Act
Proposed changes to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 to improve the access for children and youth in care to information about the Office of the Ombudsman
Regulation Number(s):
Not Applicable
N/A
N/A
Instrument Type:
Act
Bill or Act:
Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is proposing changes to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) to clarify requirements that guide when and how children and youth in care must be informed of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Specifically, the Ministry would like to:
1. Set out the right of children in care to be informed of the existence and role of the Ombudsman as well as how the Ombudsman may be contacted
2. Set out the obligation of children's aid societies and out-of-home care licensees to inform children in care about the Ombudsman and the times when children in care should be told about the Ombudsman
Similar requirements are currently outlined in the Ombudsman Act.
It is essential that children and youth in care are aware of the role of the Ombudsman and how they can be contacted. The proposed changes would, if passed, set out requirements respecting notice of the Ombudsman in the CYFSA, which is broadly recognized as the definitive source of rights and responsibilities relating to children and youth services.
The proposed changes would, if passed, strengthen the ability of children and youth in care to exercise their rights, improve the quality of services they receive, as well as enhance children's aid societies and out-of-home care licensees' awareness of their obligations.
Specifically, the Ministry would like to:
1. Set out the right of children in care to be informed of the existence and role of the Ombudsman as well as how the Ombudsman may be contacted
2. Set out the obligation of children's aid societies and out-of-home care licensees to inform children in care about the Ombudsman and the times when children in care should be told about the Ombudsman
Similar requirements are currently outlined in the Ombudsman Act.
It is essential that children and youth in care are aware of the role of the Ombudsman and how they can be contacted. The proposed changes would, if passed, set out requirements respecting notice of the Ombudsman in the CYFSA, which is broadly recognized as the definitive source of rights and responsibilities relating to children and youth services.
The proposed changes would, if passed, strengthen the ability of children and youth in care to exercise their rights, improve the quality of services they receive, as well as enhance children's aid societies and out-of-home care licensees' awareness of their obligations.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The proposed changes would not introduce new compliance costs for regulated entities. These changes would be expected to increase clarity and improve compliance by children's aid societies and out-of-home care licensees on existing obligations. There may be some administrative impacts in cases where children's aid societies and out-of-home care licensees have to increase the frequency of providing information, but the impacts are expected to be minimal.
The ministry is seeking comments and feedback from individuals and stakeholders regarding these amendments.
The ministry is seeking comments and feedback from individuals and stakeholders regarding these amendments.
Further Information:
NEWS RELEASE Ontario Supporting the Futures of Children and Youth
Submission to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services regarding the Five Year Revie
(Download Adobe Reader)
Bill 188, Supporting Children's Futures Act, 2024
Proposal Number:
24-MCCSS007
Posting Date:
April 17, 2024
Comments Due Date:
May 17, 2024
Contact Address:
2 Bloor St. W, 30th Floor, Toronto, ON, M4W 3E2