For immediate release

London research study shows staggering jump in the number of children in care


Hamilton, ON -- Recent changes to legislation and funding for child welfare in Ontario haven't done enough to lower the number of Children's Aid Societies (CAS) referrals for service and admissions of children into care.

A research study - the largest of its kind in Canada - released today by the United Way of London & Middlesex, University of Western Ontario and the Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex showed the number of children in care in London between 1995 and 2001 increased 70% - from 445 children to 758, with no signs of the trend slowing down.

By comparison, the number of children in the care of the Children's Aid Society of Hamilton during that time rose 73% - from 666 children to 1152. Admission of children into the care of the Society increased from 334 to 638, an increase of 91%.

"While funding has been increased for Societies to help meet the demand for service, it has fallen woefully short of meeting the real need," says Dominic Verticchio, Executive Director of the Children's Aid Society of Hamilton. "Funding for intervention with families is critical if we want to break out of the cycle before us."

Authors of the London report cite poverty, violence and mental illness as contributing factors for the increases. The study also found changes in the nature and degree of risk for children seen by the CAS, as well as increased prevalence rates of certain disorders among children and families. These included child maltreatment, woman abuse, poverty, maternal depression, parenting capacity and intergenerational CAS involvement.

According to the report, the trend is reflected throughout all of Ontario's 52 Children's Aid Societies.

To view the entire report, visit www.uwlondon.on.ca.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Dianne Pearson
Manager, Communications & Development
The Children's Aid Society
905-522-1121 ext. 2110