CUPE 2316 is sounding the alarm after notifying the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto that severe staffing shortages, service cuts, unmanageable workloads and years of government underfunding have pushed the child welfare system to a breaking point, putting children, youth and families at risk.
In a letter sent to the employer, the union warns that frontline and support workers are increasingly unable to meet the standards required under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, with burnout reaching unprecedented levels and critical gaps emerging across child protection services.
“To put it simply, the system is breaking down,” said Aubrey Gonsalves, President of CUPE 2316, the union representing approximately 460 workers at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. “When frontline and support staff are stretched beyond capacity, it is children and families who pay the price. We are deeply concerned that current conditions are creating serious and foreseeable risks to child safety.”
CUPE Local 2316 points to chronic understaffing, job eliminations, and cuts to internal and preventive programs, alongside growing case complexity and increased expectations on workers. At the same time, the union notes an expansion of management positions and a continued focus on compliance over meaningful, relationship-based service.
“The lack of community supports like mental health, developmental, and autism services means families are being pulled into child welfare when they shouldn’t be—or staying involved far longer than necessary,” Gonsalves added. “This is not prevention. This is system failure.”
Gonsalves also pointed to years of chronic underfunding from the Doug Ford government as a reason why the situation has reached a breaking point.
“This crisis did not happen by accident,” said Aubrey Gonsalves, President of CUPE Local 2316. “Years of government underfunding have left CAS Toronto unable—or unwilling—to staff services properly. Workers are being pushed beyond their limits, and the consequences are being felt by children and families across this city.”
“CUPE Local 2316 is speaking out now to prevent tragedy,” said Gonsalves. “We cannot wait until a child is seriously harmed or worse before action is taken. The employer and the government must act immediately to address staffing levels, restore services, and put child safety back at the centre of the system.”