One Vision One Voice

One Vision One Voice is a community informed program funded through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and housed at the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies. One Vision One Voice focuses on addressing anti-Black racism and supporting improved outcomes and equitable services for African Canadian children, youth, and families in Ontario’s child welfare system. OVOV utilizes a cross-sectoral approach, with attention placed on how multiple systems, particularly education, police, and healthcare, interact to create and maintain racial disproportionality and disparities in child welfare. Disparities for Black children, youth and families are commonly amplified by intersectional identities, particularly if these identities are marginalized in Ontario. OVOV therefore also utilizes an intersectional lens, acknowledging the influence of intersectionality on experiences and outcomes. Key priorities include: Supporting Sector Capacity for Service Delivery: via resources like the African Canadian Service Delivery Best Practices Guide Community Engagement: OVOV values cross-sector partnerships, including partnerships with community organizations, and strives to regularly participate in collaborative opportunities Youth Empowerment: OVOV is committed to continually providing opportunities for Black-identifying youth to feel seen, heard, celebrated and validated. Research: OVOV collaborates with researchers to remain aware of the experiences of Black families interacting with Ontario’s child welfare system. Supporting Systemic and Organizational Transformation: OVOV provides resources like the African Canadian Leadership Mentorship Program and anti-Black racism training for frontline staff, leaders, and foster caregivers Interrogating Policy, Legislation and Ontario Child Protection Tools: via involvement in cross-sectoral policy forums, advocacy and recommendations.