Family law lawyers know this scene all too well. A client, already worn down by the strain of a separation, a custody battle, or the lingering impact of intimate partner violence, gets a call from the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). In an instant, everything shifts – the stakes rise, deadlines tighten, the scrutiny deepens, and the tension in the room thickens.
For the lawyer, it’s a familiar turning point. What began as a family dispute rooted in heartbreak and logistics now carries the weight of child protection concerns. Every word, every decision, every piece of advice suddenly matters even more. The client looks to their lawyer not just for legal guidance, but for steadiness, someone who can help them breathe through the panic while navigating a system that feels both overwhelming and unforgiving.
So how do we, as lawyers, guide our clients through CAS involvement? Arguably, the answer lies in striking a careful balance: cooperating with the Society while maintaining strategic advocacy in our client’s best interests. It means helping the client engage meaningfully with CAS, without exposing themselves to unnecessary risk, self-incrimination, or the erosion of their legal rights.