[1] Their principal functions are to:[2] These societies receive funding from, and are under the supervision of the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
[1] However, they are regarded as a Non-governmental organization (NGO), which allows CASs a large degree of autonomy from interference or direction in the day-to-day running of the Societies by the Ministry.
[3] An oversight body, known as The Child and Family Services Review Board, exists to investigate complaints against a CAS and maintains authority to issue orders against the Societies.
[7] Ontario's leading academic study on child abuse and neglect states that exposure to intimate partner violence represents the largest proportion of substantiated maltreatment investigations.
[8] Children's Aid Societies also provide assessments, crisis intervention, counseling and services to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Influencing government decisions, funding, and public opinion by promoting child welfare issues is a critical goal.
[citation needed] Several groups, including Canadacourtwatch.org posting Case Law and Canada Court Watch.com's public protest efforts have brought these issues to light, citing concerns with respect to accountability.
In the film, the interviewees raised concerns over the extent of power which CAS organizations possess, and the comparative of lack proper oversight by the Ontario government.
[15] In March 2013, The Toronto Star published an article about a leaked memo which would suggest that the CAS are funded on open cases and on a per-child basis.