LONDON, Ont. - Children in the care of a southwestern Ontario Children's Aid Society will still receive important services while the province and society work out a scheme to keep it open, the government said Friday.

Huron Perth Children's Aid Society, which serves almost 450 families each month, said Thursday it's not getting enough money from the province and will have to shut down Dec. 15.

Foster parents, vulnerable kids and Crown wards will still get support while the province finds a way to keep the society open, Children and Youth Services Minister Laurel Broten said Friday.

"Services that support our most vulnerable families and children will continue in Huron Perth," she said.

"I will not allow kids to be put at risk."

Broten would not reveal details of a meeting with the society Friday, but said she will meet with its representatives again on Wednesday.

Earlier Friday, Premier Dalton McGuinty said the Huron Perth society is too important to close.

McGuinty told London radio station CJBK the government intends to find a way to support the society.

The premier noted Children's Aid Societies help the most vulnerable kids in the province.

Huron Perth CAS officials say the funding formula is flawed, and has left it with a projected $1.3-million deficit and a large debt, despite program and staff cuts.

The agency joined 11 other CAS agencies earlier this year in taking the government to court to have the funding reviewed but the process is still ongoing.