By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service

(Eagle News) — Protesters camped out in downtown Ottawa who brought their children with them have been warned to make arrangements for the care of their children should they be arrested.

“The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO) is urging parents at the demonstration in Ottawa to make the necessary alternate care arrangements should they become unable to care for their children following potential police action,” the society said Wednesday on Twitter.

Today, police began handing out pamphlets telling protesters to leave the area or face arrest.

Many of those protesters have brought their children with them to the demonstration and have indicated they have no intention of leaving.

Play areas have been set up in areas occupied by the demonstrators.

There is the possibility those kids could end up in foster care if their parents are arrested.

“CASO has a mandate to protect a child when their parent becomes unavailable to exercise their custodial rights over the child and the parent has not made adequate provision for the child’s care and custody,” said the Children’s Aid Society.

The society says if parents and children are separated following police efforts in ending the demonstration, it will work to reunite families as soon as possible.

Under the Emergencies Act, children under the age of 18 are not allowed in the protest area.
(Eagle News Service)