- The regulation sets out checks such as identity, interviews, a home assessment and record checks, but it does not list specific proof-of-relationship documents.
- How a family connection is shown is left to the society's evaluation, so the documents asked for can vary between societies.
- A person does not have to be a blood relative to be considered, because the Act also looks at extended family and community members.
- If paper proof is missing, tell the worker early and ask what else they will accept.
A children's aid society (CAS) has told you that you need to show how you are connected to a child, and you do not have the birth certificates that would trace the link. That is stressful when a child's placement may depend on it, and it is common in families where records were lost, names changed or the connection runs through a marriage.
This article explains what the rules actually require, what kinds of documents a society may find useful, and what you can do if the paper trail is incomplete. The documents listed here are general practice, not a legal checklist, so confirm with the worker handling the file.
What the rules say about proving a connection
When a society considers placing a child with a relative or a member of the child's extended family or community, Ontario's regulation sets out a process for evaluating the plan. The checks it describes are the identity of adult household members, interviews, a home assessment, a review of society records, police record checks or offence declarations, and a search of the child protection record system.
The part of the regulation reviewed does not list birth certificates or any specific document for proving a family relationship. How kinship is shown is left to the society's evaluation. In practice, that means a worker has room to decide what is persuasive, and different societies may ask for different things.
The society's job is to decide whether the person can provide a safe home. It must establish the identity of every person aged 18 or older living in the home, interview the proposed caregiver, interview the child privately and assess the home environment.
Who counts as family, and why it matters
The word "kin" is not a defined term in the Act. The placement provisions refer to a relative of the child or a member of the child's extended family or community. These terms are not the same, and the difference affects how much you may need to prove.
| Term | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Relative | The child's grandparent, great-uncle, great-aunt, uncle or aunt, including through a spousal relationship or adoption |
| Extended family | Persons to whom the child is related, including through a spousal relationship or adoption; for a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, also members of the child's bands and communities |
| Community member | Not a defined relationship; a family friend, godparent or stepparent may be considered as a member of the child's community or extended family |
A godparent, family friend or stepparent may be considered as a member of the child's community or extended family rather than as a relative. How this applies to you depends on your situation, so it is worth confirming with a lawyer. The society may instead focus on your actual relationship with the child and your ability to provide a safe home.
Documents that may help
No official list exists, so treat the following as examples of what a society may reasonably find useful. Ask the worker which ones they want and whether copies are acceptable.
- Your own government photo identification, to confirm who you are.
- Your birth certificate, showing the name of your parent, if that parent is the child's grandparent or the link to an aunt or uncle.
- The child's parent's birth certificate, if the connection runs through that parent.
- A marriage certificate, if you are related through a spouse. The Act recognizes connections through a spousal relationship.
- Adoption papers, if the connection is through adoption.
- Identification for every adult living in your home, since the society must establish each adult's identity.
- Photographs, cards, messages or school and medical forms that show you have been part of the child's life.
If you do not have birth certificates
Because the regulation leaves the way kinship is shown to the society's evaluation, there may be more than one way to establish a connection. Raise the problem with the worker early rather than waiting until a deadline.
| Missing document | Possible alternatives to discuss |
|---|---|
| Your birth certificate | A request for a replacement, baptismal or hospital records, or older identity documents |
| A parent's or grandparent's certificate | Family records, funeral notices, immigration or citizenship papers that name relatives |
| Proof of a marriage connection | A marriage record, joint documents, or statements from other family members |
| Anything at all from another country | Letters from relatives, community leaders or faith leaders, and an explanation of why records are unavailable |
Interviews are also part of the evaluation. A worker may speak with you, the child and others who know the family, so consistent, honest accounts of how you are connected can matter as much as paperwork.
What to do next
- Ask the worker, in writing if possible, exactly what the society wants to see and by when.
- Gather your identification and any family records you do have, and make copies.
- Apply for replacement certificates where that is realistic, and tell the worker you have done so.
- List other people who can confirm the family link and your role in the child's life.
- Be ready for the society's other checks, including record checks and a home assessment.
- If you are unsure of your rights, or the society seems to be refusing to consider you, speak with a family lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Does CAS require a birth certificate to prove I am a relative?
The part of the regulation reviewed does not list birth certificates or any specific proof-of-relationship document. How kinship is shown is left to the society's evaluation. Ask your worker what they will accept.
Can I be considered if I am not a blood relative?
Yes, it is possible. The Act's placement provisions refer to a relative or a member of the child's extended family or community, and a family friend, godparent or stepparent may be considered within those terms. Extended family also includes connections through a spousal relationship or adoption.
Will CAS check my background as well as my documents?
Yes. The society reviews its own records on every adult in the home, explains police record check and offence declaration requirements, and searches the caregiver's name in the child protection record system. It also interviews you and the child and assesses the home.
What if the child is already living with me?
If the child is already living with a relative or community member when the society learns of it, the society must evaluate the placement within seven days, using the same kinds of checks, and document the evaluation within 30 days.
Sources
- Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (e-Laws) — Ontario e-Laws
- O. Reg. 156/18 (e-Laws) — Ontario e-Laws
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
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