The Ministry of Children and Youth Services

The CFSA is the legislation that governs many of the programs and services funded or provided by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MYCS). MCYS was created in 2003 to support the young people of Ontario to thrive and succeed. Our commitment is to protect, nurture and support children and youth as they grow – from birth, through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.

The mandate of the ministry is twofold. The first is to work with, and through, our many partners to establish a system of services and supports that strengthen families and help Ontario’s most vulnerable children and youth overcome barriers to their success and wellbeing.

The second is to lead across government on issues that affect all children and youth. Since its creation, MCYS has developed considerable expertise in the area of child and youth development. This focus on positive development informs our role as a champion and catalyst for the outcomes of all children and youth in Ontario. The ministry actively shares that expertise and works in partnership to create opportunities for the voices of children and youth to be heard across government.

The ministry is accountable for the delivery and/or oversight of a range of programs and services. These include:

  • child and youth mental health
  • child protection services
  • children and youth with special needs, including autism and FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
  • healthy child development
  • Ontario Child Benefit
  • youth justice services
  • youth opportunities
  • adoption

The ministry’s strategic plan, Growing. Together., communicates our continued commitment to Ontario’s children and youth. Copies of Growing. Together. can be accessed online.