Study Cites Factors Driving Dramatic Increase In Children’s Aid Cases
A recently released study by researchers at the University of Western Ontario for the United Way of London and Middlesex sheds new light on why an increasing number of children are coming into the care of the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Titled Protecting Children is Everybody’s Business, the report identifies poverty, physical abuse, mental health issues and poor parenting skills as the key factors underlying London’s 70% increase in CAS cases since 1995.
While the study focuses on London, the authors note it reflects province-wide issues and trends. The data for Ontario mirrors that of London – Ontario has witnessed a 69% rise in the number of children in the care of CAS since 1995.
Among the report’s key findings:
- Violence against children is up – a three-fold increase in children admitted to CAS care because of physical abuse since 1995,
- Poverty is a common thread – twice as many children admitted to CAS care were living in poverty compared to 1995,
- A high percentage (40%) of children admitted into CAS care had parents who were also involved with CAS as children.
To obtain the full report, please visit: http://www.edu.uwo.ca/CAS/
Source:
United Ways of Ontario's Government Relations Bulletin - Issue
dd Nov. 7, 2003
* New Government, New Ministries, and New Committees
* McGuinty Moves Swiftly to Tackle Deficit
* Food Banks Struggle with Growing Hunger
* Study Cites Factors Driving Dramatic increase in
Children’s Aid Cases
* Ontario to End Hydro Rate Freeze
* Commission Seeks Removal of Barriers for Disabled
Students
* B.C.’s Two-Year Welfare Cut-off Challenged
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Page last updated Nov. 7, 2003