A Message from Laura Davidson

As we reflect on the past year at York Region Children’s Aid Society, I am proud to share the many ways we’ve continued to support children, youth, and families across our community. In the face of sector-wide change and growing needs among those we serve, our focus has remained steady—delivering responsive, inclusive, and family-centred service.

Over the past year, we've advanced equity-focused training, expanded early intervention supports, and implemented the Signs of Safety model to help families find solutions within their own networks.

We’ve also worked closely with our partners to strengthen supports for children with complex needs, improve safety and well-being within families, and ensure young people have access to the resources they need to thrive. We’ve deepened community collaborations, expanded prevention-based supports, and remained committed to equity and belonging in all that we do.

I invite you to explore our 2024–2025 Annual Report: Innovating Together, which highlights many of the impactful initiatives we’ve achieved alongside our partners, youth, and caregivers.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the children, youth, and families of York Region. I look forward to continuing this important work together.

If you would like to connect, ask questions, or share your ideas, please email us at communications@yorkcas.org.

Sincerely, 

Laura Davidson

York Region CAS Holds 2025 Annual General Meeting

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, York Region Children’s Aid Society held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, conduct essential governance business, and celebrate the ongoing commitment of our staff, foster parents, volunteers, Board members, and community partners.

Attendees at the AGM also had the chance to hear meaningful reflections from Saira Salman (York Region CAS Board Chair), Laura Davidson (York Region CAS Acting CEO), and Danette Blue (Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Program Manager).

Innovating Together: York Region CAS 2024-2025 Annual Report

York Region Children’s Aid Society is proud to share our 2024–2025 Annual Report, marking a year defined by collaboration, creativity, and community. Innovating Together captures the spirit that shaped our work—strengthening relationships, modernizing services, and centering the voices of children, youth, and families across York Region. More than a summary of achievements, this publication is a celebration of shared progress and a call to keep building on more equitable, innovative, and compassionate services for the children, youth, and families of York Region.

York Region CAS Proudly Marches in York Region Pride Parade

On Saturday, June 21, York Region CAS proudly marched in the York Region Pride Parade, joining hundreds of community members in downtown Newmarket to celebrate resilience, unity, and community in hopes to pave a brighter path for all. This year’s York Pride Festival brought vibrant energy to the streets with carnival games, live performances, child-friendly activities, and much more! The York Pride Festival is held to help inspire positive change through connection, education, and fun while celebrating queer culture and highlighting the importance of creating inclusive spaces within York Region and beyond.

York Region CAS Volunteer Honoured with Prestigious June Callwood Award

York Region CAS is proud to celebrate Beulah Osei, a dedicated volunteer driver, who is one of the recipients of the 2025 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism (JCOAAV) in Ontario. Beulah was named among the 13 individual volunteers from across the province for her exceptional commitment to community service.

The June Callwood Award, presented by the Government of Ontario, recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to volunteering and community life in Ontario.

Celebrating Dr. Janet Seow: 2025 Outstanding Educator in Child and Youth Care Award



For more than two decades, Dr. Janet Seow has opened her heart and home as a foster parent with the York Region Children’s Aid Society, providing care and guidance to over 30 children.

Her dedication to fostering goes well beyond her own household. Dr. Seow is a passionate advocate for the recruitment of new foster families and actively supports innovative projects aimed at strengthening the fostering community at York Region CAS.



York Region CAS Takes Part in Third Annual York Region Anti-Human Trafficking Conference

On May 13 and 14, York Region CAS participated in the third annual York Region Anti-Human Trafficking Conference, held at Seneca Polytechnic College. With over 400 registrants across the two-day event, the Conference brought together parents, youth, caregivers, and service providers to share resources, build awareness, and strengthen the community’s collective response to human trafficking. York Region CAS was honoured to host a booth and connect with attendees about our work, including our ongoing efforts with foster care recruitment.

National Volunteer Week 2025: Volunteers Make Waves



From April 27 to May 23, York Region CAS celebrated National Volunteer Week and recognized the incredible individuals who contribute their effort, energy, and passion to help fulfill our mission. This year’s theme, “Volunteers Make Waves,” highlighted the power, impact, and importance of every volunteer.

Learn more about some of our dedicated volunteers:

Richard Kinch

Kathleen Joy Williams

Lauren Lé Blanc

Save the Date! York Region CAS Car Wash Fundraiser

In support of the York Region Children’s Fund (YRCF), York Region CAS will be hosting a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at our Newmarket office space (16915 Leslie Street).

This event is cash only and pay what you can - all donations will go directly to the YRCF. At a high level, the YRCF 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. 

We hope to see you there!

Children and Youth in Care Day Picnic

To recognize and honour Children and Youth in Care Day, York Region CAS hosted a picnic at Brooks Farms on May 14, 2025.

With approximately 100 people in attendance, including children, youth, caregivers, foster parents, and York Region CAS staff, the event was an opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and strength of young people in and from care. Participants enjoyed a day filled with food and meaningful connections, including taking part in a variety of activities such as face painting, a petting zoo, flower planting, and much more! Click Here to watch a recap video of the day.

York Region CAS Selected to Participate in Dreams Take Flight Program

On May 7, 2025, four children in our Agency’s care were selected to embark on a magical journey through Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight program.

Dreams Take Flight is a transformative experience for children who may be facing significant challenges and provides them with an all-expenses-paid trip to a world-renowned theme park in California or Florida. The program is entirely volunteer driven, with Air Canada donating aircraft and volunteers raising funds to cover all associated costs, including park admission, spending money, and souvenirs.

National Child and Youth Mental Health Day

On May 7, York Region CAS stood with our community in recognizing National Child and Youth Mental Health Day - a day to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by children and youth and to emphasize the importance of caring, connection, and equitable support systems.

National Child and Youth Mental Health Day is an opportunity to amplify their stories, highlight the urgent need for culturally safe and community-based mental health services, and call for action that addresses systemic inequities.

Currency for Kids: Donate Today!

Returning from vacation and have some left over foreign currency? Don’t let it go to waste! Donate it to the York Region Children’s Fund (YRCF) through the Currency for Kids Program. After being converted to Canadian currency, your donation is then used to support programs for children and youth living in vulnerable situations.

You can participate in this program by mailing or dropping your donation of foreign currency to the YRCF (16915 Leslie Street, Newmarket). You can also visit the Continental Currency Exchange locations at Markville Shopping Centre and Upper Canada Mall.

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 Celebrates Asian and Jewish Heritage Month

In May, York Region CAS proudly celebrated Asian Heritage and Jewish Heritage Month—a time dedicated to celebrating the rich histories, culture, and contributions of people of Asian and Jewish descent that have enriched Canadian Society.

By incorporating moments of meditation, food, dialogue, and cultural learning, these events offered staff opportunities to reflect on the importance of diversity, wellness, and inclusion in both their personal and professional lives.

York Region CAS Hosts Circle of Security Parenting Program

Congratulations to the amazing parents and caregivers who completed the 8-week Circle of Security Parenting™ program this past June!

Facilitated by the York Region CAS Family Intervention Team, this evidence-based program is designed to help parents and caregivers build secure, healthy relationships with their children by deepening their understanding of emotional needs and strengthening connections.

A big thank you to our dedicated facilitators and participants for their commitment and growth!

Ombudsman Ontario New Website Update

The Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario has officially launched its newly redesigned website: http://www.ombudsman.on.ca, in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The website offers improved tools and clearer pathways for both the public and service providers, reinforcing the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability in public service.

Interested in Fostering?

Join us for a virtual, interactive information session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. to learn how you can make a difference as a foster caregiver. Please RSVP by emailing fostering@yorkcas.org—a meeting link will be sent upon confirmation. We look forward to meeting you! If you or someone you know would like to learn more about becoming a foster caregiver, visit our website by clicking here.

Meet the York Region CAS Board of Directors

Elected at our Agency’s Annual General Meeting in June 2025, our dedicated Board of Directors bring a wealth of diverse expertise, guiding our Agency’s strategic direction and reinforcing our unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children, youth, and families in York Region.

You can learn more about each member by visiting: Leadership – YRCAS

York Region CAS is honoured to have some of the best Board Members in the sector!

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