It is our aim to prevent child maltreatment among families at risk through the provision of supportive family services as well as to preserve intact families when family problems can be addressed effectively. When these problems cannot be addressed effectively and Ottawa children are removed from their homes and placed in foster care, we work diligently with DHS and other service providers to address the problems and needs of the family so that reunification may occur in a safe and stable manner. When it becomes necessary for an Ottawa child to be adopted, we provide support for our adoptive families so that they can make a lifetime commitment to our children.

We are guided by the following mandates:
• To protect and promote the welfare of all children
• To prevent the neglect, abuse, and exploitation of children
• To support at-risk families through services which allow children, where appropriate, to remain safely with their families or return to their families in a timely manner
• To promote the safety, permanence, and well-being of children in foster care and adoptive families