Black and People of Color Advocacy Projects

It's no secret that there is an over-representation of black children indicating  strong disparities in the Ontario Child Protection system. Research shows that black children are far more likely to be investigated and taken into care than white children for abuse or neglect than white children. Black children are thought to be at greater risk of abuse/neglect than white children.  Black children spend more time in foster care and are less likely to reunify with their families.

Behavior that’s accepted as normal in affluent, white neighborhoods – smoking a joint, co-sleeping with children, or leaving a 10-year-old home alone – can be grounds for taking a black child into care. 

While disparities between Black and White children exist in child welfare decisions, the role of culture, race or reasons for these disparities need to be explored. 

Hope Propels Me supports parents seeking Justice for children in the child welfare system that hinges on their race, their income, what continent they come from and what caseworker or judge they have. 

Children and their parents belong together!

Acknowledging the mistakes for far too long propels HPM to help find a better way when appropriate. 

 Families of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds experience disparate treatment once they are involved with children's Aid Society

Child welfare professionals have allowed the benevolence of their motives to shield the system’s failing while the needless destruction of BPOC families continues and is entirely preventable. 

At HPM, we advocate for the elimination of bias that seeps into decision-making so that there is a significant amount education, cultural sensitivity, elimination of BPOC stigma and stereotype to contribute to the reduction in the removal of BPOC children from their families, reduce out-of-home placements for children of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. 

We provide consultations to parents who  have had their children extricated from their homes. We want to know your story and what brought you to us for support.  

Was your child (ren) taken into care by CAS?

All consultations are confidential. 

Hope Propels Me (HPM) supports BPOC families forced into interacting with CAS authorities after your child has been removed from your home & taken into care. 

 We support parents in court seeking reunification and reinstatement of parental rights that have been terminated. 

HPM assist with quality legal representation search and court oversight, as the legal process can be intimidating for families—especially those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, who have disproportionate contact with the justice system.

HPM also provides parents with prevention services support in child welfare. This program is designed to support BPOC families and build their protective factors while eliminating risk factors that may lead to child abuse and neglect or the separation of children from their families.

Monthly schedule of meetings are available. 

To book an appointment or to speak with a consultant, please call (416)-858-6444

FB from Windsor, Ontario

HPM helped me find strategies to finally get my child back home with me after a 5 year fight with CAS. Thank you so much HPM.

CW from Mississauga, ON

Without HPM I would have honestly been lost. I was desperate and had no other support. I had no hope. Then I found HPM and they listened to me. My child is now with me and I am so grateful!  

FW from Chatham, Ontario

I am so glad I found HPM! I would have lost my only child for crazy reasons! I am very happy that HPM supported me. Now I have my kid and everything is fine now. Thanks HPM!

CAS has been called to my home what can HPM do for me?

This will be very difficult time for you as a parent. HPM consultant will conduct an intake to gather the exact reason for why CAS was called to your home and what the series of events were that led to the child being removed from your home. 

HPM will listen!

HPM Consultant will review and assess your case. 

HPM will assess your eligibility for services and then complete your intake.

HPM will support you in your interactions with CAS, lawyers and the courts. Support you during legal action and with any human rights complaints.