b'Diversity, equity and Inclusion: learning, Growth, and taking ActionT he principles of diversity, equity andSouth Asian youth). Our DEI team connected inclusion (DEI) are foundational to thewith those groups this year as well, conducting work we do at Peel CAS. This year we havea needs assessment, COVID-19 wellness session, reinforced DEI principles and education throughand anti-Black racism discussions.training sessions and cultural celebrations, offered safe spaces for discussion in Employ- Peel CAS is in the process of reviewing all of ee Resource Groups, reviewed agency policiesour policies as part of the Comprehensive through a DEI lens, and continued to expand ourReview Workplan (see page 7). Our DEI team is culturally competent service models.participating in that process to ensure that new or revised policies reflect our commitment to Our dedicated DEI team facilitated 36 trainingdiversity, equity and inclusion. In particular, the opportunities for staff and partner agenciesteam has focused on policies related to human over the past year. Senior and middle managersresources, like hiring, absence management, received Inclusive Leadership and Racial Equitysuccession planning, and harassment. The training, and a Courageous Conversations seriesagency also developed a new policy to manage is currently underway for all staff, focusedexternal harassment complaints. on creating a greater sense of equity in our organization. Training specific to workingWhile much of our work this year focused on with First Nations, Inuit and Mtis families hasinternal programs for staff to combat racismDeI Statistics for 2021-22also been provided to staff by our Indigenousand improve cultural competency, we also partners (learn more about our Steps Towardbuilt on our service delivery models for clients Reconciliation on page 10). from diverse backgrounds. In addition to our existing Akoma, Saath and Maan service modelswellness kits distributed to DEI hosted 14 different internal events(for Black, South Asian, and Arab communities130 children/youth in carerecognizing and celebrating cultural heritagerespectively), work began this year to develop dates from around the world. In addition toa similar offering for Southeast and East Asian highlighting the cultural diversity within our(SEEA) families. These service models are createdinternal events reached a total region and our agency, events were also heldthrough close collaboration with community14 audience size of 2,600 200 hours of Cultural Service to recognize Pride and the Transgender Day ofagencies that serve these distinct communities,navigationRemembrance.enabling us to provide more sensitive and appropriate assistance to the children, youth These events were planned in collaborationand families we work with. We look forward totraining sessions with almost with interested employees and with the relevantofficially launching the new SEEA service model36 1,030 trainees155 referrals to AkomaEmployee Resource Groups. Currently, Peelin June 2022.CAS has three such resource groups: the Black Employee Network, the Diversity and InclusionA focus on building sustainable anti-racism Council, and BRIDGE Beyond Rainbows (ourpractices, dismantling anti-Black racism, workingcommunity presentations to 2SLGBTQ+ group). We also offer affinity groupstowards justice, Truth and Reconciliation remain137 an audience of 3,850 310 referrals to Saathfor youth involved with the agency, includingkey strategic priorities for the agency with the The Village (for Black youth), Kindred SEEA (forultimate goal of creating a culture of belonging Southeast and East Asian youth) and SAYA (forfor all staff. Diversity, equity, and inclusion at DeI articles published52Peel CAS is an ongoing process of learning and53 internallyreferrals to Maangrowth for our employees at all levels of the organization. 8 Peel Childrens Aid Society Annual Report 2021-2022 9'