Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Equity Statement
The Sudbury and Manitoulin Children’s Aid Society recognizes our ongoing responsibility to equitable and inclusive practice with Black and Indigenous people and communities and all equity seeking groups. We acknowledge the overrepresentation that child welfare continues to have in the lives of Black and Indigenous families. We are accountable to these communities to actively work to implement changes to transform our agency so that everyone receives equitable service. We acknowledge that our commitment and our words alone are not enough and recognize there is work to be done.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is recognized as an organizational and individual responsibility, with everyone within the organization holding responsibility for integrating equitable practice and outcomes.
In respecting and valuing the diversity among our employees, third-party service providers, those with whom we work alongside, serve, and partner with, we all have a responsibility to ensure that there is a work environment free of all forms of unlawful discrimination and all forms of harassment.
We will take decisive and intentional actions in disrupting the oppressive structures, processes, and practices that have led to the underrepresentation of equity-seeking groups in our workplace, and the over-representation of Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth and families involved in child welfare and value the voices of the community who share concerns.
Communication is respectful between all individuals regardless of position or level of authority.
Insights from diverse groups are sought and welcomed.
We expect our Employees to be aware of bias and use active strategies/tools provided to minimize its impact/influence on decision-making and interactions.
We expect everyone will be provided with equitable and inclusive services that are focused on the safety and well-being of children and youth within their individual family, community, and unique lived experiences.
We have zero tolerance for all forms of oppression, discrimination, racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, religious/creed discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, any discrimination against invisible or visible disabilities, hate and racial violence, and violence against women.
We are committed to human rights, respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion; we dedicate our efforts to combat racism, discrimination, hate and violence in our organization and within the community.
Resources
As the child welfare sector, we know there is an over representation of Black and Indigenous children in care and a disparity in service. It is our commitment that service delivery ensures that children, youth and families with diverse identities are aware of, and have access to, diverse community services and resources that will support their intersecting needs and identities.
