How Do You Apply to Become a Kinship Caregiver for a Relative's Child Through CAS in Ontario?
You start by contacting the children's aid society (CAS) that has the child's file and saying you are willing to care for the child. Before a planned placement with a relative or a member of the child's extended family or community, the society must check that you can provide a safe home. The court must also consider placing the child with a relative, neighbour or other community or extended family member, under supervision and with that person's consent, before it places the child in society care.
The assessment includes interviewing you, meeting the child privately, assessing the home, identifying every adult living there and reviewing records. The society must visit, interview you and meet the child privately within seven days of learning of a kin placement, and again no later than 30 days after.
A relative is a grandparent, great-uncle, great-aunt, uncle or aunt, including through a spousal relationship or adoption. A family friend with a beneficial and meaningful relationship with the child can also qualify. Extra steps apply for First Nations, Inuk or Métis children. What the society asks for can vary, so a lawyer can confirm your next steps.
Key takeaways
- Contact the society handling the child's file, because it must check that you can provide a safe home before a planned kin placement.
- The assessment includes a private meeting with the child, a home assessment and identifying every adult living in the home.
- Before placing a child in society care, the court must consider a relative, neighbour or community member, under supervision and with that person's consent.
- A family friend with a beneficial and meaningful relationship with the child can qualify, and extra steps apply for First Nations, Inuk or Métis children.