Does CAS Have to Do a Home Study or Background Check on Relatives in Ontario?

Yes. When a society plans a placement with a relative or a member of the child's extended family or community, it must check that the caregiver can provide a safe home. That includes interviewing the caregiver, meeting the child privately, assessing the home, identifying every adult (18+) living there, reviewing records, and searching the Child Protection Fast Track Information System within seven days after consent is obtained.

Once a child is placed, the society must make a home visit, interview the caregiver and meet the child privately within seven days of learning of the placement, and again no later than 30 days after. If the child is already living with you, the evaluation must be completed within seven days of learning of the placement, and police record checks must be reviewed within seven days of receipt. If you live in another society's area, it can refer part of the assessment to that society.

The focus is whether the home is safe for the child, so concerns in your history or household are worth discussing with a lawyer. For a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the society must first consult the child's bands and communities.