
The statistics in Ontario for families needing help are frightening!
The most recent data in Ontario:
75790 calls to Childrens Aid Society (CAS) reporting suspected child abuse or neglect
77890 referrals to CAS from families, doctors, teachers, neighbours with concerns re safety, abuse, neglect.
27,816 children needed to be moved to substitute homes
7017 foster homes are available in Ontario
There are 8277 full time social workers, youth and child workers, admin staff etc for 53 childrens aid societies in Ontario.
There are many suburban areas where more foster homes are needed and children are having to be moved out of their local area for care or they are moved to group home situations. You can imagine how difficult it would be for a child to be moved away from their school and friends if it wasn't necessary.
The other frightening thing for me was the absolute number 75,790 calls, 77890 referrals. Just visualize that group gathered in one place and imagining that all of these families are potentially in crisis or need assistance. And these are only the families that were identified. There are many other families out there that are never identified.
What is happening to our families? Are we in society not putting enough value on family and child rearing? Do we focus too much on all of the other skills in life and just assume these key skills come naturally?
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