a better place. Bullying affects people of all ages, but together we can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

To commemorate the day, members of the York Region CAS Leadership Team wore pink shirts as a call to action to eradicate bullying of all forms.

Team Day at the Newmarket Food Pantry's Community Kitchen

On March 11, the York Region CAS Access to Information/Disclosure Team held a team day at the Newmarket Food Pantry where they had an opportunity to give back to the community by cooking some delicious Minestrone soup.

The Centre is a place where organizations can volunteer their time and collaborate with the Food Pantry to provide healthy food options for the Pantry’s clients.

York Region CAS Celebrates Social Work Month in March

March is recognized as National Social Work Month. This year’s theme, “Wherever You Are, So Are We,” highlights the availability, versatility, and dedication of social workers in providing care. As the largest group of mental health professionals in Ontario, social workers play a crucial role in ensuring Ontarians have access to care. At York Region CAS, our social workers and child protection workers embody this commitment daily by providing expert guidance, advocacy, and compassionate care for children, youth, and families in need.

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs Visit York Region CAS

In March, our furry friends from St. John Ambulance visited our Agency's head office in Newmarket.

Staff had the chance to interact with the therapy dogs as part of the York Region CAS Staff Engagement Strategy which prioritizes and promotes employee wellness!

Special thanks to Hudson and Milli for giving us the chance to destress!

Make a Difference by Donating to the York Region Children's Fund

The York Region Children’s Fund is committed to help improve the quality of life for children and youth in the care and protection of York Region Children’s Aid Society through support for vital childhood enrichment, educational support, and compassionate aid.

All donations help children and youth supported by York Region CAS to maintain their cultural identities and foster connections with families and their communities. These efforts play a crucial role in nurturing a sense of belonging and resilience among children and youth.

How Signs of Safety is Reshaping Intake Screening Practices

In recent years, York Region CAS launched several initiatives to implement a "Signs of Safety" practice framework that better supports children, youth and their families. These initiatives emphasize prevention, child wellbeing, and safety while working in collaboration with community resources.

Our goal is to keep children and youth safe and help families stay together. This framework is used from the very first point of contact at the initial phone call and is designed to engage supports early, better understand individuals’ and families’ situations and to formulate goals that promotes both safety and stability.

York Region CAS Invites Community to Take Part in Foster Care Information Session

Foster caregivers are an important part of our community. They provide temporary support to children and youth while their parents work through difficult situations.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about fostering, we invite you to join us at our next foster caregiver information session where our friendly team will be available to answer any questions and provide you with the information you need to take the first step.

Click Here for details of our next info session

Click Here to learn more about becoming a foster caregiver.

Children's Aid and Indigenous Well-Being Agencies Across GTA Unite for First Time Ever to Appeal for Foster Caregivers

Children’s Aid Societies and Indigenous Well-Being Agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are coming together for the first time ever in a united call for new foster caregivers who can provide temporary, supportive homes for children and youth in the region with diverse identities and needs.

As an extension of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies’ There to Care campaign, these agencies are coming together to inspire community members to open their homes and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, youth and families in their shared communities. Learn More about the campaign.

Debunking the Myths Associated with Foster Care

In March, York Region CAS Acting CEO, Laura Davidson had the opportunity to address some of the myths associated with foster care during an interview with yorkregion.com.

In addition to bringing attention to the Agency’s ongoing foster care recruitment efforts and the GTA—There to Care Campaign, Laura also spoke to the need for diverse foster parents to reflect the diverse identities of children and youth in care in York Region.

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