You are not Alone
As a small grassroots organization, Parents of Black Children (PoBC) believes that no one should have to face and navigate a system as complex and far-reaching as child welfare alone. In order to serve the Black community effectively and efficiently PoBC will be shifting the way we support navigating the child welfare system.
PoBC will continue to support families in the background, by fighting for systemic change.
Child Welfare Resources
Child welfare can be a complex and challenging system to navigate, especially for Black parents who may face systemic biases and discrimination. It is essential for Black parents to have access to resources and support to ensure the best outcomes for their children.
Across Ontario, there is a range of child welfare resources specifically tailored to the unique needs of Black families. Please note that these resources are not affiliated with Parents of Black Children.
Across Boundaries is a Black-owned Canadian non-profit-organization-that-offers Mental health, addiction support and in-house programs. Individual support, support groups, alternative and complementary therapies, community kitchen, and social and recreational activities.
Provides cultural education and support to Black families and children, including those involved in the child welfare system.
Black Creek Community Health Centre is a Black-owned Canadian based non-profit organization that focuses on primary healthcare and services including drop-in youth clinic, Francophone language health services, early-years programs, breastfeeding support, substance use counselling, etc.
Caribbean African Canadian Social Services, (formerly JCA Social Services Employment Services) is a Black-owned Canadian based non-profit whose primary focus is on building and strengthening the service framework for African Canadian children, youth and families through culturally safe individual and group counselling supports, case management services, employment services, youth mentorship, and youth outreach programs. CAFCAN Social Services was created to provide social services to Toronto’s Caribbean and Black community.
The Black Youth Helpline is a Black Canadian-operated non-profit 24-hour Helpline for Black children, youth and parents, providing parental support programs Stay-in-School programs to build the foundations for successful living in the Education, Health, Community and development.
Knowledge is POWER!
All of the institutions that Black people come into contact with, like the education system, police, justice, healthcare and child welfare have policies and practices in place that do not always work well for people of African Canadian descent.
These policies and practices were created a long time ago, within a historical context of white supremacy, colonialism, and anti-Black racism, all of which have been woven into the fabric of the systems that we use today. The success of African Canadian families despite this context is a testament to the resilience of communities and cultures of people of African descent.
If you are a person of African descent or are supporting a family of African descent and in contact with the Children’s Aid Society/Child Welfare System, this booklet will offer support and guidance about how to navigate and interact with the system.