CAS or a Private Agency? Your Two Paths to Fostering in Ontario
Both are real, legitimate ways to become a foster parent. Here's the plain-language difference — so you can choose what fits your family.
First: both paths are Ministry-regulated
In Ontario, foster care operates under the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Children's Aid Societies (CAS) are the public agencies responsible for child protection. Ministry-licensed private agencies, like ERS, are licensed and inspected by the same Ministry and care for children referred to them through the child-welfare system.
A side-by-side look
| Children's Aid Society | Ministry-licensed agency (ERS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who they are | Public child-protection agencies (each region has one) | Licensed private agencies, inspected by the same Ministry |
| Licensed & regulated | Yes | Yes — ERS licensed since 2008 |
| Support model | Varies by local society and worker caseload | Defined, agency-wide: 24/7 support, local after-hours worker, dedicated youth worker |
| Respite | Varies | 48 hrs/month at no fee, plus one week paid vacation/year |
| Training | Provided | Unlimited, ongoing, at no cost |
| Compensation | Per-diem set by the society | $94/day per child |
| Feel | Larger public organization | Smaller agency; you know your team by name |
Who they are
Children's Aid Society: Public child-protection agencies (each region has one)
ERS: Licensed private agencies, inspected by the same Ministry
Licensed & regulated
Children's Aid Society: Yes
ERS: Yes — ERS licensed since 2008
Support model
Children's Aid Society: Varies by local society and worker caseload
ERS: Defined, agency-wide: 24/7 support, local after-hours worker, dedicated youth worker
Respite
Children's Aid Society: Varies
ERS: 48 hrs/month at no fee, plus one week paid vacation/year
Training
Children's Aid Society: Provided
ERS: Unlimited, ongoing, at no cost
Compensation
Children's Aid Society: Per-diem set by the society
ERS: $94/day per child
Feel
Children's Aid Society: Larger public organization
ERS: Smaller agency; you know your team by name
The honest answer: many wonderful foster parents work with their local CAS. Families who choose an agency like ERS usually do it for the support model — smaller teams, guaranteed respite, and around-the-clock help.
About the worry we hear most
Some people worry that "private agency" means "profit over kids." Fair question — ask it of any agency you talk to. Here's ours: ERS has been licensed and inspected by the Ontario Ministry continuously since 2008. Our funding follows the child through the child-welfare system, and our standards are set and audited by the Ministry — the same framework that governs the whole system.
Questions to ask ANY agency (including us)
- What support do I get at 2 a.m. on a long weekend?
- How much respite is guaranteed — and is it actually available?
- Who will my child's dedicated worker be, and how often will we talk?
- What training is included, and what does it cost me?
- What is the daily compensation, and what does it cover?
Get the full picture in one free guide
Your Journey to Foster Parenting with ERS covers eligibility, the approval process, compensation, and exactly what support you'll have — the same straight answers as this page. First name + email, no spam, no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience or special qualifications?
Most great foster parents started with neither. Singles, renters, working couples, and parents over 50 can all foster.
Can I foster if I work full-time / already have kids?
Often yes — it depends on the placement fit; the guide and our team walk you through it.
Is fostering through a private agency legitimate in Ontario?
Yes — private agencies are licensed and inspected by the Ontario Ministry. ERS has been licensed since 2008.
What are foster parents paid?
ERS provides $94/day per child in care, plus support, respite, and training at no cost.