County CAS seeks partnership with another agency

Prince Edward County’s Children’s Aid Society may join services with another agency after all.

Its board of directors announced in a statement Friday, that the CAS is exploring opportunities to join services with another agency “to ensure the best possible service and support to the children and families of this community.”

The move comes a year after the local society opted out of the amalgamating with the Hastings Children’s Aid Society and the Children’s Aid Society of Northumberland, now the Highland Shores Children’s Aid stating the “County’s interests would be best served by the preservation of an independent agency.”

“The board’s decision follows an intensive review of factors that determine our ability to deliver quality services now and in the future; these include things such as the declining child population in Prince Edward County, as well as future funding levels,” said Elaine Philip, board chairman. “In light of this review, the board has determined the most effective means to sustain services to children and families in Prince Edward County is through a partnership with another agency.

She said the Ministry of Children and Youth Services fully supports the board’s decision and will work closely with the society to identify the next steps.

“The board of directors has carefully reviewed all factors including future financial viability, and has decided that a partnership is the best way forward,” said Philip. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families in Prince Edward County is our number one priority. A partnership will strengthen the capacity to sustain services and provide the best care and protection to those who need it”.