Child Protection in Ontario and Israel: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of child protection services in Ontario, Canada and Israel. The summary of these findings and their implications led to insights that can raise awareness of unchecked discourses, enable the reframing of issues and concerns, and open up new alternatives for policy and program development. We set the framework for this comparison by presenting demographic characteristics of children, families, and subgroups, and highlighting issues of poverty, cultural diversity and inequality which are prevalent in families involved with child protection. A review of the perception of child protection in both societies contrasts their culture and ideology, historical developments and legal context, as well as their policy positions and child protection interventions. Focusing on the implications of this comparison, the strengths and weaknesses of each society were highlighted, pointing out lessons to be learned.