A Season of Capacity Building Action This Fall
It has been a busy season of capacity building activities. In October 2025, we were invited to speak at several important conferences including:
• Innovations in Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Trauma and Violence-Informed Health Promotion Conference, hosted by Western University
• A Call to Action International Conference, hosted by Kempe Foundation
As well, the Organization of Counsel for Children’s Aid Societies invited Peel CAS Director of Legal Services Deana DeGrâce to present about the work of CWICE in supporting agencies across Ontario. Deana extended an invitation to CWICE Manager Danielle Ungara, who joined Ottawa CAS Chief Counsel Julie Daoust and Sylvie Lapoint of ISS Canada on a panel discussing Interjurisdictional Issues in Child Welfare.
“We felt it was crucial to include CWICE in our conference programming, notably as part of our panel. It served to remind in-house counsel for societies that it is required to consider the immigration status of children and families because immigration status can greatly affect the safety and well-being of children. By hearing from CWICE about their capacity to support children's aid societies around citizenship and immigration matters, in-house counsel can help frontline workers protect children and ensure that their rights are respected”
– Julie Daoust, Chief Counsel, Ottawa CAS
The successful conference was held at the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, attended by 80 lawyers from 35 child welfare agencies across Ontario. CWICE was proud to present among illustrious panelists and attendees.
CWICE thanks conference organizers and Deana DeGrâce for the invitation to speak. To share more widely key considerations, Peel CAS’ Director of Legal Services and CWICE’s Counsel Deana DeGrâce created a 2-page communication to augment learning.
In November 2025, CWICE continued to engage in several capacity building initiatives including:
• National Outreach Project training and Canadian Council for Refugees Consultation in Manitoba (link[DU3] )
• CWICE & Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services Airport Tour
In early November, CWICE Managers Liz Okai and Danielle Ungara presented to Peel Police officers joining the Airport Division. We also had the opportunity to meet Lisa Hewison, Superintendent of Peel Police Airport Division and Peel CAS’ Board Chair. Lisa shared the following feedback on this important opportunity for cross-sector capacity building:
“The partnership between Peel CAS’ CWICE and Peel Regional Police Airport Division is a vital safeguard for vulnerable children and youth navigating complex immigration, trafficking or exploitation risks at one of Canada’s busiest transportation hubs. This collaboration is essential as it bridges immigration and child protection systems modelling cross-sector collaboration and building capacity and awareness. As well it reflects Peel Region’s commitment to visible advocacy and sends a message that vulnerable youth are not invisible. They are seen, supported and protected through coordinated action”
-Lisa Hewison, Superintendent, Peel Regional Police Airport Division
The successful engagement with officers newly joining the Airport Division will continue our efforts for streamlined services and collaboration across sectors when responding to provide service at Canada’s largest airport.
Then in late November, a delegation from CWICE attended the Pathways to Prosperity conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The national conference focused on Investing in Canada’s Shared Future: Pathways to Possibilities, and brought together settlement, academics, government, and community professionals across Canada.
CWICE Manager Nadia Drepaul presented during a workshop with Saint John’s Newcomer Centre Staff regarding Advancing Belonging: Multisectoral Anti-Racism Strategies to Strengthen Newcomer Settlement Outcomes. CWICE Manager Danielle Ungara and Immigration Specialist Celistine Frampton presented with ISS Canada regarding The World Gets Closer: Families Across International Borders. And several CWICE staff collaborated on a poster presentation on the Crossroads of Child Welfare, Immigration, and Human Trafficking. Authors include Liz Okai, Mandisa Sifelani, Abimbola Fajobi, and Danielle Ungara; we welcomed questions and engagement about the poster in person at Pier 21 reception during the conference.
As CWICE continues to promote research and trends, please engage with us at any of the following events. Upcoming learning opportunities include those for all professionals:
For child welfare professionals, please join us in our post-graduate 8-course certificate series for child welfare service providers:
4. CWICE 102 – 108 courses are also posted – www.cwice.ca/training
And finally, an upcoming course for foster caregivers is also available for registration:
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About the Author:
Danielle Ungara (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker and a dedicated leader known for her creativity, and commitment to excellence and equity in practice. As CWICE Manager, Danielle has brought innovative thinking and strategic leadership to the Centre of Excellence since its inception.
