Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society are working on collaborations, building relationships with community organizations.
Executive Director Kristian Wilson said the organization continues to try and provide real time supports for children in the community.
The local CAS has partnered with Shelterkink Youth Services, United Way Perth-Huron and the Local Community Food Centre, amongst others, to build bridges with youth.
Staff are embracing the connections. Most of them have started in just the past year.
“I think they have more confidence in the work they do, more pride in the work they do knowing that we can be seen as a positive…they are happy that they are seen as a supportive figure in the community.”
Results of the partnerships were highlighted at a recent AGM.
The mission of the CAS is to ‘advocate for and protect children’s rights; to support and strengthen families; and to be leaders for positive change in our community’.
Part of the strategy is to have more of a presence and a different kind of footprint, including starting a community engagement prevention team to run programs in communities.
Wilson said there is a big shift in the CAS provincially.
“We are really trying to get that message out that we want to work with families and help them build their networks and support around them.”
Community feedback has been positive, and CAS is open to more community partnerships that provide support to children and youth, Wilson said.
