KHCAS Board resigns amid ministry takeover

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter to The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The entire board of the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) has recently resigned, following the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services' decision to appoint a supervisor, to oversee the agency for up to a year.

The move comes amid growing concerns about financial mismanagement and service quality in children’s aid societies across the province.

In a statement, released on Wednesday, October 23rd, the KHCAS board explained, they could no longer meet their fiduciary duties with the ministry’s involvement. “The board worked diligently to avert this from happening,” the statement read. “However, the difficulties we experienced are echoed across the sector and were not repairable within the structures and guidelines we must work within.”

This announcement comes just two weeks after the Ontario government launched a review of its 37 non-Indigenous children’s aid societies. Premier Doug Ford had publicly criticized some agencies for financial mismanagement, stating, “All those managers giving yourself a bonus, not worrying about the kids, I’m coming for you... if we see funds not being spent properly on the kids, guess what? You’re looking for another job.”

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and CUPE Ontario, representing child welfare workers, have voiced their concerns, claiming the review is a distraction from the government’s own failures and a potential step toward privatization.

KHCAS, which operates in Peterborough, Lindsay, and Haliburton, has faced severe financial challenges. In July, the society announced it would cut $7.6 million from its $22 million budget over the next three years, resulting in 24 layoffs. These cuts will affect unionized staff, management, and include plans to close the Haliburton branch. Additionally, a critical shortage of placement options has led the agency to resort to using unlicensed settings, like hotels and offices, for vulnerable children and youth.

Ontario Ombudsman, Paul Dubé has since launched an investigation into the practice of placing children in these unsuitable environments, expressing concern for their safety and well-being.

Rosaleen Cutler, a former child welfare executive, has been appointed as supervisor to manage KHCAS operations, during this transition. Minister Michael Parsa confirmed Ms. Cutler's role in addressing financial mismanagement and ensuring service continuity. “Ms. Cutler will address the society’s growing financial and operational issues... while ensuring the safety and well-being of children and youth,” Mr. Parsa said.

As the board steps down, the Lindsay community, along with others served by KHCAS, will watch closely as Cutler attempts to stabilize the agency.