Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society lays off 26 employees

The Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society (WECAS) has laid off 26 employees due to a $10 million budget deficit. This decision affects about 10 percent of the organization's non-management staff, according to the union representing the workers, CUPE Local 2286. The union voiced strong criticism of the layoffs. Craig Hesman, president of CUPE Local 2286, stated that this move is a betrayal of the community and the agency's mission. He blamed the provincial government for ongoing underfunding, which he says has led to a crisis in care for youth with complex needs. WECAS confirmed that the budget shortfall is largely due to rising demands and costs. The agency is seeing many children placed in temporary housing, like hotels and motels. The layoffs include positions in the adoption department and family service workers, as well as a role focused on locating relatives for child placement. WECAS executive director Derrick Drouillard mentioned that the growing need for services has exceeded their financial resources. The organization is adjusting its workforce to cope with the situation. The union is urging the government to reverse the cuts and provide more funding. Additionally, the budget issues will lead to the closure of the WECAS office in Leamington, though further details about other satellite locations were not provided.