Poverty is a known risk factor in admission to the child welfare system. 1-in-7 children in York Region live in a low-income household. Too many families involved with York Region Children's Aid Society struggle to provide even the basics for their children.

For children who are raised in the care of Children’s Aid Society, they often have to grow up faster than a child should need to and are living independently by the age of 18, some as young as 16. Sadly, of the kids who have grown up in the care system following neglect or abuse, only 44 per cent of them will complete high school putting them at further disadvantage. While all Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario receive funding from the provincial government to provide child protection services, provincial funding does not meet the exceptional needs of many of the children and the families served. With the community’s support, the York Region Children’s Fund can bridge the gap to a happier childhood and a brighter future. Providing childhood enrichment, help with educational needs, and compassionate aid makes a difference – one child at a time. Positive, confidence-building experiences that help vulnerable children and youth develop to their fullest potential are made available, in part, because of community support. The needs we respond to are as individual as the children, youth and families with whom York Region CAS works.