b'Strategic Plan UpdatePeel CAS launched its new strategic plan in October 2024 after a comprehensive engagementprocess with input from a wide range of stakeholders including the children, youth and families weserve, our staff, caregivers and volunteers, Board of Directors, government representatives, andcommunity partners. The plan features five areas of focus to help guide our work over the next fiveyears. See below for a brief summary of the areas of focus and an update on recent progress towardour goals. To review the full strategic plan, visit peelcas.org. Address Overrepresentation Usingthemostrecentdataavailable(2023-24),admissionstocareinvolvingBlackandImplementdata-drivenstrategiesand Indigenous children decreased by 11 and 13%partnerwithcommunitiesandsectors respectively.ForBlackcaregivers,overalltoaddresssystemicinequities, satisfaction with our services increased by 10%applyingculturallyresponsiveand this year, from 72% to 82%. trauma-informed approaches.Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ children are Innovate Service Deliveryoverrepresentedinthechildwelfaresystem Meet the evolving needs of children,acrossthecountry,andthisistrueinPeelas youth,andfamiliesthroughawell.Wehavebeenworkingtoaddressthis multidisciplinaryapproachandnewissueforyearswithourpartnersthrough technologies,withanemphasisonprograms like our ethnocultural service models, intimate partner violence and youthwhichensurefamiliesreceivesupportfrom wellness.communityserviceprovidersthatreflecttheirculture.ThisincludesAkomaforAfrican, Were continuing to grow and innovate how weCaribbeanandBlackfamilies,andour support children, youth, and families, focusingpartnerships with Aboriginal Legal Services and on evidence-informed practices that reflect theThe Indigenous Network for Indigenous families.uniqueneedsandstrengthsofthePeelcommunity. Our strategic focus continues to beOurEarlyHelpprogramconnectsfamiliesin onreducingtheneedforintensiveserviceslow-riskcasestothecommunityservicesthey through our Early Help program and providingneed quickly, before difficulties escalate, without culturallyresponsiveprogramstosupportgoingthroughthetraditionalinvestigation children, youth and families in their homes. Toprocess.Theprogramsupported436families supportourvisionweredevelopingaChildthis year. Of these, the highest proportion (32%) and Youth Thriving Index to track the impact ofsupported were Black families. Similarly, 42% of our support to help children and youth to thrivefamilies receiving admission prevention support inourcommunities.Acornerstoneofour(emergencyfinancialassistancetoprevent innovativeservicedeliveryisexploringhowchildren coming into care) identified as Black.technologycanmakeourservicesevenmoreeffective. These efforts are already making a difference.4'