Children's Aid Society

[selectivedi]

Having to deal with issues involving CAS does anyone have any insight on how to work with them? Child is taken out of the mother's care based on allegations only....they are making mother jump through hoops but no progress in getting the child back. She's willing to do what is needed but they really have no basis for prolonging this case and court is coming up soon for father's custody. We've caught CAS in several lies and really, they aren't helping the mother at all. All based on allegations and no proof....CAS haven't gone to court to remove the child , just did it. Need some help in how we can better deal with CAS and get them moving along a little quicker than what they're doing. Thanks.

[standing on the sidelines]

what are the reasons that the child was taken? What do they want her to do?

[Lorac]

Go to John Dunn's website...
FOSTER CARE COUNCIL OF CANADA - ADVOCATING FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN CHILD WEFLARE
He's a wonderful advocate for people who have lost their children due to CAS interfering where they shouldn't. You can also reach him on Facebook.

[selectivedi]

such a long sordid story. child was taken away from a phone call to CAS from an outside source saying she is doing drugs. Now, she has to give urine tests of course but in the meantime access is extremely limited...3 hrs/week only. They have no proof of any wrongdoing just this one phone call. it's such a mess with alot of allegations on both parents' parts. thanks for the link, i'll check it out.

[standing on the sidelines]

as long as she is passing the urine tests, what are their reasons for not letting her have more contact with her child? She needs to see a lawyer ASAP and get her child back

[selectivedi]

well there's the thing....no problem giving a urine test....yet they're dragging their feet...phone calls are going unanswered and they have no explanation as to why the mother can't see her child. they just want these tests and then anger management classes (which is one characteristic the mother does not have) and a doctor's app't.......but no reason as to why she can't be with her son......nothing.....they will not respond......period.

[SillyMe]

First thing she has to do is grow a pair! You set up a meeting with whomever is your worker and you bring 2 things...someone who has a pair and a tape recorder. They won't let you bring the other pair into the meeting but...it will help. Bring out the recorder at the beginning of the meeting. The CAS has very restrictive legal timelines to take action (learn those)...this beginning part is their honeymoon. Once this beginning part is over they will have to legally determine if the child is in need of protection. Their weapons are threats and intimidation yours are; holding them accountable to their own rules. The real trick is to be proactive, the waiting game of urine test is BS. Get your own done...that sort of thing. Start faxing the worker, not calling faxing! Find out whom she reports too, cc this person and, the one above her...they will have to receive copies...greasy wheel here means everything!!! Or sit back and wait for them...see where that gets you.

[selectivedi]

I agree and thanks for the advice. Mom is moving ahead on her own, doing own urine tests etc. Didn't realize that legally, CAS can keep the child only for a certain length of time before it has to go to court...that is interesting. Will google these timelines. Many many thanks.

[NBDad]

Did Mom sign anything on this at all? CAS cannot just up and take a child without going through due process. Unless Mom signed willingly, they must show cause to a judge on the seizure of the children.

Without a signature, CAS needs grounds for an Ex Parte order...which means they need to be in court and show cause...usually within 5 business days of apprehension.

[NBDad]

Here:

What You Should Know About Child Protection Court Cases - Ministry of the Attorney General

The law allows the CAS to remove children from their families and to ask a judge to make a court order to protect children. If the CAS has removed your child from your care, the CAS must take the case to court within 5 days