Dear Reader,
This month, we are sharing a slightly different note, shorter than usual, with a few documents we hope you will spend some time with. It feels like a quiet threshold, where a long history meets the possibility of change.
This Month at Seedling
Over the past few months, we have been working closely with the leadership team of the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), along with the Homes under its care. The Children’s Aid Society, established in 1927, has played a long-standing role in the care and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law (CCL) and children in need of care and protection (CNCP).
On 1st May 2026, CAS marked the beginning of its 100 th year. The centenary year is being held not only as a milestone, but as a commitment — to reflect, renew, and evolve the system in meaningful ways over the coming year.
Seedling Foundation had the opportunity to play a substantive role in shaping the launch of this centenary year, and will continue to work closely with CAS through this period. There is a visible shift in energy across the system right now. From leadership to on-ground staff, there is a renewed sense of engagement and intent. The new leadership has been instrumental in setting this direction, and in a relatively short span, early signs of change are already beginning to emerge.
One Insight from the Ground
This moment has led us to think more deeply about what allows systems to truly change. Institutions like CAS carry long histories, but their direction is shaped by what happens in the present, through the willingness of people within the system to question, adapt, and stay responsive to the realities of children’s lives today.
Change, in this context, feels less about introducing something new, and more about whether the system is open enough to allow it.
A Question We’re Sitting With
What allows long-standing systems to remain open to change over time?
CAS 100 th Year Documents
For this month, we are sharing with you the materials we helped create for the centenary launch on 1st May 2026:
- Manifesto: the most concise and powerful document, outlining the intent and direction for the 100 th year. If you choose to read one, we would recommend starting here.
- Presentation: a more visual journey through the history and evolution of CAS.
- Brochure: a detailed document with background information, including an overview of each Home under CAS.
We hope these offer a clearer sense of the organisation — its history, its continued relevance, and the possibilities that lie ahead.
An Invitation to Reflect
If you do go through them, we would be interested to hear what stood out to you, what felt new or surprising, or even what questions they raised for you.
Thank you for continuing to read and reflect with us.
Why This Newsletter Exists
We believe this work is incomplete without society’s awareness and participation. This space is for sharing our work, approach, and learnings, including insights, questions, and challenges, and for building a thoughtful community around this often unseen area of work.
