We Are Recruiting: Were You Involved with Child Welfare as a Racialized Immigrant?
We are currently looking for participants to take part in a research study exploring the experiences of racialized immigrants who have had interactions with child welfare services in Canada. This study is part of a university-led research and advocacy project in Ontario and British Columbia.
We have two ways for folks to participate in our study:
Voicing Resistance Workshop – Toronto | October 26, 2025
Who can participate?
Are between 18 and 30 years old
Had interactions with or received services from the Children's Aid Society (CAS)Â in Canada as a child or youth.
Were born outside of Canada or lived with a family member with precarious immigration status during child protection involvement.
We welcome participants of all genders.
What to expect:
A half-day (4-6-hour) in-person art workshop
Co-led by a trained artist and a member of our research team
We will follow the Fearless Methodology – a six-step creative process to help you share stories of strength, struggle, and survival
A group art piece will be made and shared at a future community event
You can also choose to do a private one-on-one interview
What you get:
Honorarium and travel support provided
Free lunch and snacks
Where & When:
Confidentiality & Privacy:
You do not need to share your name or immigration status
Everything you say is private and confidential
You can stop or leave at any time – your choice matters
One-on-One Interviews – Toronto & Vancouver
Who can participate?
You are either:
A youth (ages 18–30 in Ontario, 19–30 in BC) who had contact with child protection services (CPS), the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) in British Columbia, and the Children's Aid Society (CAS) in Ontario as a child or youth, or
A parent, caregiver, or legal guardian who had involvement with CPS while parenting.
You identify as a racialized immigrant
You had past or ongoing involvement with CPS in Canada.
You were not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of that involvement.
We welcome participants of all genders.
What to expect?
You will be invited to a confidential, one-on-one interview (about 60 minutes long).
Semi-structured, conversational interviews about experiences with Child Protection, systemic racism, and self-advocacy.
Conducted in person or via Zoom at a time that works for you.
Can be conducted in your preferred language, with interpreters available.
An honorarium will be provided.
What you get:
Honorarium and travel support provided
Where & When:
Confidentiality & Privacy:
You do not need to share your name or immigration status
Everything you say is private and confidential
You can stop or leave at any time – your choice matters
Interested in Participating?
Contact us at borderingpractices@utoronto.ca for more details and eligibility information.
