Three Postcards from the Field
On behalf of CWICE, we are grateful to be working on First Nations, Indigenous, and Metis lands Truth and Reconciliation. We also thank the innovative leadership of Peel CAS, for creating space for CWICE and for your ongoing support of our work.
Here are our reflections:
As I reflect on this past year stepping into the role of National Outreach Manager with CWICE, I am grounded in deep gratitude and humility. Joining CWICE has been an incredible learning journey, one shaped by the generosity, expertise, and unwavering support of the entire CWICE team. Their longstanding commitment to strengthening immigration-informed child welfare practice across provinces laid a powerful foundation for the National Outreach Project. This year, I witnessed firsthand the impact of their work and had the privilege of building upon it, engaging nationally, and learning from diverse partners who share our commitment to improving outcomes for newcomer children, youth, and families.
As the project closes out the year, we are finalizing six provincial partnerships across Canada, including meaningful collaborations with local settlement organizations. This milestone reflects both the complexity and the reward of leading a national initiative full of challenges, insights, and moments of tremendous progress. Above all, it highlights the collective impact CWICE continues to have in building capacity, shaping equitable practice, and strengthening services nationwide. I look forward to the year ahead with optimism and renewed energy, excited to deepen these partnerships and continue advancing this important work.
Nadia Drepaul (she/her)
A Year of Advocacy and Learning at CWICE
Over the past year, CWICE has continued its work at the intersection of immigration and child welfare, advocating for equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families navigating complex systems. We focused on translating evolving policy landscapes into practical guidance and meaningful advocacy to ensure those impacted are supported and represented. A key priority was capacity building and leadership development. Through mentoring, conference participation, and knowledge-sharing opportunities, CWICE strengthened and expanded its influence in regional and national spaces. This work emphasized shared leadership, creating space for numerous discussions.
CWICE maintained an active role in cross-sector collaboration, including participation in human trafficking and systems coordination tables such as the Service Delivery Network and the Unaccompanied and Separated Children Network. These partnerships reinforced the importance of coordinated, multi-system responses to vulnerability. The year also brought challenges, including policy shifts, immigration delays, and system inefficiencies. These experiences highlighted the emotional and practical impacts of systemic barriers and the need for clear communication, persistence, and strong relationships.
Throughout this work, I have been deeply humbled to be part of a team whose collective commitment, expertise, and care continue to drive meaningful change. Grounded in the best interests of children and youth, CWICE remains well-positioned to strengthen equity-informed practice, partnerships, and advocacy for timely and compassionate immigration pathways.
Liz Okai (she/her)
Working in CWICE for the eighth fiscal year, I sometimes think the most meaningful achievement has been the very development of a Centre of Excellence, grounded in service, and designed to inform and transform the field from within the child welfare sector. This innovative start-up has evolved to spearhead and lead critically important work.
While this year has been unpredictable in many ways, we weathered the pandemic and expanded CWICE during a time of closed borders, fear, and global uncertainty. Irrespective of the shifts then or new policies in 2025, little has ever stopped people on the move—displacement and migration continue worldwide. Whether seeking asylum or immigrating, travelling or settling, modern systems struggle to respond to the realities of how children are living today. While we have greater access to information through vast technology advances, significant gaps in true access/accessibility issues remain.
As a Canadian-born citizen, I do not take for granted the opportunity and responsibility to work in this space. I remain humbled to collaborate with incredibly talented, committed, and caring leaders and partners. As we centre human dignity within our work, anchored in upholding the rights of others, we honour lived experience and knowledge. This year, I witnessed our work intersect with Indigenous rights, family and intimate partner violence, and human trafficking in new ways. As service providers we must continue to innovate, as laws and policies change, while maintaining a compassionate and humanitarian approach. As we strive for what is possible, I hope our legacy will advance inclusion and equity, supporting children and families to experience belonging, safety, permanency, and wellbeing.
Danielle Ungara (she/her)
