Local parents are circulating a petition to push for the Ontario Ombudsman to oversee Children's Aid Societies.

"Ombudsman oversight is desperately needed to help reform Ontario's Children's Aid Societies," said Faith Stuart, a local grandmother concerned about the power wielded by the CAS.

Stuart and other CAS critics say the child-care organizations in Ontario get $1.3 billion in taxpayer support but operate like private organizations and aren't accountable to anyone.

She and other local residents are circulating a petition asking that the ombudsman get oversight powers.

Ombudsman Andre Marin called on the government in December to let his office address the hundreds of complaints he gets each year about child welfare matters.

"It is deeply disturbing that my office is unable to help our most vulnerable citizens," Marin told the legislature's standing committee on social policy.

"Other provinces in Canada have ombudsman oversight for the CASs," said Stuart. "I believe Ontario is the only one that doesn't."

The petitions, which have already been signed by thousands, can be downloaded from the Internet at www.afterfostercare.ca. To contact Stuart about the petitions, telephone 519-753-8973.

Another group of parents will be involved in a rally June 20 on the front lawn of Queen's Park at 11 a.m.

That group is also pushing for independent oversight of the CAS in Ontario and is protesting recent changes to the Child and Family Services Act and the unnecessary drugging of children who are in care.

Participants include speakers from After Foster Care, Canada Courtwatch and a Brantford parent involved with the CAS.

For more information on the Queen's Park rally, telephone Rob Ferguson at 519-754-0927.