About

We want to acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Ojibway people who include the people of Chippewa’s of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the people of Saugeen First Nation #29‎.  We thank them for sharing this beautiful land of lakes and trees.

 

Who are we?

Bruce Grey Child & Family Services was established in 2012 through the consolidation of the former Bruce and Grey Children’s Aid Societies.  Together, each organization brought a history of more than a century of protecting children.   We are a team of over 150 child protection workers, child and youth workers, lawyers, support and administrative staff working together and in partnership with the community to help families to keep children safe and well.

What do we do?

Bruce Grey Child & Family Services works under the mandate of the Ontario Child & Family Services Act and is one of nearly 50 organizations in Ontario responsible for protecting children from abuse, neglect and other forms of maltreatment. We receive phone calls from both community members and professionals (e.g. police officers, doctors, school teachers) who are concerned about the safety and well-being of children and youth in our community.  We assess and investigate these concerns and decide on a course of action.

Where do we work?

Our work covers the 8,586 square kilometres of Bruce and Grey Counties, serving a child population of more than 37,000.  We also work with NEYAASHIINIGMIING – Chippawas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation. With offices in Owen Sound and Walkerton, we are here for you Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Every child deserves a family

Parenting is a challenging job and everyone needs help at some point. Many of the parents we work with also face additional challenges arising from poverty, violence, mental health and/or addictions. We are committed to working with parents to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children. We provide counselling, teaching and support programs as well as referrals to other community services, all designed to keep children safe and well at home.

If children need to live elsewhere while their parents work to make their home safe, we always look to family and kin first.  It is always best for children to stay with people they know and who are connected to their family and community.  Click here to learn how family members and kin can help.

Sometimes, children may need to come into our temporary care to ensure their safety.  Children and teens who are unable to stay in their own home or have no parent or guardian available are placed in a safe and caring foster home.  We continue to work with their parents and extended family to create a plan for the children to either return home or, if necessary, find another family.  Click here to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

We also arrange adoptions for children whose families are unable to care for them on a permanent basis. Click here  to learn more about how you can give a child or a sibling group a new “forever” family.

What our logo represents

The twisting trunk of the tree design represents the coming together of two communities.  Each branch has a varying number of different sized, coloured, and shaded leaves to represent various types of families. The centre branches curl inward to form a heart demonstrating compassion. The outer umbrella of the tree speaks to security and safety.

The colours teal and brown represent earth and farmland.  Purple is the colour representing Child Abuse Prevention Month (October) in Ontario.