The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) is at the center of Ontario’s social support system. Its current structure was established in 2018 through the merger of two long-standing ministries: the Ministry of Community and Social Services, which traces its roots back to the early public welfare programs of the 20th century, and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, which focused on policies and services for young people and families. This integration aimed to create a more cohesive and effective approach to social and community well-being across the province.
The ministry’s mandate is to enhance the well-being, independence, and inclusion of all Ontarians, especially those facing social or economic challenges. It is responsible for child and youth services — including child protection, adoption, and youth justice — as well as social assistance programs that provide income and employment supports to low-income individuals and families. It also oversees programs and services for persons with disabilities and community-based initiatives addressing issues such as homelessness, family violence, and access to supportive housing.
The ministry enforces family support obligations, protects the rights of children and vulnerable populations, and promotes women’s social and economic participation. Working in partnership with municipalities, community organizations, and service agencies, it seeks to strengthen Ontario’s social fabric by promoting inclusion, safety, and equity.
As an administrator of major financial support programs, the ministry plays a key role in reducing poverty and social exclusion. It funds and manages initiatives designed to provide a safety net for low-income households, strengthen families’ ability to meet their children’s needs, and support the full participation of persons with disabilities in society. The guiding principles behind these efforts are fairness, dignity, and opportunity — ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life and that all Ontarians have access to the resources needed to live independently and securely.