A Message from Laura Davidson

As we welcome 2026, I want to wish everyone the very best in the year ahead. A new year offers time for reflection, renewed purpose, and shared hope for the children, youth, and families we serve. It also invites us to recognize how far we have come together and the impact of our collective efforts across York Region. Thank you to our dedicated staff and valued community partners for your commitment and achievements over the past year. Together, you have continued to support children, youth, and families while navigating complex social conditions and an ever-shifting landscape. Your compassion, professionalism, and resilience make a meaningful difference every day.

Community plays a crucial role in strengthening families and ensuring children and youth are safe, nurtured, and experience a deep sense of belonging. Strong relationships, shared responsibility, and collaboration remain at the heart of our work. As an agency, we remain focused on providing inclusive and holistic support that reflects the diverse needs of our community. We will continue learning from those we serve and from our partners, while engaging in innovative, collaborative approaches that respond to emerging needs. As we enter the New Year, let’s continue to centre children, youth, and families, and embrace both the opportunities and challenges ahead—together, with courage and compassion.

I am pleased to share that the York Region CAS Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Sally Johnson as the Agency’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 16, 2026. We look forward to this next chapter and welcome questions or support needs at communications@yorkcas.org.

Sincerely, 

Laura Davidson

York Region CAS Welcomes Sally Johnson as New Chief Executive Officer

York Region CAS is pleased to announce the appointment of Sally Johnson as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 16, 2026. Sally joins York Region CAS following the dedicated service of Laura Davidson, who has served as Acting CEO.

With more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in Ontario’s child welfare sector, Sally brings deep expertise, vision, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families. 

Holiday Heroes: St. Andrew's College and St. Anne's School Deliver Generous Gifts to York Region CAS Youth

For 19 years, St. Andrew's College and St. Anne's School have been spreading holiday hope through their Holiday Heroes Program - bringing joy to youth supported by York Region CAS. This year, the program sponsored 117 youth, with donations supporting young people who live independently or are away at school. Contributions included electronics, housewares, toiletries, winter clothing, and more! Click Here to read the full story.

We invite you to watch the magic from this year's campaign: Click Here.

Introducing the African Canadian Child Welfare Ushauri (ACCWU)

York Region CAS and York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) are proud to announce the creation of the African Canadian Child Welfare Ushauri (ACCWU). This initiative was developed in partnership with community organizations to enhance and transform service delivery to the Black community across York Region. It also reflects our commitment to the One Vision One Voice (OVOV) Race Equity Principles and marks an important step toward addressing the persistent disproportionality and disparities experienced by African Canadian children, youth, and families within the child welfare system.

York Region CAS Youth Holiday Event

On November 16, 2025, the York Region CAS Youth Events Committee proudly hosted a warm and festive Holiday Event for young people aged 18–22, along with 16–17-year-olds who may be living independently and connected to our Agency. Held at the Venu event space in Vaughan, the afternoon brought together 34 youth for a joyful celebration filled with fun, community, and holiday spirit.

Guests were treated to a delicious holiday meal complete with mouthwatering dessert, setting the stage for an evening focused on connection.

York Region CAS BLACC Hosts Youth Holiday Event

On December 13, the York Region CAS Black, Latency, Adolescent, Continued in Care Committee (BLACC) was thrilled to host its second annual Holiday Celebration Event for Black and Black-racialized identifying children and youth in care, in kinship, or living with foster families, along with VYSA and RSG Youth.



Hosted at our Agency’s head office in Newmarket, our first-floor Boardroom came alive with music, laughter, and a strong sense of community.

Adoption and Permanency Education Awareness Month - November

November was Adoption and Permanency Education Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and reflecting on the permanency children and youth found through kinship connections, legal custody, and adoption. Adoption plays an important role in supporting children and youth by providing stable, nurturing families that strengthen their well-being and future development. Throughout the month, our Agency's Adoption and Permanency team focused on educating the community, addressing misconceptions, and celebrating the strength and resilience of families.

York Region CAS Stay in School Awards

York Region CAS is proud to announce our Stay in School Awards recipients.

The Stay in School Awards recognizes and celebrates the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of youth in our care. This year’s awards recognized the accomplishments of: 19 post-secondary students receiving awards to support their academic pursuits.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to this year’s donors who made the awards possible.

Youth Program Fall Highlights

This fall marked record participation in our life skills programs!

Youth engaged in workshops on financial literacy, mental health, meal planning, housing supports, community connections, and criminal record information.

A standout was our four-week virtual cooking program, where youth shopped, cooked, and learned together—ending with a youth-led final session.

Workshops continue through winter and spring, including multi-week Financial Literacy and Housing programs.

Thank you to our community partners whose time and commitment made this shared support possible.

Voluntary Youth Services Agreement Handbook

The York Region CAS Youth Advisory Council has officially launched the Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA) Handbook — created by youth, for youth!

This new resource breaks down what a VYSA is, what to expect, and how York Region CAS supports young people through the process.

A HUGE shoutout to the YAC and our Agency's VYSA Workgroup for building a tool that will empower youth, families, and everyone who walks alongside them

Make a Difference in Your Community - Donate to the York Region Children's Fund Today!

The York Region Children’s Fund is committed to enhancing the lives of children and youth in the care and protection of York Region Children’s Aid Society.

With the community’s support, York Region Children’s Fund helps provide vital childhood enrichment, educational support, and compassionate aid that improves the quality of life for children and youth in our community who have faced abuse, neglect or other threats to their wellbeing. Click Here to learn more.

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.

Dress Purple Day

On October 16, 2025, staff at York Region CAS proudly wore purple in honour of Dress Purple Day 2025.

The day raised awareness about the vital role that individuals, communities, and organizations played in supporting the well-being and safety of children, youth, and families. It highlighted the importance of creating a community where every child and youth felt safe, supported, and celebrated, while reminding them that help was available.

York Region CAS is proud to be one of the many places families could turn to for support.

York Region CAS Takes the Court for the Third Annual 'Serve for Change' Tournament Honouring Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

In November, York Region Children’s Aid Society, proudly participated in the third annual Beyond the Net: Serve for Change co-ed volleyball tournament hosted by our good friends at Peel CAS. The event took place at the Trailblazers Youth Centre gym and brought together teams and community partners committed to raising awareness about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during Woman Abuse Prevention Month.

York Region CAS Social Committee Hosts Summer in the Winter Luncheon for Agency Staff

In December, York Region CAS' Social Committee hosted a Summer in the Winter Luncheon at our head office in Newmarket for Agency staff.

The office was transformed with a vibrant summer theme, complete with beach balls, palm trees, and other sunny décor. It brought staff a little warmth and a welcome reminder of the summer months. The event gave colleagues a chance to connect before the holiday season while enjoying delicious food, fun activities, and exciting games.



A special thank you to our Agency’s Social Committee for making this event possible; their events are always truly a hoot and continue to help make York Region CAS a great place to work!

York Region CAS Hosts Third Annual Take Your Child to Work Day

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, York Region Children’s Aid Society proudly hosted its third annual Take Your Child to Work Day at our head office in Newmarket. This special day welcomed seven eager Grade 9 students, offering them an inside look at the important and rewarding work of child welfare. Click Here to read more.

Click Here to watch highlights from this year's event!

Make Waves in Your Community - One Drive at a Time

Volunteers Make Waves is more than a saying—it’s a powerful reminder that one person can create a ripple effect that touches countless lives. Right now, York Region CAS is looking to grow our pool of volunteer drivers, and we invite you to help us spread the word.

Volunteer drivers play a vital role in supporting the children, youth, and families we serve. Time and again, our drivers tell us how meaningful this role is: being a familiar face, a trusted presence, and a compassionate support during moments that can feel overwhelming or chaotic. It’s truly a volunteer opportunity unlike any other. Click Here to learn more about the role.

York Region CAS Family Intervention Team (FIT) Delivers Circle of Security Parenting Program (COSP)

From October to December 2025, the York Region CAS Family Intervention Team (FIT) proudly delivered the Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP) program during an 8-week series at our Newmarket office.

This evidence-based, 90-minute weekly program was designed for parents and caregivers of children aged six and under. Throughout the program, participants took part in meaningful discussions, explored real-life parenting challenges, and learned practical tools to support their children’s emotional growth.

National Foster Family Appreciation Week

From October 20-24, Ontario’s child welfare sector celebrated National Foster Family Appreciation Week, recognizing the incredible dedication and contributions of foster caregivers across the province. York Region CAS foster caregivers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of children and youth during difficult times. Their commitment helps us create stable, nurturing environments that prioritize the child’s best interests, while we work towards reunification or another permanent plan. We extend our deepest gratitude to each of our foster caregivers for the difference they make.

Interested in Fostering?

York Region CAS continues to recruit for foster homes, and your urgent help is needed. We are looking for caring families in our community to open their homes to children and youth in need of temporary placement. By becoming a foster parent, you can make a lasting difference-helping kids stay connected to their families, schools, and the York region community.

Let’s work together to keep kids close to home. We urgently need homes from York region’s many diverse communities and/or homes for teens. If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, please visit http://www.yorkcas.org/foster-caregivers/

You can also reach out by email to: fostering@yorkcas.org or phone 905-895-2318 to learn more.

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