Ontario research demonstrates that in 97% of child welfare investigations, children and youth remain at home with their families. Of the 3% of investigations resulting in a change of residence for children and youth, most are placed in kinship service or customary care (2% of investigations), and fewer are placed in kinship care or other placement types (1% of investigations).
Five-year trends in child welfare data show:
These trends fit with improvements to family search and engagement, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the One Vision One Voice Race Equity Practices, and legislative obligations.
Data tells us that Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth continue to be overrepresented in foster care, requiring the sector to explore systemic racism and oppression and the role it plays in all aspects of the Ontario child welfare system, including placement decisions.
Research shows that broad kin networks are directly linked to better outcomes and positively contribute to the well-being of children and youth in the child welfare system.
Research from the Child Welfare Information Gateway, and another study cites the benefits of kinship placements over other out-of-home care arrangements, including:
Research also states that when children cannot remain in their parents' care, they do best in grandfamilies and are less likely to re-enter the foster care system. Information on legalities and costs associated with becoming a custodial grandparent can be accessed here, and financial resources for Ontario grandparents raising their grandparents can be accessed here.
Insights from the Sonor Foundation’s 2025 Kinship Care Symposium found that kinship and customary care strengthen emotional well-being and cultural identity. However, the report also highlights that systemic barriers, such as limited culturally affirming supports and misinterpretation of privacy law, restrict access for many families, particularly in Indigenous and Black communities.
Lastly, longitudinal research highlights children’s and families’ perspectives, with evidence that kinship placements support greater stability, well-being, and continuity of family relationships compared to non-kinship placements.