Child welfare and child protection services
Learn about services for children and youth who need protection because of abuse or neglect, or risk of abuse or neglect.
In Ontario, it is the law to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Report it to a children's aid society or, if someone is in immediate danger, call the police.
Learn more about your responsibility to report abuse and neglect.
Child protection services
Child protection services are delivered by children’s aid societies and are governed by the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, (CYFSA).
Children’s aid societies
Learn about children’s aid societies and how they determine if a child needs protection. Learn how to locate a specific children’s aid society, to recognize signs of child abuse or neglect or to review a decision by a society or licensee.
Licensed residential services
Learn about licensed residential settings for children and youth, existing programs in this area and how we’re making improvements to care for children who live there. Learn about our 12 quality standards and our efforts to help children and youth better understand their rights.
Protection services for 16- and 17-year-olds
Children under 18 can receive protection services in Ontario. Learn about specialized services that are available for people who are 16 or 17 and need protection.
Submit a complaint to or about a children’s aid society
Learn how to make a complaint to a children’s aid society (including an Indigenous children’s aid society), the Child and Family Services Review Board or the Ontario Ombudsman.
Support for caregivers and youth
Support for youth in the child welfare system
Learn about programs, financial support and health benefits for youth who are in, leaving or have left the care of a children's aid society.
Funding for caregivers of children in need of protection
Learn about funding you might be eligible for if you care for a child in the protection of a children’s aid society.
Children with special needs
Get information about support for your child’s special needs related to their physical, intellectual, emotional, social, language and/or behavioural development.
Early childhood development
Find early child development programs to support children in their growth and development before birth to the time they enter school. You do not need referral from a doctor.
Policies and the law
Privacy rules in the child and youth sector
Learn the rules about the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in the child and youth sector.
Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
Child protection services in Ontario are governed by the CYFSA.
Guidelines and directives
Access to guidelines, resources and policy directives, including a LGBT2SQ resource guide, related to child protection services.
Forms
Access to forms related to the CYFSA.
Transforming child protection services
We’re working to improve outcomes for children, youth and families by transforming the child welfare system.
Read about the child welfare redesign.
Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy
We’ve been working with Indigenous partners to ensure a whole-of-government approach is taken to support programs, policies and services impacting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.