Category:CFSRB
Tribunal Powers under the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, 2017[1]=
119 (1) A person may make a complaint to a society relating to a service sought or received by that person from the society in accordance with the regulations.
(2) Where a society receives a complaint under subsection (1), it shall deal with the complaint in accordance with the complaint review procedure established by regulation, subject to subsection 120 (2).
(3) A society shall make information relating to the complaint review procedure available to the public and to any person upon request.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the decision of a society made upon completion of the complaint review procedure is final.
(5) If a complaint relates to one of the following matters, the complainant may apply to the Board in accordance with the regulations for a review of the decision made by the society upon completion of the complaint review procedure:
- 1. A matter described in subsection 120 (4).
- 2. Any other prescribed matter.
(6) Upon receipt of an application under subsection (5), the Board shall give the society notice of the application and conduct a review of the society’s decision.
(7) The Board shall be composed of members with the prescribed qualifications and prescribed experience.
(8) The Board may hold a hearing and, if a hearing is held, the Board shall comply with the prescribed practices and procedures.
(9) The Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply to a hearing under this section.
(10) Upon completing its review of a decision by a society in relation to a complaint, the Board may,
- (a) in the case of a matter described in subsection 120 (4), make any order described in subsection 120 (7), as appropriate;
- (b) redirect the matter to the society for further review;
- (c) confirm the society’s decision; or
- (d) make such other order as may be prescribed.
(11) A society shall not conduct a review of a complaint under this section if the subject of the complaint,
- (a) is an issue that has been decided by the court or is before the court; or
- (b) is subject to another decision-making process under this Act or the Labour Relations Act, 1995.
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Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
S.O. 2017, CHAPTER 14 SCHEDULE 1
Consolidation Period: From June 3, 2021 to the e-Laws currency date.
Last amendment: 2021, c. 21, Sched. 3.
CONTENTS
Preamble PART I PURPOSES AND INTERPRETATION
Purposes
1.
Paramount purpose and other purposes
Interpretation
2.
Interpretation
PART II CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG PERSONS’ RIGHTS
Rights of Children and Young Persons Receiving Services
3.
Rights of children, young persons receiving services
4.
Corporal punishment prohibited
5.
Detention restricted
6.
Physical restraint restricted
7.
Mechanical restraints restricted
Rights of Children in Care
8.
Right to be heard in respect of decisions
9.
Right to be informed re residential placement admission
10.
Rights of communication, etc.
11.
Conditions and limitations on visitors
12.
Personal liberties
13.
Plan of care
14.
Parental consent, etc.
Service Providers’ Duties in respect of Children’s and Young Persons’ Rights
15.
Children’s, young persons’ rights to respectful services
16.
French language services
Alternative Dispute Resolution
17.
Resolution of issues by prescribed method of alternative dispute resolution
Complaints and Reviews
18.
Complaints procedure
19.
Further review
20.
Minister to advise persons affected of any decision
Consent and Voluntary Services
21.
Consents and agreements
22.
Consent to service
23.
Counselling service: child 12 or older
PART III FUNDING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
24.
Definition
Funding of Services and Lead Agencies
25.
Provision of services directly or by others
26.
Services to persons older than 18
27.
Minister’s advisory committee
28.
Security for payment of funds
29.
Conditions on transfer of assets
30.
Lead agencies
31.
Placements must comply with Act and regulations, etc.
Directives and Compliance Orders (Lead Agencies and Service Providers)
32.
Directives by Minister
33.
Compliance order
Children’s Aid Societies
34.
Children’s aid society
35.
Functions
36.
Governance matters
37.
No personal liability
38.
Appointment of local director
39.
Designation of places of safety
Funding and Accountability Agreements
40.
Funding
41.
Accountability agreement
Directives and Compliance Orders (Societies)
42.
Directives by Minister
43.
Compliance order
Minister’s Powers
44.
Powers of Minister
45.
Appointments to board, etc.
46.
Appointment of supervisor
Restructuring
47.
Amalgamation by societies
48.
Restructuring by Minister’s order
49.
Appointment of supervisor for restructuring
50.
Conflict with Corporations Act, etc.
50.
Conflict with society’s articles or by-laws
51.
Transfer of property held for charitable purpose
52.
No compensation
Appointments and Delegations
53.
Directors and program supervisors
54.
Duties of Director with respect to societies
55.
Delegation by Minister
Reports and Information
56.
Reports and information to Minister
57.
Reports and information to prescribed entities
58.
Information available to the public
Program Supervisor Inspections
59.
Inspection by program supervisor without a warrant
60.
Inspection by program supervisor with a warrant
61.
Inspection report
Review by Residential Placement Advisory Committee
62.
Definitions
63.
Residential placement advisory committees
64.
Review by advisory committee
65.
Advisory committee’s recommendations
66.
Review by Board
Offences
67.
Offences
PART IV FIRST NATIONS, INUIT AND MÉTIS CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES
68.
Regulations listing First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
69.
Agreements with bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities
70.
Designation of child and family service authority
71.
Subsidy for customary care
72.
Consultation with bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities
73.
Consultation in specified cases
PART V CHILD PROTECTION
Interpretation
74.
Interpretation
Voluntary Agreements
75.
Temporary care agreement
76.
Notice of termination of agreement
77.
Society agreements with 16 and 17 year olds
Removal to Offer Voluntary Services
77.1
Removal to offer services, children 16 or 17
Legal Representation
78.
Legal representation of child
Parties and Notice
79.
Parties
Customary Care
80.
Customary care
Commencing Child Protection Proceedings
81.
Warrants, orders, etc.
82.
Exception, 16 and 17 year olds brought to place of safety with consent
Special Cases of Bringing Children to a Place of Safety
83.
Bringing children who are removed from or leave care to place of safety
84.
Bringing child younger than 12 home or to place of safety
85.
Children who withdraw from parent’s care
86.
Authority to enter, etc.
Hearings and Orders
87.
Rules re hearings
88.
Time in place of safety limited
89.
Time in place of safety limited, 16 or 17 year old
90.
Child protection hearing
91.
Territorial jurisdiction
92.
Power of court
93.
Evidence
94.
Adjournments
95.
Use of prescribed methods of alternative dispute resolution
96.
Delay: court to fix date
97.
Reasons, etc.
Assessments
98.
Order for assessment
99.
Consent order: special requirements
100.
Society’s plan for child
101.
Order where child in need of protection
102.
Custody order
103.
Proceedings under Children’s Law Reform Act
Access
104.
Access order
105.
Access: where child removed from person in charge
106.
Review of access order made concurrently with custody order
107.
Restriction on access order
Payment Orders
108.
Order for payment by parent
Interim and Extended Society Care
109.
Placement of children
110.
Child in interim society care
111.
Child in extended society care
112.
Society’s obligation to pursue family relationship for child in extended society care
Review
113.
Status review
114.
Court may vary, etc.
115.
Status review for children in, or formerly in, extended society care
116.
Court order
117.
Director’s annual review of children in extended society care
118.
Investigation by judge
119.
Complaint to society
120.
Complaint to Board
Appeals
121.
Appeal
Expiry of Orders
122.
Time limit
123.
Expiry of orders
Continued Care and Support
124.
Continued care and support
Duty to Report
125.
Duty to report child in need of protection
126.
Society to assess and verify report of child in need of protection
127.
Society to report abuse of child in its care and custody
128.
Duty to report child’s death
Review Teams
129.
Review team
Court-Ordered Access to Records
130.
Production of records
131.
Warrant for access to record
132.
Telewarrant
Child Abuse Register
133.
Register
134.
Hearing re registered person
Powers of Director
135.
Director’s power to transfer
Offences, Restraining Orders, Recovery on Child’s Behalf and Injunctions
136.
Abuse, failure to provide for reasonable care, etc.
137.
Restraining order
138.
Legal claim for recovery because of abuse
139.
Prohibition
140.
Offences re interfering, etc. with child in society supervision or care
141.
Offences re false information, obstruction, etc.
142.
Other offences
142.1
Offences, procedure
143.
Injunction
PART VI YOUTH JUSTICE
144.
Definitions
Programs and Officers
145.
Programs
146.
Appointments by Minister
147.
Reports and information
Temporary Detention
148.
Open and secure temporary detention
Custody
149.
Detention under Provincial Offences Act
150.
Young persons in open custody
Custody Review Board
151.
Custody Review Board
152.
Application to Board
Apprehension of Young Persons who are Absent from Custody without Permission
153.
Apprehension
Inspections and Investigations
154.
Inspections and investigations
Searches
155.
Permissible searches
Mechanical Restraints
156.
Mechanical restraints
PART VII EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES
157.
Definitions
Secure Treatment Programs
158.
Secure treatment programs
159.
Locking up permitted
160.
Mechanical restraints permitted
Commitment to Secure Treatment
161.
Application for order for child’s commitment
162.
Oral evidence
163.
Assessment
164.
Commitment to secure treatment: criteria
165.
Period of commitment
166.
Reasons, plans, etc.
Extension of Period of Commitment
167.
Extension
Release by Administrator
168.
Release
Review of Commitment
169.
Review of commitment
170.
ss. 167 (3-6), 168, 169 apply
Emergency Admission
171.
Emergency admission
Police Assistance
172.
Powers of peace officers, period of commitment
Secure De-escalation
173.
Director’s approval
174.
Secure de-escalation
175.
Review of use of secure de-escalation
Psychotropic Drugs
176.
Consent required for use of psychotropic drugs
Professional Advisory Board
177.
Professional Advisory Board
178.
Request for review
PART VIII ADOPTION AND ADOPTION LICENSING
Interpretation
179.
Interpretation
Consent to Adoption
180.
Consents
181.
Dispensing with consent
182.
Late withdrawal of consent
Placement for Adoption
183.
Only societies and licensees may place children, etc.
184.
Limitation on placement by society
185.
Adoption planning
186.
First Nations, Inuk or Métis child
187.
First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, openness, etc.
188.
Child from inside Canada: proposed placement
189.
Child from outside Canada: homestudy
190.
Child from outside Canada: review of proposed placement
191.
Access orders terminate
Decision to Refuse to Place Child or to Remove Child after Placement
192.
Decision of society or licensee
193.
Notice to Director
Openness Orders
194.
No access order in effect
195.
Access order in effect
196.
Access order in effect
197.
Openness order — band and First Nations, Inuit or Métis community
198.
Application to vary or terminate openness order before adoption
Adoption Orders
199.
Orders for adoption
200.
Where applicant a minor
201.
Where order not to be made
202.
Director’s statement
203.
Place of hearing
204.
Rules re applications
205.
Power of court
206.
Change of name
207.
Varying or terminating openness orders after adoption
208.
Appeal of order to vary or terminate openness order
209.
Application of s. 204
210.
Child may participate
211.
Legal representation of child
Openness Agreements
212.
Who may enter into openness agreement
Interim Orders
213.
Interim order
214.
Successive adoption orders
Appeals
215.
Appeals
Effect of Adoption Order
216.
Order final
217.
Status of adopted child
218.
Effect of foreign adoption
219.
No order for access by birth parent, etc.
Maintenance of Relationships
220.
Maintenance of relationships
Records, Confidentiality and Disclosure
221.
Parent to be informed on request
222.
Court papers
223.
Designation of custodians of information
224.
Disclosure to designated custodian
225.
Disclosure to others
226.
Scope of application
Confidentiality of Adoption Records
227.
Confidentiality of adoption information
Injunction
228.
Injunction
Licensing — Requirement for Licence; Issuance and Renewal
229.
Licences
230.
Conditions of licence
Licensing — Refusal and Revocation
231.
Grounds for refusal
232.
Grounds for revocation, refusal to renew
Licensing — Hearing by Tribunal
233.
Hearings arising out of s. 231 or 232
234.
Review of conditions by Tribunal
235.
Continuation of licence pending renewal
236.
Suspension of licence
237.
Application of other provisions
Licensing — Delivery of Licence and Records
238.
Licence and record to be delivered
Licensing — Injunctions
239.
Injunction
Offences
240.
No payments for adoption
241.
Offences
242.
Offences — licensing
PART IX RESIDENTIAL LICENSING
243.
Definitions
Protective Measures
244.
Licence required
245.
Prohibition — past offence
246.
Prohibition — holding out as licensed
247.
Placements must comply with Act and regulations, etc.
248.
Duty to keep licence
249.
Duty to provide licence and other information
250.
Report certain matters to a Director
251.
Director may exempt
252.
Directives by Minister
253.
Publication of information by Minister
Licences
254.
Issuance and renewal of licence
255.
Conditions of licence
256.
Term of licence
257.
Continuation of licence pending renewal
258.
Class of licence
259.
Maximum number of children
260.
Appeals of class or maximum number
261.
Refusals and revocations
262.
Proposal to revoke or refuse to renew
263.
Notice of proposal
264.
Suspension
Hearings by Tribunal
265.
Hearings by Tribunal
266.
Rules for proceedings
Appeals
267.
Appeal from Tribunal
Amount Charged by Licensee
268.
Amount
Licensee Ceasing to Operate, etc.
269.
Licence and records to be delivered
270.
Notice to placing agency or other person; removal of children
Occupation by Minister and Injunctions
271.
Order for Minister’s occupation
272.
Injunction
Residential Licensing Inspections
273.
Appointment of inspectors
274.
Purpose of inspection
275.
Inspections without warrant
276.
Powers on inspection
277.
Warrant
278.
Inspection report
279.
Admissibility of certain documents
Offences
280.
Offences
PART X PERSONAL INFORMATION
Definitions
281.
Definitions
282.
Confidentiality provisions prevail
Minister’s Powers to Collect, Use and Disclose Personal Information
283.
Collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the Minister
284.
Information requested by Minister
Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information by Service Providers
285.
Application of Part
286.
Collection, use and disclosure of personal information — requirement for consent
287.
Collection, use and disclosure of information other than personal information
288.
Indirect collection of personal information
289.
Direct collection without consent
290.
Notice to individual re use or disclosure of information
291.
Permitted use
292.
Disclosure without consent
293.
Disclosure for planning and managing services, etc.
294.
Records of mental disorders
Consent
295.
Elements of consent for collection, use and disclosure of personal information
296.
Withdrawal of consent
297.
Conditional consent
298.
Presumption of consent’s validity
Capacity and Substitute Decision-Making
299.
Presumption of capacity
300.
Differing capacity
301.
Substitute decision-maker
302.
Factors to consider for consent
303.
Additional authority of substitute decision-maker
304.
Determination of incapacity
305.
Appointment of representative
Integrity and Protection of Personal Information
306.
Steps to ensure accuracy, etc. of personal information
307.
Steps to ensure collection of personal information is authorized
308.
Steps to ensure security of personal information
309.
Handling of records
310.
Disclosure to successor
311.
Written public statement by service provider
Individual’s Access to Personal Information
312.
Individual’s right of access
313.
Request for access
314.
Response of service provider
Corrections to Records
315.
Correction to record
Complaints, Reviews and Inspections
316.
Complaint to Commissioner
317.
Response of Commissioner
318.
Commissioner’s self-initiated review
319.
Conduct of Commissioner’s review
320.
Inspection powers
321.
Powers of Commissioner
322.
Appeal of order
323.
Enforcement of order
324.
Further order of Commissioner
325.
Damages for breach of privacy
326.
General powers of Commissioner
327.
Delegation by Commissioner
328.
Limitations re personal information
329.
Immunity
Prohibitions, Immunity and Offences
330.
Non-retaliation
331.
Immunity
332.
Offences
PART XI MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
333.
Child and Family Services Review Board
334.
Police record checks
335.
Society may request police record checks from police, etc.
336.
Review of Act
337.
Review to address rights of children and young persons
338.
Review to address First Nations, Inuit and Métis issues
PART XII REGULATIONS
339.
General
340.
Regulations: Part II (Children’s and Young Persons’ Rights)
341.
Regulations: Part III (Funding and Accountability)
342.
Regulations: Part IV (First Nations, Inuit and Métis Child and Family Services)
343.
Regulations: Part V (Child Protection)
344.
Regulations: Part VI (Youth Justice)
345.
Regulations: Part VII (Extraordinary Measures)
346.
Regulations: Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing)
347.
Regulations: Part IX (Residential Licensing)
348.
Regulations: Part X (Personal Information)
349.
Regulations: Part XI (Miscellaneous Matters)
Preamble The Government of Ontario acknowledges that children are individuals with rights to be respected and voices to be heard.
The Government of Ontario is committed to the following principles:
Services provided to children and families should be child-centred.
Children and families have better outcomes when services build on their strengths. Prevention services, early intervention services and community support services build on a family’s strengths and are invaluable in reducing the need for more disruptive services and interventions.
Services provided to children and families should respect their diversity and the principle of inclusion, consistent with the Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Systemic racism and the barriers it creates for children and families receiving services must continue to be addressed. All children should have the opportunity to meet their full potential. Awareness of systemic biases and racism and the need to address these barriers should inform the delivery of all services for children and families.
Services to children and families should, wherever possible, help maintain connections to their communities.
In furtherance of these principles, the Government of Ontario acknowledges that the aim of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 is to be consistent with and build upon the principles expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
With respect to First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, the Government of Ontario acknowledges the following:
The Province of Ontario has unique and evolving relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples are constitutionally recognized peoples in Canada, with their own laws, and distinct cultural, political and historical ties to the Province of Ontario.
Where a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child is otherwise eligible to receive a service under this Act, an inter-jurisdictional or intra-jurisdictional dispute should not prevent the timely provision of that service, in accordance with Jordan’s Principle.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the importance of belonging to a community or nation, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the community or nation concerned.
Further, the Government of Ontario believes the following:
First Nations, Inuit and Métis children should be happy, healthy, resilient, grounded in their cultures and languages and thriving as individuals and as members of their families, communities and nations.
Honouring the connection between First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and their distinct political and cultural communities is essential to helping them thrive and fostering their well-being.
For these reasons, the Government of Ontario is committed, in the spirit of reconciliation, to working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to help ensure that wherever possible, they care for their children in accordance with their distinct cultures, heritages and traditions.
PART I PURPOSES AND INTERPRETATION Purposes Paramount purpose and other purposes Paramount purpose 1 (1) The paramount purpose of this Act is to promote the best interests, protection and well-being of children.
Other purposes (2) The additional purposes of this Act, so long as they are consistent with the best interests, protection and well-being of children, are to recognize the following:
1. While parents may need help in caring for their children, that help should give support to the autonomy and integrity of the family unit and, wherever possible, be provided on the basis of mutual consent.
2. The least disruptive course of action that is available and is appropriate in a particular case to help a child, including the provision of prevention services, early intervention services and community support services, should be considered.
3. Services to children and young persons should be provided in a manner that,
i. respects a child’s or young person’s need for continuity of care and for stable relationships within a family and cultural environment,
ii. takes into account physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and developmental needs and differences among children and young persons,
iii. takes into account a child’s or young person’s race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, family diversity, disability, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression,
iv. takes into account a child’s or young person’s cultural and linguistic needs,
v. provides early assessment, planning and decision-making to achieve permanent plans for children and young persons in accordance with their best interests, and
vi. includes the participation of a child or young person, the child’s or young person’s parents and relatives and the members of the child’s or young person’s extended family and community, where appropriate.
4. Services to children and young persons and their families should be provided in a manner that respects regional differences, wherever possible.
5. Services to children and young persons and their families should be provided in a manner that builds on the strengths of the families, wherever possible.
6. First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples should be entitled to provide, wherever possible, their own child and family services, and all services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and young persons and their families should be provided in a manner that recognizes their cultures, heritages, traditions, connection to their communities, and the concept of the extended family.
7. Appropriate sharing of information, including personal information, in order to plan for and provide services is essential for creating successful outcomes for children and families.
Interpretation Interpretation Definitions 2 (1) In this Act,
“agency” means a corporation; (“agence”)
“band” has the same meaning as in the Indian Act (Canada); (“bande”)
“Board” means the Child and Family Services Review Board continued under section 333; (“Commission”)
“child” means a person younger than 18; (“enfant”)
“child in care” means a child or young person who is receiving residential care from a service provider and includes,
(a) a child who is in the care of a foster parent, and
(b) a young person who is,
(i) detained in a place of temporary detention under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada),
(ii) committed to a place of secure or open custody designated under subsection 24.1 (1) of the Young Offenders Act (Canada), whether in accordance with section 88 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) or otherwise, or
(iii) held in a place of open custody under section 150 of this Act; (“enfant recevant des soins”, “enfant qui reçoit des soins”)
“court” means the Ontario Court of Justice or the Family Court of the Superior Court of Justice; (“tribunal”)
“creed” includes religion; (“croyance”)
“customary care” means the care and supervision of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child by a person who is not the child’s parent, according to the custom of the child’s band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community; (“soins conformes aux traditions”)
“Director” means a Director appointed under subsection 53 (1); (“directeur”)
“extended family” means persons to whom a child is related, including through a spousal relationship or adoption and, in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, includes any member of,
(a) a band of which the child is a member,
(b) a band with which the child identifies,
(c) a First Nations, Inuit or Métis community of which the child is a member, and
(d) a First Nations, Inuit or Métis community with which the child identifies; (“famille élargie”)
“First Nations, Inuit or Métis community” means a community listed by the Minister in a regulation made under section 68; (“communauté inuite, métisse ou de Premières Nations”)
“foster care” means the provision of residential care to a child, by and in the home of a person who,
(a) receives compensation for caring for the child, except under the Ontario Works Act, 1997 or the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997, and
(b) is not the child’s parent or a person with whom the child has been placed for adoption under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing),
and “foster home” and “foster parent” have corresponding meanings; (“soins fournis par une famille d’accueil”, “famille d’accueil”, “parent de famille d’accueil”)
“licence” means a licence issued under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing) or Part IX (Residential Licensing); a reference to a licence in Part VIII is to a licence issued under that Part and a reference to a licence in Part IX is to a licence issued under that Part; (“permis”)
“licensee” means the holder of a licence; (“titulaire de permis”)
“local director” means a local director appointed under section 38; (“directeur local”)
“mechanical restraints” means a device, material or equipment that reduces the ability of a person to move freely, and includes handcuffs, flex cuffs, leg irons, restraining belts, belly chains and linking chains; (“contentions mécaniques”)
“Minister” means the Minister of Children and Youth Services or such other member of the Executive Council as may be designated under the Executive Council Act to administer this Act; (“ministre”)
“Ministry” means the ministry of the Minister; (“ministère”)
“old Act” means the Child and Family Services Act; (“ancienne loi”)
“order” includes a refusal to make an order; (“arrêté, ordre et ordonnance”)
“personal information” has the same meaning as in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; (“renseignements personnels”)
“physical restraint” means a holding technique to restrict a person’s ability to move freely but, for greater certainty, does not include,
(a) restricting movement, physical redirection or physical prompting, if the restriction, redirection or prompting is brief, gentle and part of a behaviour teaching program, or
(b) the use of helmets, protective mitts or other equipment to prevent a person from physically injuring or further physically injuring themself; (“contention physique”)
“place of open custody” means a place or facility designated as a place of open custody under subsection 24.1 (1) of the Young Offenders Act (Canada), whether in accordance with section 88 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) or otherwise; (“lieu de garde en milieu ouvert”)
“place of open temporary detention” means a place of temporary detention in which the Minister has established an open detention program; (“lieu de détention provisoire en milieu ouvert”)
“place of secure custody” means a place or facility designated for the secure containment or restraint of young persons under subsection 24.1 (1) of the Young Offenders Act (Canada), whether in accordance with section 88 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) or otherwise; (“lieu de garde en milieu fermé”)
“place of secure temporary detention” means a place of temporary detention in which the Minister has established a secure detention program; (“lieu de détention provisoire en milieu fermé”)
“place of temporary detention” means a place or facility designated as a place of temporary detention under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada); (“lieu de détention provisoire”)
“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations; (“prescrit”)
“program supervisor” means a program supervisor appointed under subsection 53 (2); (“superviseur de programme”)
“provincial director” means,
(a) a person, the group or class of persons or the body appointed or designated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council or the Lieutenant Governor in Council’s delegate to perform any of the duties or functions of a provincial director under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada), or
(b) a person appointed under clause 146 (1) (a); (“directeur provincial”)
“record” means a record of information in any form or in any medium, whether in written, printed, photographic or electronic form or otherwise, but does not include a computer program or other mechanism that can produce a record; (“dossier”)
“regulations” means the regulations made under this Act; (“règlements”)
“relative” means, with respect to a child, a person who is the child’s grandparent, great-uncle, great-aunt, uncle or aunt, including through a spousal relationship or adoption; (“membre de la parenté”)
“residential care” means boarding, lodging and associated supervisory, sheltered or group care provided for a child away from the home of the child’s parent, other than boarding, lodging or associated care for a child who has been placed in the lawful care and custody of a relative or member of the child’s extended family or the child’s community; (“soins en établissement”)
“residential placement” means a place where residential care is provided; (“placement en établissement”, “placé dans un établissement”)
“service” includes,
(a) a service for a child with a developmental or physical disability or the child’s family,
(b) a mental health service for a child or the child’s family,
(c) a service related to residential care for a child,
(d) a service for a child who is or may be in need of protection or the child’s family,
(e) a service related to adoption for a child, the child’s family or others,
(f) counselling for a child or the child’s family,
(g) a service for a child or the child’s family that is in the nature of support or prevention and that is provided in the community,
(h) a service or program for or on behalf of a young person for the purposes of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) or the Provincial Offences Act, or
(i) a prescribed service; (“service”)
“service provider” means,
(a) the Minister,
(b) a licensee,
(c) a person or entity, including a society, that provides a service funded under this Act, or
(d) a prescribed person or entity,
but does not include a foster parent; (“fournisseur de services”)
“society” means an agency designated as a children’s aid society under subsection 34 (1); (“société”)
“treatment” has the same meaning as in subsection 2 (1) of the Health Care Consent Act, 1996; (“traitement”)
“Tribunal” means the Licence Appeal Tribunal; (‘‘Tribunal”)
“young person” means,
(a) a person who is or, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, appears to be 12 or older but younger than 18 and who is charged with or found guilty of an offence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) or the Provincial Offences Act, or
(b) if the context requires, any person who is charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) with having committed an offence while they were a young person or who is found guilty of an offence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada). (“adolescent”)
Interpretation, “parent” (2) Unless this Act provides otherwise, a reference in this Act to a parent of a child is deemed to be a reference to,
(a) the person who has lawful custody of the child; or
(b) if more than one person has lawful custody of the child, all of the persons who have lawful custody of the child, excluding any person who is unavailable or unable to act, as the context requires.
Member of child’s or young person’s community (3) For the purposes of this Act, the following persons are members of a child’s or young person’s community:
1. A person who has ethnic, cultural or creedal ties in common with the child or young person or with a parent, sibling or relative of the child or young person.
2. A person who has a beneficial and meaningful relationship with the child or young person or with a parent, sibling or relative of the child or young person.
Interpretation, child’s or young person’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities (4) In this Act, a reference to a child’s or young person’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities includes all of the following:
1. Any band of which the child or young person is a member.
2. Any band with which the child or young person identifies.
3. Any First Nations, Inuit or Métis community of which the child or young person is a member.
4. Any First Nations, Inuit or Métis community with which the child or young person identifies.
PART II CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG PERSONS’ RIGHTS Rights of Children and Young Persons Receiving Services Rights of children, young persons receiving services 3 Every child and young person receiving services under this Act has the following rights:
1. To express their own views freely and safely about matters that affect them.
2. To be engaged through an honest and respectful dialogue about how and why decisions affecting them are made and to have their views given due weight, in accordance with their age and maturity.
3. To be consulted on the nature of the services provided or to be provided to them, to participate in decisions about the services provided or to be provided to them and to be advised of the decisions made in respect of those services.
4. To raise concerns or recommend changes with respect to the services provided or to be provided to them without interference or fear of coercion, discrimination or reprisal and to receive a response to their concerns or recommended changes.
5. To be informed, in language suitable to their understanding, of their rights under this Part.
6. Repealed: 2018, c. 17, Sched. 34, s. 6 (1).
2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 3; 2018, c. 17, Sched. 34, s. 6 (1).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Corporal punishment prohibited 4 No service provider or foster parent shall inflict corporal punishment on a child or young person or permit corporal punishment to be inflicted on a child or young person in the course of the provision of a service to the child or young person.
Detention restricted 5 No service provider or foster parent shall detain a child or young person or permit a child or young person to be detained in locked premises in the course of the provision of a service to the child or young person, except as Part VI (Youth Justice) and Part VII (Extraordinary Measures) authorize.
Physical restraint restricted 6 No service provider or foster parent shall use or permit the use of physical restraint on a child or young person for whom the service provider or foster parent is providing services, except as the regulations authorize.
Mechanical restraints restricted 7 No service provider or foster parent shall use or permit the use of mechanical restraints on a child or young person for whom the service provider or foster parent is providing services, except as Part VI (Youth Justice), Part VII (Extraordinary Measures) and the regulations authorize.
Rights of Children in Care Right to be heard in respect of decisions 8 (1) For greater certainty, the rights under section 3 of a child in care apply to decisions affecting them, including decisions with respect to,
(a) the child’s or young person’s treatment, education or training or work programs;
(b) the child’s or young person’s creed, community identity and cultural identity; and
(c) the child’s or young person’s placement in or discharge from a residential placement or transfer to another residential placement.
Views to be given due weight (2) The child’s or young person’s views with respect to the decisions described in subsection (1) shall be given due weight, in accordance with the child’s or young person’s age and maturity as required by paragraph 2 of section 3.
Right to be informed re residential placement admission 9 Upon admission to a residential placement, and at regular intervals thereafter, or, where intervals are prescribed, at the prescribed intervals thereafter, a child in care has a right to be informed, in language suitable to their understanding, of,
(a) their rights under this Part;
(b) the complaints procedures established under subsection 18 (1) and the further review available under section 19;
(c) the review procedures available for children under sections 64, 65 and 66;
(d) the review procedures available under section 152, in the case of a young person described in clause (b) of the definition of “child in care” in subsection 2 (1);
(e) their responsibilities while in the placement; and
(f) the rules governing day-to-day operation of the residential care, including disciplinary procedures.
Rights of communication, etc. 10 (1) A child in care has a right,
(a) to speak in private with, visit and receive visits from members of their family or extended family regularly, subject to subsection (2);
(b) without unreasonable delay, to speak in private with and receive visits from,
(i) their lawyer,
(ii) another person representing the child or young person,
(iii) the Ombudsman appointed under the Ombudsman Act and members of the Ombudsman’s staff, and
(iv) a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario or of the Parliament of Canada; and
(c) to send and receive written communications that are not read, examined or censored by another person, subject to subsections (3) and (4). 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 10 (1); 2018, c. 17, Sched. 34, s. 6 (2).
When child is in extended society care (2) A child in care who is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c) is not entitled as of right to speak with, visit or receive visits from a member of their family or extended family, except under an order for access made under Part V (Child Protection) or an openness order or openness agreement made under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing).
Opening, etc., of written communications to child in care (3) Subject to subsection (4), written communications to a child in care,
(a) may be opened by the service provider or a member of the service provider’s staff in the child’s or young person’s presence and may be inspected for articles prohibited by the service provider;
(b) subject to clause (c), may be examined or read by the service provider or a member of the service provider’s staff in the child’s or young person’s presence, where the service provider believes on reasonable grounds that the contents of the written communication may cause the child or young person physical or emotional harm;
(c) shall not be examined or read by the service provider or a member of the service provider’s staff if it is to or from a person described in subclause (1) (b) (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv); and
(d) shall not be censored or withheld from the child or young person, except that articles prohibited by the service provider may be removed from the written communication and withheld from the child or young person.
Opening, etc., of young person’s written communications (4) Written communications to and from a young person who is detained in a place of temporary detention or held in a place of secure custody or of open custody,
(a) may be opened by the service provider or a member of the service provider’s staff in the young person’s presence and may be inspected for articles prohibited by the service provider;
(b) may be examined or read by the service provider or a member of the service provider’s staff and may be withheld from the recipient in whole or in part where the service provider or the member of their staff believes on reasonable grounds that the contents of the written communications,
(i) may be prejudicial to the best interests of the young person, the public safety or the safety or security of the place of detention or custody, or
(ii) may contain communications that are prohibited under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) or by court order;
(c) shall not be examined or read under clause (b) if it is to or from the young person’s lawyer; and
(d) shall not be opened and inspected under clause (a) or examined or read under clause (b) if it is to or from a person described in subclause (1) (b) (ii), (iii) or (iv).
Definition (5) In this section,
“written communications” includes mail and electronic communication in any form.
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Conditions and limitations on visitors 11 (1) A service provider may impose such conditions and limitations on persons who are visiting a young person in a place of temporary detention, of open custody or of secure custody as are necessary to ensure the safety of staff or young persons in the facility.
Suspending visits in emergencies (2) Where a service provider has reasonable grounds to believe there are emergency circumstances within a facility that is a place of temporary detention, of open custody or of secure custody or within the community that may pose a risk to staff or young persons in the facility, the service provider may suspend visits until there are reasonable grounds to believe the emergency has been resolved and there is no longer a risk to staff or young persons in the facility.
Limited exception (3) Despite subsection (2), the service provider may not suspend visits from,
(a) Repealed: 2018, c. 17, Sched. 34, s. 6 (3).
(b) the Ombudsman appointed under the Ombudsman Act and members of the Ombudsman’s staff; or
(c) a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario or of the Parliament of Canada,
unless the provincial director determines that suspension is necessary to ensure public safety or the safety of staff or young persons in the facility. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 11 (3); 2018, c. 17, Sched. 34, s. 6 (3).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Personal liberties 12 A child in care has a right,
(a) to have reasonable privacy and possession of their own personal property, subject to section 155; and
(b) to receive instruction and participate in activities of their choice related to their creed, community identity and cultural identity, subject to section 14.
Plan of care 13 (1) A child in care has a right to a plan of care designed to meet their particular needs, which shall be prepared within 30 days of the child’s or young person’s admission to the residential placement.
Rights to care (2) A child in care has a right,
(a) to participate in the development of their individual plan of care and in any changes made to it;
(b) to have access to food that is of good quality and appropriate for the child or young person, including meals that are well balanced;
(c) to be provided with clothing that is of good quality and appropriate for the child or young person, given their size and activities and prevailing weather conditions;
(d) to receive medical and dental care, subject to section 14, at regular intervals and whenever required, in a community setting whenever possible;
(e) to receive an education that corresponds to their aptitudes and abilities, in a community setting whenever possible; and
(f) to participate in recreational, athletic and creative activities that are appropriate for their aptitudes and interests, in a community setting whenever possible.
Parental consent, etc. 14 Subject to subsection 94 (7) and sections 110 and 111 (custody during adjournment, interim and extended society care), the parent of a child in care retains any right that the parent may have,
(a) to direct the child’s or young person’s education and upbringing, in accordance with the child’s or young person’s creed, community identity and cultural identity; and
(b) to consent to treatment on behalf of an incapable child or young person, if the parent is the child’s or young person’s substitute decision-maker in accordance with section 20 of the Health Care Consent Act, 1996.
Service Providers’ Duties in respect of Children’s and Young Persons’ Rights Children’s, young persons’ rights to respectful services 15 (1) Service providers shall respect the rights of children and young persons as set out in this Act.
Children, young persons to be heard and represented (2) Service providers shall ensure that children and young persons and their parents have an opportunity to be heard and represented when decisions affecting their interests are made and to be heard when they have concerns about the services they are receiving.
Exception (3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a child or young person or parent of a child or young person if there is good cause for not giving that person an opportunity to be heard or represented as described in that subsection.
Criteria and safeguards re decisions (4) Service providers shall ensure that decisions affecting the interests and rights of children and young persons and their parents are made according to clear, consistent criteria and are subject to appropriate procedural safeguards.
(5) Repealed: 2018, c. 17, Sched. 34, s. 6 (4).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
French language services 16 Service providers shall, where appropriate, make services to children and young persons and their families available in the French language.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Resolution of issues by prescribed method of alternative dispute resolution 17 (1) If a child is or may be in need of protection under this Act, a society shall consider whether a prescribed method of alternative dispute resolution could assist in resolving any issue related to the child or a plan for the child’s care.
First Nations, Inuk or Métis child (2) If the issue referred to in subsection (1) relates to a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the society shall consult with a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities to determine whether an alternative dispute resolution process established by the bands and communities or another prescribed alternative dispute resolution process could assist in resolving the issue.
Children’s Lawyer (3) If a society or a person, including a child, who is receiving child welfare services proposes that an alternative dispute resolution method or process referred to in subsection (1) or (2) be undertaken to assist in resolving an issue relating to a child or a plan for the child’s care, the Children’s Lawyer may provide legal representation to the child if, in the opinion of the Children’s Lawyer, such legal representation is appropriate.
Notice to band, community (4) If a society makes or receives a proposal that an alternative dispute resolution method or process referred to in subsection (1) or (2) be undertaken under subsection (3) in a matter involving a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the society shall give notice of the proposal to a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
Complaints and Reviews Complaints procedure 18 (1) A service provider who provides residential care to children or young persons or who places children or young persons in residential placements shall establish a written procedure, in accordance with the regulations, for hearing and dealing with,
(a) complaints regarding alleged violations of the rights under this Part of children in care; and
(b) complaints by children in care or other persons affected by conditions or limitations imposed on visitors under subsection 11 (1) or suspensions of visits under subsection 11 (2).
(2) Repealed: 2018, c. 17, Sched. 34, s. 6 (5).
Review of complaint (3) A service provider shall conduct a review or ensure that a review is conducted, in accordance with the procedure established under clause (1) (a) or (b), on the complaint of,
(a) a child in care or a group of children in care;
(b) the parent of a child in care who makes a complaint;
(c) another person representing the child in care who makes a complaint; or
(d) a person affected by a condition or limitation imposed on visitors under subsection 11 (1) or a suspension of visits under subsection 11 (2),
and shall seek to resolve the complaint.
Response to complainants (4) Upon completion of its review under subsection (3), the service provider shall inform each person who made the complaint, whether as an individual or as part of a group, of the results of the review.
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Further review 19 (1) Where a person referred to in subsection 18 (3) makes a complaint, whether as an individual or as part of a group, and is not satisfied with the results of the review conducted under that subsection and requests in writing that the Minister appoint a person to conduct a further review of the complaint, the Minister shall appoint a person who is not employed by the service provider to do so.
Same (2) A person appointed under subsection (1) shall review the complaint in accordance with the regulations and may do so by holding a hearing.
Procedure (3) The Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply to a hearing held under subsection (2).
Powers of appointed person (4) A person appointed under subsection (1) has, for the purposes of the review, all the powers of a program supervisor appointed under subsection 53 (2).
Review and report within 30 days (5) A person appointed under subsection (1) shall, within 30 days after the day of the appointment, complete the review, set out in a report the person’s findings and recommendations, including the reasons for not holding a hearing if none was held, and provide copies of the report to,
(a) each person who made the complaint, whether as an individual or as part of a group;
(b) the service provider; and
(c) the Minister.
Minister to advise persons affected of any decision 20 (1) Where the Minister decides to take any action with respect to a complaint after receiving a report under subsection 19 (5), the Minister shall advise the service provider and each person who made the complaint, whether as an individual or as part of a group, of the decision.
Remedies preserved (2) The Minister’s decision referred to in subsection (1) does not affect any other remedy that may be available.
Consent and Voluntary Services Consents and agreements 21 (1) In this section,
“capacity” means the capacity to understand and appreciate the nature of a consent or agreement and the consequences of giving, withholding or withdrawing the consent or making, not making or terminating the agreement; (“jouit de toutes ses facultés mentales”)
“nearest relative”, when used in reference to a person who is younger than 16, means the person with lawful custody of the person, and when used in reference to a person who is 16 or older, means the person who would be authorized to give or refuse consent to a treatment on the person’s behalf under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996 if the person were incapable with respect to the treatment under that Act. (“membre de la parenté le plus proche”)
Elements of valid consent or agreement, etc. (2) A person’s consent or withdrawal of a consent or participation in or termination of an agreement under this Act is valid if, at the time the consent is given or withdrawn or the agreement is made or terminated, the person,
(a) has capacity;
(b) is reasonably informed as to the nature and consequences of the consent or agreement, and of alternatives to it;
(c) gives or withdraws the consent or executes the agreement or notice of termination voluntarily, without coercion or undue influence; and
(d) has had a reasonable opportunity to obtain independent advice.
Where person lacks capacity (3) A person’s nearest relative may give or withdraw a consent or participate in or terminate an agreement on the person’s behalf if it has been determined on the basis of an assessment, not more than one year before the nearest relative acts on the person’s behalf, that the person does not have capacity.
Exceptions: ss. 180, 74 (2) (n) (4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a consent under section 180 (consents to adoption) or to a parent’s consent referred to in clause 74 (2) (n) (child in need of protection).
Consent, etc., of minor (5) A person’s consent or withdrawal of a consent or participation in or termination of an agreement under this Act is not invalid by reason only that the person is younger than 18.
Exception: Part X (6) This section does not apply in respect of the collection, use or disclosure of personal information under Part X (Personal Information).
Consent to service Consent to service: person 16 or older 22 (1) Subject to clause (2) (b) and subsection (3), a service provider may provide a service to a person who is 16 or older only with the person’s consent, except where the court orders under this Act that the service be provided to the person.
Consent to residential care: child younger than 16 or in society’s care (2) A service provider may provide residential care to a child,
(a) if the child is younger than 16, with the consent of the child’s parent; and
(b) if the child is in a society’s lawful custody, with the society’s consent,
except where this Act provides otherwise.
Exception — Part VI (3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply where a service is provided to a young person under Part VI (Youth Justice).
Discharge from residential placement (4) A child who is placed in a residential placement with the consent referred to in subsection (1) or (2) may only be discharged from the placement,
(a) with the consent that would be required for a new residential placement;
(b) where the placement is made under the authority of an agreement made under subsection 75 (1) (temporary care agreements), in accordance with section 76 (notice of termination); or
(c) where the placement is made under the authority of an agreement made under subsection 77 (1) (agreements with 16 and 17 year olds), in accordance with subsection 77 (4) (notice of termination).
Transfer to another placement (5) A child who is placed in a residential placement with the consent referred to in subsection (1) or (2) shall not be transferred from one placement to another unless the consent that would be required for a new residential placement is given.
Child’s views and wishes (6) Before a child is placed in or discharged from a residential placement or transferred from one residential placement to another with the consent referred to in subsection (2), the service provider shall,
(a) ensure that the child and the person whose consent is required under subsection (2) are made aware of and understand, as far as possible, the reasons for the placement, discharge or transfer; and
(b) take the child’s views and wishes into account, given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity.
Application of Health Care Consent Act, 1996 (7) If the service being provided is a treatment to which the Health Care Consent Act, 1996 applies, the consent provisions of that Act apply instead of this section.
Counselling service: child 12 or older 23 (1) A service provider may provide a counselling service to a child who is 12 or older with the child’s consent, and no other person’s consent is required, but if the child is younger than 16, the service provider shall discuss with the child at the earliest appropriate opportunity the desirability of involving the child’s parent.
Application of Health Care Consent Act, 1996 (2) If the counselling service being provided is a treatment to which the Health Care Consent Act, 1996 applies, the consent provisions of that Act apply instead of subsection (1).
PART III FUNDING AND ACCOUNTABILITY Definition 24 In this Part,
“lead agency” means an entity designated as a lead agency under subsection 30 (1).
Funding of Services and Lead Agencies Provision of services directly or by others 25 The Minister may,
(a) provide services;
(b) establish, operate and maintain premises for the provision of services;
(c) provide funding, pursuant to agreements, to persons, agencies, municipalities, organizations and other prescribed entities,
(i) for the provision or coordination of services by them,
(ii) for the acquisition, maintenance or operation of premises used for the provision or coordination of services,
(iii) for the establishment of advisory groups or committees with respect to services,
(iv) for research, evaluation, planning, development, co-ordination or redesign with respect to services,
(v) for any other prescribed purpose; and
(d) provide funding, pursuant to agreements, to lead agencies with respect to the performance of the functions referred to in subsection 30 (5).
Services to persons older than 18 26 The Minister may provide services and provide funding pursuant to agreements for the provision of services to persons who are not children, and to their families, as if those persons were children.
Minister’s advisory committee 27 The Minister may appoint members to a Minister’s advisory committee, established by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, to advise the Minister on child and family well-being.
Security for payment of funds 28 The Minister may, as a condition of making a payment under this Part or the regulations, require the recipient of the funds to secure them by way of mortgage, lien, charge, caution, registration of agreement or in such other manner as the Minister determines.
Conditions on transfer of assets 29 No service provider or lead agency shall transfer or assign any of its assets acquired with financial assistance from the Province of Ontario, except in accordance with the regulations or any term of an agreement with the Minister.
Lead agencies Designation 30 (1) The Minister may designate an entity as a lead agency.
Conditions of designation (2) The Minister may impose conditions on a designation made under this section and may at any time amend or remove the conditions or impose new ones.
Revocation of designation (3) The Minister may revoke a designation made under this section.
Categories of lead agencies (4) The Minister may assign lead agencies to different lead agency categories established by the regulations.
Functions of lead agencies (5) Every lead agency shall perform the functions assigned to the lead agency’s category by the regulations.
List of lead agencies and categories (6) The Minister shall maintain a list of lead agencies and their categories.
Public availability (7) The Minister shall make the list available to the public.
Placements must comply with Act and regulations, etc. 31 No service provider shall place a child in a residential placement except in accordance with this Act, the regulations and the directives issued under this Act.
Directives and Compliance Orders (Lead Agencies and Service Providers) Directives by Minister Non-application 32 (1) This section and section 33 do not apply in respect of,
(a) licensees under Part IX (Residential Licensing), when acting in their capacity as licensees under that Part; or
(b) societies, when performing their functions under subsection 35 (1).
Directives (2) The Minister may issue directives to service providers and lead agencies with respect to any prescribed matter.
Binding (3) Every service provider and lead agency shall comply with every directive issued to it under this section.
General or particular (4) A directive may be general or particular in its application.
Law prevails (5) For greater certainty, in the event of a conflict between a directive issued under this section and a provision of any applicable Act or rule of any applicable law, the provision or rule prevails.
Public availability (6) The Minister shall make every directive under this section available to the public.
Non-application of Legislation Act, 2006 (7) Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006 does not apply to a directive issued under this section.
Compliance order Grounds 33 (1) A program supervisor may make an order under subsection (2) if the program supervisor believes on reasonable grounds that a service provider or lead agency has failed to comply with,
(a) this Act or the regulations;
(b) a directive issued under section 32;
(c) in the case of a service provider, an agreement referred to in clause 25 (c) or section 26; or
(d) in the case of a lead agency,
(i) an agreement referred to in clause 25 (d);
(ii) a condition imposed on the lead agency’s designation under subsection 30 (2), or
(iii) subsection 30 (5) (functions of lead agencies).
Order (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a program supervisor may issue an order to the service provider or lead agency that requires either or both of the following:
1. That the service provider or lead agency do anything, or refrain from doing anything, to achieve compliance within the time period specified in the order.
2. That the service provider or lead agency prepare, submit and implement, within the time period specified in the order, a plan for achieving compliance.
Compliance required (3) A service provider or lead agency served with an order under this section shall comply with the order within the time specified in it.
Public availability (4) The Minister,
(a) may make orders under this section available to the public; and
(b) shall make a summary of each order under this section available to the public in accordance with the regulations.
Failure to comply (5) If a service provider or lead agency fails to comply with an order made under this section within the time specified in it, the Minister may terminate all or part of the funding provided to the service provider or lead agency.
Children’s Aid Societies Children’s aid society Designation 34 (1) The Minister may designate an agency as a children’s aid society for a specified territorial jurisdiction and for any or all of the functions of a society set out in subsection 35 (1).
Conditions on designation (2) For any or all of the functions of a society set out in subsection 35 (1), the Minister may impose conditions on the designation and may at any time amend or remove the conditions or impose new ones.
Amendment of designation (3) The Minister may at any time amend a designation to provide that the society is no longer designated for a particular function or functions set out in subsection 35 (1) or to alter the society’s territorial jurisdiction.
Society deemed to be a local board (4) A society is deemed to be a local board of each municipality in which it has jurisdiction for the purposes of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, 2006 and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Not Crown agents (5) A society and its members, officers, employees and agents are not agents of the Crown in right of Ontario and shall not hold themselves out as such.
No Crown liability (6) No action or other proceeding shall be instituted against the Crown in right of Ontario for any act or omission of a society or its members, officers, employees or agents.
Functions 35 (1) The functions of a children’s aid society are to,
(a) investigate allegations or evidence that children may be in need of protection;
(b) protect children where necessary;
(c) provide guidance, counselling and other services to families for protecting children or for the prevention of circumstances requiring the protection of children;
(d) provide care for children assigned or committed to its care under this Act;
(e) supervise children assigned to its supervision under this Act;
(f) place children for adoption under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing); and
(g) perform any other duties given to it by this Act or the regulations or any other Act.
Prescribed standards, etc. (2) A society shall,
(a) provide the prescribed standard of services in its performance of its functions; and
(b) follow the prescribed procedures and practices.
Governance matters First Nations, Inuit or Métis representatives on board 36 (1) A society that provides services to First Nations, Inuit or Métis children and families shall have the prescribed number of First Nations, Inuit or Métis representatives on its board of directors, appointed in the prescribed manner and for the prescribed terms.
Employee may not sit on board (2) An employee of a society shall not be a member of the society’s board.
By-laws (3) The by-laws of a society shall include any provisions that are prescribed.
No personal liability 37 No action shall be instituted against a member of the board of directors or an officer or employee of a society for any act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of the person’s duty or for an alleged neglect or default in good faith in the execution of that duty.
Appointment of local director 38 Every society shall appoint a local director with the prescribed qualifications, powers and duties.
Designation of places of safety 39 For the purposes of Part V (Child Protection), a local director may designate a place as a place of safety and may designate a class of places as places of safety.
Funding and Accountability Agreements Funding Payments by Minister 40 (1) The Minister shall pay to every society, out of money appropriated for the purpose by the Legislature, an amount determined in accordance with the regulations.
Manner of payment (2) An amount payable to a society under subsection (1), including advances on expenditures before they are incurred, shall be paid at the times and in the manner determined by the Minister.
Accountability agreement 41 (1) Every society shall enter into an accountability agreement with the Minister as a condition of receiving funding.
Term (2) The term of an accountability agreement shall be for at least one of the Ministry’s fiscal years but may be for a longer term specified by the Minister.
Board approval (3) The society’s board of directors shall approve the accountability agreement before the society enters into the agreement.
Content (4) An accountability agreement must include a requirement that the society operate within its approved budget allocation and any other prescribed terms.
If no agreement (5) If the Minister and a society cannot agree on the terms of an accountability agreement by a date determined by the Minister, the Minister may set the terms of the agreement.
Directives and Compliance Orders (Societies) Directives by Minister 42 (1) The Minister may issue directives to societies, including directives with respect to financial and administrative matters and the performance of their functions under subsection 35 (1).
Binding (2) A society shall comply with every directive issued to it under this section.
General or particular (3) A directive may be general or particular in its application.
Law prevails (4) For greater certainty, in the event of a conflict between a directive issued under this section and a provision of any applicable Act or rule of any applicable law, the provision or rule prevails.
Public availability (5) The Minister shall make every directive under this section available to the public.
Non-application of Legislation Act, 2006 (6) Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006 does not apply to a directive issued under this section.
Compliance order Grounds 43 (1) A Director may make an order under subsection (2) if the Director believes on reasonable grounds that a society has failed to comply with,
(a) this Act or the regulations;
(b) a condition imposed on the society’s designation under subsection 34 (2);
(c) an accountability agreement entered into under section 41; or
(d) a directive issued under section 42.
Order (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a Director may issue an order to the society that requires either or both of the following:
1. That the society do anything, or refrain from doing anything, to achieve compliance within the time period specified in the order.
2. That the society prepare, submit and implement, within the time period specified in the order, a plan for achieving compliance.
Compliance required (3) A society served with an order under this section shall comply with the order within the time specified in it.
Public availability (4) The Minister,
(a) may make orders under this section available to the public; and
(b) shall make a summary of each order under this section available to the public in accordance with the regulations.
Minister’s Powers Powers of Minister Grounds 44 (1) The Minister may exercise a power set out in subsection (3) if,
(a) a society has failed to comply with a compliance order made under section 43 within the time specified in it; or
(b) the Minister considers it to be in the public interest to do so.
Public interest (2) In considering the public interest under clause (1) (b), the Minister may consider any matter the Minister regards as relevant including,
(a) the quality of the financial and operational management of the society;
(b) the society’s capabilities with respect to its corporate governance; and
(c) the quality of services provided by the society.
Powers (3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister may do one or more of the following:
1. Order that the society cease a particular activity or take other corrective action within the time specified in the order.
2. Impose or amend conditions on the society’s designation under subsection 34 (1).
3. Suspend, amend or revoke the designation of the society.
4. Appoint members of the society’s board of directors if,
i. there are vacancies on the board, or
ii. there are no vacancies, but the appointment is for the purposes of designating that member as chair of the board under paragraph 7.
5. Remove members of the board and appoint others in their place.
6. Designate a chair of the board, if the office of chair is vacant.
7. Designate another chair of the board in place of the current chair.
8. Appoint a supervisor to operate and manage the affairs and activities of the society.
Notice of proposal (4) If the Minister proposes to act under subsection (3), the Minister shall give written notice of the proposal and reasons for it to the society.
Immediate action (5) Subsection (4) does not apply if,
(a) in the Minister’s opinion, the society has, by its conduct, acquiesced to the Minister’s proposal;
(b) the society has consented to the proposal; or
(c) there are not enough members on the board to form a quorum.
Right to respond (6) A society that receives notice under subsection (4) may make written submissions to the Minister within 14 days after receipt of the notice or within a different time period specified in the notice.
Minister’s decision (7) After considering a written submission from the society or, if no submission is received, after the time period under subsection (6) has expired, the Minister may carry out the proposal and shall give written notice of the decision and reasons for it to the society.
Decision final (8) The Minister’s decision is final.
Provisional action (9) Despite subsection (4), the Minister may provisionally exercise any of the powers set out in subsection (3) where, in the Minister’s opinion, it is necessary to do so to avert an immediate threat to the public interest or to a person’s health, safety or well-being.
Notice (10) The Minister shall give written notice of the provisional exercise of the power and reasons for it to the society.
Decision final (11) The Minister’s decision to provisionally exercise the power is final.
Appointments to board, etc. Members 45 (1) If the Minister appoints members of a society’s board of directors under paragraph 4 or 5 of subsection 44 (3), the following rules apply:
1. The Minister shall ensure that the members do not constitute a majority of the number of members required to be on the board.
2. The members shall be appointed at the pleasure of the Minister for a period that does not exceed two years.
3. The members may serve as appointed members for no more than two consecutive years.
4. The members shall have the same rights and responsibilities as the members of the board that have been elected.
Chair (2) If the Minister designates a chair of the board of directors under paragraph 6 or 7 of subsection 44 (3), the following rules apply:
1. The chair may be designated from among the members of the board, including any members appointed by the Minister under paragraph 4 or 5 of subsection 44 (3).
2. The chair shall be designated at the pleasure of the Minister for a period that does not exceed two years.
3. The chair may serve as chair for no more than two consecutive years.
4. In the case of a designation under paragraph 7 of subsection 44 (3), the former chair may remain a member of the board.
Appointment of supervisor 46 (1) This section applies if a supervisor is appointed to operate and manage the affairs and activities of a society under paragraph 8 of subsection 44 (3).
Term of appointment (2) The appointment of a supervisor is valid for a period not exceeding one year without the society’s consent, but the Lieutenant Governor in Council may extend the period at any time.
Powers and duties of supervisor (3) Unless the appointment provides otherwise, the supervisor has the exclusive right to exercise all the powers and perform all the duties of the society and its members, directors, Executive Director and officers.
Same (4) The Minister may, in the appointment, specify the supervisor’s powers and duties and the conditions governing them.
Examples of powers and duties (5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (4), the supervisor’s powers and duties may include the following:
1. Carrying on the society’s affairs and activities.
2. Entering into contracts on the society’s behalf.
3. Arranging for bank accounts to be opened in the society’s name.
4. Authorizing persons to sign financial and other documents on the society’s behalf.
5. Hiring or dismissing employees of the society.
6. Making, amending or revoking the society’s by-laws.
7. Executing and filing documents on the society’s behalf, including applications under the Corporations Act and notices and returns under the Corporations Information Act.
Note: On the first day that section 350 of Schedule 1 to the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 and subsection 4 (1) of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 are both in force, paragraph 7 of subsection 46 (5) of the Act is amended by striking out “the Corporations Act” and substituting “the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010”. (See: 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 1)
Continued powers and duties of society, etc. (6) If, under the appointment, the society or its members, directors, Executive Director or officers continue to have any powers or duties during the supervisor’s appointment, any exercise of that power or performance of that duty by the society or its members, directors, Executive Director or officers during that time is valid only if approved by the supervisor in writing.
Assistance (7) The supervisor may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an order directing a peace officer to assist the supervisor in occupying the premises of a society.
Report to Minister (8) The supervisor shall report to the Minister as the Minister requires.
Minister’s directions (9) The Minister may issue directions to the supervisor with regard to any matter within the supervisor’s jurisdiction, and the supervisor shall carry them out.
No proceedings against Crown (10) No proceeding, other than a proceeding referred to in subsection (12), shall be commenced against the Crown or the Minister with respect to the appointment of the supervisor or any act of the supervisor done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of any duty or power under this Act or the regulations, or for an alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of that duty or power.
No personal liability (11) No action or other proceeding shall be instituted against the supervisor for any act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of any duty or power under this Act or the regulations, or for an alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of that duty or power.
Crown liability (12) Despite subsection 8 (3) of the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act, 2019, subsection (11) of this section does not relieve the Crown of liability to which the Crown would otherwise be subject in respect of a tort committed by a supervisor. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 46 (12); 2019, c. 7, Sched. 17, s. 44 (1).
Effect on board (13) On the appointment of a supervisor, the members of the society’s board cease to hold office, unless the appointment provides otherwise.
Same (14) During the term of the supervisor’s appointment, the powers of any member of the board who continues to hold office are suspended, unless the appointment provides otherwise.
No personal liability (15) No action or other proceeding shall be instituted against a member or former member of the board for anything done by the supervisor after the member’s removal under subsection (13) or while the member’s powers are suspended under subsection (14).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Restructuring Amalgamation by societies Amalgamation proposal 47 (1) Two or more societies that are proposing to amalgamate and continue as one society shall submit an amalgamation proposal to the Minister containing the information and in the form specified by the Minister.
Minister approval of proposal (2) The Minister may amend the amalgamation proposal and may approve it in whole or in part.
Amalgamation agreement (3) The societies shall not enter into an agreement to amalgamate under subsection 113 (2) of the Corporations Act until they have received the Minister’s approval of the amalgamation proposal under subsection (2). The amalgamation agreement must be consistent with the amalgamation proposal.
Note: On the first day that section 350 of Schedule 1 to the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 and subsection 4 (1) of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 are both in force, subsection 47 (3) of the Act is amended by striking out “subsection 113 (2) of the Corporations Act” and substituting “subsection 110 (2) of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010”. (See: 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 2 (1))
Minister approval of amalgamation application (4) The societies shall not apply to amalgamate under subsection 113 (4) of the Corporations Act until the application has first received the approval of the Minister.
Note: On the first day that section 350 of Schedule 1 to the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 and subsection 4 (1) of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 are both in force, subsection 47 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 2 (2))
Minister approval of articles of amalgamation
(4) The societies shall not file articles of amalgamation under section 112 of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 until the articles have first received the approval of the Minister. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 2 (2).
Minister’s directions (5) The Minister may, at any time, issue directions to the societies with regard to the proposed amalgamation, including requiring that a society provide information or documents to the Minister, and the society shall comply with the directions.
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Restructuring by Minister’s order 48 (1) If the Minister considers it to be in the public interest, including to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of services, the Minister may order a society to do any of the following on or after the date set out in the order:
1. To amalgamate with one or more other societies.
2. To transfer all or any part of its operations to one or more other societies.
3. To cease operating, to dissolve or to wind up its operations.
4. To do anything or refrain from doing anything in order for the society to achieve anything under paragraphs 1 to 3.
Minister’s directions (2) The Minister may, in the order, include directions to provide the following to the Minister within the time set out in the order:
1. A plan to implement the order, including with respect to the transfer of assets, liabilities, rights and obligations, and of employees.
2. A timeline according to which the order will be implemented.
3. A proposed budget for implementation of the order.
4. Information about the status of the implementation of the order.
5. In the case of an order made under paragraph 1 of subsection (1), an amalgamation agreement for the Minister’s approval.
6. Information with respect to any other matter specified by the Minister.
Notice of proposed order (3) If the Minister proposes to make an order under subsection (1), the Minister shall give written notice of the proposed order and any directions contained in the order, and reasons for them, to each affected society.
Notice to employees and bargaining agents (4) Each society that receives a notice under subsection (3) shall give a copy of the notice to affected employees and their bargaining agents.
Right to respond re directions (5) A society may make written submissions to the Minister within 30 days after receipt of the notice or within a different time period specified in the notice. The written submissions may be with respect to any directions contained in the order, but not with respect to the order itself.
Minister’s decision re directions (6) After considering a written submission from the society or, if no submission is received, after the time period under subsection (5) has expired, the Minister may confirm, revoke or amend the directions contained in the order.
Notice of order (7) The Minister shall give a copy of the order to each affected society.
Duty of society (8) Each society that receives an order under subsection (7) shall,
(a) give notice of the order to affected employees and their bargaining agents and to other persons or entities whose contracts are affected by the order; and
(b) make the order available to the public.
Additional changes (9) The Minister may, at any time, revoke or amend an order made under this section, including any directions contained in the order. If the Minister does so, subsections (3) to (8) apply with necessary modifications.
Compliance (10) A society that is the subject of an order under this section shall comply with it.
Corporate powers (11) A society that is the subject of an order under this section is deemed to have the necessary powers to comply with the order, despite any of the following:
1. Any Act or regulation.
2. Any other instrument related to the corporate governance of a society, including the Corporations Act or any letters patent, supplementary letters patent or by-laws.
Note: On the first day that section 350 of Schedule 1 to the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 and subsection 4 (1) of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 are both in force, paragraph 2 of subsection 48 (11) of the Act is amended by striking out “the Corporations Act or any letters patent, supplementary letters patent or by-laws” at the end and substituting “the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 or any articles or by-laws”. (See: 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 3 (1))
Non-application of Legislation Act, 2006 (12) Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006 does not apply to an order made under this section.
Minister approval of amalgamation agreement (13) When a society provides an amalgamation agreement to the Minister in accordance with directions given under paragraph 5 of subsection (2), the Minister may amend the agreement and may approve it in whole or in part.
Minister approval of amalgamation application (14) A society shall not apply to amalgamate under subsection 113 (4) of the Corporations Act until the application has first received the approval of the Minister.
Note: On the first day that section 350 of Schedule 1 to the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 and subsection 4 (1) of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 are both in force, subsection 48 (14) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 3 (2))
Minister approval of articles of amalgamation
(14) A society shall not file articles of amalgamation under section 112 of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 until the articles have first received the approval of the Minister. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 3 (2).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Appointment of supervisor for restructuring 49 (1) The Minister may appoint a supervisor to implement or facilitate the implementation of an order made under section 48 if,
(a) an affected society has failed to comply with the order; or
(b) in the Minister’s opinion, there is undue delay, lack of progress or disagreement between or among affected parties that is preventing or is likely to prevent an affected society from complying with the order.
Application of other provisions (2) If the Minister proposes to appoint a supervisor under subsection (1), subsections 44 (4) to (8) and subsections 46 (2) to (15) apply with necessary modifications.
Board compliance (3) The members of an affected society’s board of directors shall comply with decisions of a supervisor appointed under subsection (1) to facilitate the implementation of an order made under section 48 with regard to matters within the supervisor’s jurisdiction.
Conflict with Corporations Act, etc. 50 In the event of a conflict between sections 44 to 49 and any of the following, sections 44 to 49 prevail:
1. The Corporations Act or regulations made under that Act.
2. A society’s letters patent, supplementary letters patent or by-laws.
Note: On the first day that section 350 of Schedule 1 to the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 and subsection 4 (1) of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 are both in force, section 50 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 4)
Conflict with society’s articles or by-laws
50 In the event of a conflict between sections 44 to 49 and a society’s articles or by-laws, sections 44 to 49 prevail. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 4.
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Transfer of property held for charitable purpose 51 (1) If an order made under section 48 directs a society to transfer to a transferee property that it holds for a charitable purpose, all gifts, trusts, bequests, devises and grants of property that form part of the property being transferred are deemed to be gifts, trusts, bequests, devises and grants of property to the transferee.
Specified purpose (2) If a will, deed or other document by which a gift, trust, bequest, devise or grant mentioned in subsection (1) is made indicates that the property being transferred is to be used for a specified purpose, the transferee shall use it for the specified purpose.
Application (3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply whether the will, deed or document by which the gift, trust, bequest, devise or grant is made, is made before or after this section comes into force.
No compensation 52 (1) Despite any other Act, no person or entity, including a society, is entitled to any compensation for any loss or damages arising from any direct or indirect action that the Minister or a supervisor appointed under section 44 or 49 takes under this Act, including making an order under section 48.
Same, transfer of property (2) Despite any other Act, no person or entity, including a society, is entitled to compensation for any loss or damages, including loss of use, loss of revenue and loss of profit, arising from the transfer of property under an order made under section 48.
No expropriation (3) Nothing in this Part and nothing done or not done in accordance with this Part constitutes an expropriation or injurious affection for the purposes of the Expropriations Act or otherwise at law.
Appointments and Delegations Directors and program supervisors Appointment of Director 53 (1) The Minister may appoint any person as a Director to perform any or all of the duties and functions and exercise any or all of the powers of a Director under this Act and the regulations.
Appointment of program supervisor (2) The Minister may appoint any person as a program supervisor to perform any or all of the duties and functions and exercise any or all of the powers of a program supervisor under this Act and the regulations.
Limitations, etc., on appointments (3) The Minister may set out in an appointment made under this section any conditions or limitations to which it is subject.
Remuneration and expenses (4) The remuneration and expenses of a person appointed under this section who is not a public servant employed under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 shall be fixed by the Minister and shall be paid out of money appropriated for the purpose by the Legislature.
Duties of Director with respect to societies 54 (1) A Director shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of a society in any area in which no society is functioning.
Powers of local director (2) In exercising the powers and performing the duties of a society under subsection (1), a Director has all the powers of a local director.
Delegation by Minister 55 (1) Where, under this Act, a power is given to or a duty is imposed on the Minister, a Director, a program supervisor or an employee in the Ministry, the Minister may delegate that power or duty to any other person or class of persons.
Conditions, etc. (2) The delegation must be made in writing and is subject to such limitations, conditions and requirements as are set out in it.
Deeds and contracts (3) Section 6 of the Executive Council Act does not apply to a deed or contract that is executed under a delegation made under this section.
Reports and Information Reports and information to Minister 56 Every service provider and lead agency shall,
(a) make the prescribed reports and provide the prescribed information, including personal information, to the Minister, in the prescribed form and at the prescribed intervals; and
(b) make a report and provide information, including personal information, to the Minister whenever the Minister requests it.
Reports and information to prescribed entities 57 Every service provider and lead agency shall provide the prescribed reports and the prescribed information to the prescribed entities in the prescribed manner.
Information available to the public 58 Every service provider and lead agency shall make the prescribed information available to the public in the prescribed manner.
Program Supervisor Inspections Inspection by program supervisor without a warrant 59 (1) For the purpose of determining compliance with this Act, the regulations and the directives issued under this Act, a program supervisor may, at any reasonable time and without a warrant or notice, enter the following premises in order to conduct an inspection:
1. Premises where a service is provided under this Act.
2. Premises where a lead agency’s function referred to in subsection 30 (5) is performed.
3. Business premises of a service provider.
4. Business premises of a lead agency.
Limitation, dwelling (2) The power to enter and inspect a premises described in subsection (1) shall not be exercised to enter and inspect any room or place actually being used as a dwelling, except with the consent of the occupier.
Identification (3) A program supervisor conducting an inspection shall, upon request, produce proper identification.
Application of other provisions (4) Sections 276 (powers on inspection) and 279 (admissibility of certain documents) apply with necessary modifications with respect to an inspection conducted under this section.
Inspection by program supervisor with a warrant 60 (1) A program supervisor may, without notice, apply to a justice for a warrant under this section.
Issuance of warrant (2) A justice may issue a warrant authorizing a program supervisor named in the warrant to enter the premises specified in the warrant and to exercise any of the powers mentioned in subsection 276 (1), if the justice is satisfied on information under oath or affirmation,
(a) that the premises is a premises described in subsection 59 (1);
(b) in the case of a premises that is not used as a dwelling,
(i) that the program supervisor has been prevented from exercising a right of entry to the premises under section 59 or a power under subsection 276 (1), or
(ii) that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the program supervisor will be prevented from exercising a right of entry to the premises under section 58 or a power under subsection 276 (1); and
(c) in the case of a premises that is used as a dwelling,
(i) that,
(A) the program supervisor believes on reasonable grounds that a service being provided, or the manner of providing it, is causing harm or is likely to cause harm to a person’s health, safety or well-being as a result of non-compliance with this Act, the regulations or the directives issued under this Act, and
(B) it is necessary for the program supervisor to exercise the powers mentioned in subsection 276 (1) in order to inspect the service or the manner of providing it, or
(ii) that a ground exists that is prescribed for the purposes of this subclause.
Expert help (3) The warrant may authorize persons who have special, expert or professional knowledge to accompany and assist the program supervisor in the execution of the warrant.
Expiry of warrant (4) A warrant issued under this section shall name a date on which it expires, which shall be no later than 30 days after the warrant is issued.
Extension of time (5) A justice may extend the date on which a warrant issued under this section expires for an additional period of no more than 30 days, upon application without notice by the program supervisor named in the warrant.
Use of force (6) A program supervisor named in a warrant issued under this section may use whatever force is necessary to execute the warrant and may call upon a peace officer for assistance in executing the warrant.
Time of execution (7) A warrant issued under this section may be executed between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. only, unless the warrant specifies otherwise.
Other matters (8) Subsections 276 (2) to (7) and section 279 apply with necessary modifications with respect to the exercise of powers referred to in subsection (2) under a warrant issued under this section.
Definition (9) In this section,
“justice” means a provincial judge or a justice of the peace.
Inspection report 61 (1) After completing an inspection, a program supervisor shall prepare an inspection report and give a copy of the report to,
(a) a Director;
(b) the service provider or lead agency; and
(c) any other prescribed person.
All non-compliance to be documented (2) If a program supervisor finds that a service provider or lead agency has not complied with a requirement of this Act, the regulations or a directive issued under this Act, the program supervisor shall document the non-compliance in the inspection report.
Review by Residential Placement Advisory Committee Definitions 62 In sections 63 to 66,
“advisory committee” means a residential placement advisory committee established under subsection 63 (1); (“comité consultatif”)
“institution” means,
(a) a children’s residence, other than a maternity home, operated by the Minister or under the authority of a licence issued under Part IX (Residential Licensing) in which residential care can be provided to 10 or more children at a time, or
(b) a building, group of buildings or part of a building, designated by a Director, in which residential care can be provided to 10 or more children at a time; (“foyer”)
“residential placement” does not include,
(a) a placement made under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada) or under Part VI (Youth Justice),
(b) commitment to a secure treatment program under Part VII (Extraordinary Measures), or
(c) a placement with a person who is neither a service provider nor a foster parent; (“placement en établissement”)
“special need” means a need that is related to or caused by a developmental disability or a behavioural, emotional, physical, mental or other disability. (“besoin particulier”)
Residential placement advisory committees 63 (1) The Minister may establish residential placement advisory committees and shall specify the territorial jurisdiction of each advisory committee.
Composition (2) Each residential placement advisory committee shall consist of persons whom the Minister considers appropriate, which may include,
(a) persons engaged in providing services;
(b) other persons who have demonstrated an informed concern for the welfare of children;
(c) one representative of the Ministry; and
(d) if the Minister wishes, a representative of a band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community.
Payments to members, hiring of staff (3) The Minister may pay allowances and reasonable travelling expenses to the members of an advisory committee, and may authorize an advisory committee to hire support staff.
Duties of advisory committee (4) An advisory committee has a duty to advise, inform and assist parents, children and service providers with respect to the availability and appropriateness of residential care and alternatives to residential care, to conduct reviews under section 64 and to name persons for the purpose of subsection 75 (11) (contact with child under temporary care agreement), and has such further duties as are prescribed.
Reports to Minister (5) An advisory committee shall make a report of its activities to the Minister annually and at any other time requested by the Minister.
Review by advisory committee Mandatory review 64 (1) An advisory committee shall review,
(a) every residential placement in an institution of a child who resides within the advisory committee’s jurisdiction, if the residential placement is intended to last or actually lasts 90 days or more,
(i) as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the day on which the child is placed in the institution,
(ii) unless the residential placement is reviewed under subclause (i), within 12 months of the establishment of the advisory committee or within such longer period as the Minister allows, and
(iii) while the residential placement continues, at least once during each nine-month period after the review under subclause (i) or (ii);
(b) every residential placement of a child who objects to the residential placement and resides within the advisory committee’s jurisdiction,
(i) within the week immediately following the day that is 14 days after the child is placed, and
(ii) while the residential placement continues, at least once during each nine-month period after the review under subclause (i); and
(c) an existing or proposed residential placement of a child that the Minister refers to the advisory committee, within 30 days of the referral.
Discretionary review (2) An advisory committee may at any time review or re-review, on a person’s request or on its own initiative, an existing or proposed residential placement of a child who resides within the advisory committee’s jurisdiction.
Review to be informal, etc. (3) An advisory committee shall conduct a review under this section in an informal manner and in the absence of the public, and in the course of the review may,
(a) interview the child, members of the child’s family and any representatives of the child and family;
(b) interview persons engaged in providing services and other persons who may have an interest in the matter or may have information that would assist the advisory committee;
(c) examine documents and reports that are presented to the committee; and
(d) examine records relating to the child and members of the child’s family that are disclosed to the committee.
Service providers to assist advisory committee (4) At an advisory committee’s request, a service provider shall assist and co-operate with the advisory committee in its conduct of a review.
Matters to be considered (5) In conducting a review, an advisory committee shall,
(a) consider whether the child has a special need;
(b) consider the child’s views and wishes, given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity;
(c) consider what programs are available for the child in the residential placement or proposed residential placement, and whether a program available to the child is likely to benefit the child;
(d) consider whether the residential placement or proposed residential placement is appropriate for the child in the circumstances;
(e) if it considers that a less restrictive alternative to the residential placement would be more appropriate for the child in the circumstances, specify that alternative;
(f) consider the importance of continuity in the child’s care and the possible effect on the child of disruption of that continuity; and
(g) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, also consider the importance, in recognition of the uniqueness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, heritages and traditions, of preserving the child’s cultural identity and connection to community.
Advisory committee’s recommendations Persons to be advised 65 (1) An advisory committee that conducts a review shall advise the following persons of its recommendations as soon as the review has been completed:
1. The service provider.
2. Any representative of the child.
3. The child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society.
4. The child, in language suitable to the child’s understanding.
5. In the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the persons described in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4 and a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
Child to be advised of right to review by Board of residential placement (2) An advisory committee that conducts a review shall advise the child of the child’s right to a further review under section 66.
Report to Minister (3) An advisory committee that conducts a review shall, within 30 days of completing the review, make a report of its findings and recommendations to the Minister.
Recommendation for less restrictive service (4) Where an advisory committee considers that the provision of a less restrictive service to a child would be more appropriate for the child than the residential placement, the advisory committee shall recommend in its report under subsection (3) that the less restrictive service be provided to the child.
Review by Board Child may request review 66 (1) A child who is in a residential placement to which the child objects may apply to the Board for a determination of where the child should remain or be placed, if the residential placement has been reviewed by an advisory committee under section 64 and,
(a) the child is dissatisfied with the advisory committee’s recommendations; or
(b) the advisory committee’s recommendations are not followed.
Board to conduct review (2) The Board shall conduct a review with respect to an application made under subsection (1) and may do so by holding a hearing.
Notice to child of hearing (3) The Board shall advise the child whether it intends to hold a hearing or not within 10 days of receiving the child’s application.
Parties (4) The parties to a hearing under this section are,
(a) the child;
(b) the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society;
(c) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the persons described in clauses (a) and (b) and a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities; and
(d) any other persons that the Board specifies.
Time for determination (5) The Board shall complete its review and make a determination within 30 days of receiving a child’s application, unless,
(a) the Board holds a hearing with respect to the application; and
(b) the parties consent to a longer period for the Board’s determination.
Board’s order (6) After conducting a review under subsection (2), the Board may,
(a) order that the child be transferred to another residential placement, if the Board is satisfied that the other residential placement is available;
(b) order that the child be discharged from the residential placement; or
(c) confirm the existing residential placement.
Offences Offences 67 (1) A person or entity is guilty of an offence if the person or entity,
(a) contravenes section 56 (reports and information);
(b) contravenes section 57 (reports and information to prescribed entities);
(c) contravenes section 58 (information available to public);
(d) knowingly provides false information in a statement, report or return required to be provided under this Part or the regulations.
Penalty (2) A person or entity convicted of an offence under subsection (1) is liable to a fine of not more than $5,000.
Offence — obstruction of program supervisor (3) A person is guilty of an offence if the person hinders, obstructs or interferes with a program supervisor conducting an inspection under this Part, or otherwise impedes a program supervisor in exercising the powers or performing the duties of a program supervisor under this Part.
Penalty (4) A person convicted of an offence under subsection (3) is liable to a fine of not more than $5,000.
Limitation (5) A proceeding in respect of an offence under subsection (1) or (3) shall not be commenced more than two years after the day on which evidence of the offence first came to the knowledge of the Director or program supervisor.
Directors, officers and employees (6) If a corporation commits an offence under this section, a director, officer or employee of the corporation who authorized, permitted or concurred in the commission of the offence is also guilty of the offence.
PART IV FIRST NATIONS, INUIT AND MÉTIS CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES Regulations listing First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities 68 (1) The Minister may make regulations establishing lists of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities for the purposes of this Act.
More than one community (2) A regulation made under subsection (1) may list one or more communities as a First Nations, Inuit or Métis community.
Consent of representatives (3) Before making a regulation under subsection (1), the Minister must obtain the consent of the community’s representatives.
Agreements with bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities 69 The Minister may, for the provision of services,
(a) make agreements with bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities and with any other parties whom the bands or communities choose to involve; and
(b) provide funding to the persons or entities referred to in clause (a) pursuant to such agreements.
Designation of child and family service authority 70 (1) A band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community may designate a body as a First Nations, Inuit or Métis child and family service authority.
Agreements, etc. (2) Where a band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community has designated a First Nations, Inuit or Métis child and family service authority, the Minister,
(a) shall, at the band’s or community’s request, enter into negotiations for the provision of services by the child and family service authority;
(b) may enter into agreements with the child and family service authority and, if the band or community agrees, any other person, for the provision of services; and
(c) may designate the child and family service authority, with its consent, as a society under subsection 34 (1).
Subsidy for customary care 71 If a band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community declares that a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child is being cared for under customary care, a society or entity may grant a subsidy to the person caring for the child.
Consultation with bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities 72 A society, person or entity that provides services or exercises powers under this Act with respect to First Nations, Inuit or Métis children or young persons shall regularly consult with their bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities about the provision of the services or the exercise of the powers and about matters affecting the children or young persons, including,
(a) bringing children to a place of safety and the placement of children in residential care;
(b) the provision of family support services;
(c) the preparation of plans for the care of children;
(d) status reviews under Part V (Child Protection);
(e) temporary care agreements under Part V (Child Protection);
(f) society agreements with 16 and 17 year olds under Part V (Child Protection);
(g) adoption placements;
(h) the establishment of emergency houses; and
(i) any other matter that is prescribed.
Consultation in specified cases 73 A society, person or entity that proposes to provide a prescribed service to a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child or young person, or to exercise a prescribed power under this Act in relation to such a child or young person, shall consult with a representative chosen by each of the child’s or young person’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities in accordance with the regulations.
PART V CHILD PROTECTION Interpretation Interpretation Definitions 74 (1) In this Part,
“child protection worker” means a Director, a local director or a person who meets the prescribed requirements and who is authorized by a Director or local director for the purposes of section 81 (commencing child protection proceedings) and for other prescribed purposes; (“préposé à la protection de l’enfance”)
“extra-provincial child protection order” means a temporary or final order made by a court of another province or a territory of Canada, or of a prescribed jurisdiction outside Canada if it meets prescribed conditions, pursuant to child welfare legislation of that province, territory or other jurisdiction, placing a child into the care and custody of a child welfare authority or other person named in the order; (“ordonnance extraprovinciale de protection d’un enfant”)
“parent”, when used in reference to a child, means each of the following persons, but does not include a foster parent:
1. A parent of the child under section 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 13 of the Children’s Law Reform Act.
2. In the case of a child conceived through sexual intercourse, an individual described in one of paragraphs 1 to 5 of subsection 7 (2) of the Children’s Law Reform Act, unless it is proved on a balance of probabilities that the sperm used to conceive the child did not come from the individual.
3. An individual who has been found or recognized by a court of competent jurisdiction outside Ontario to be a parent of the child.
4. In the case of an adopted child, a parent of the child as provided for under section 217 or 218.
5. An individual who has lawful custody of the child.
6. An individual who, during the 12 months before intervention under this Part, has demonstrated a settled intention to treat the child as a child of the individual’s family, or has acknowledged parentage of the child and provided for the child’s support.
7. An individual who, under a written agreement or a court order, is required to provide for the child, has custody of the child or has a right of access to the child.
8. An individual who acknowledged parentage of the child by filing a statutory declaration under section 12 of the Children’s Law Reform Act as it read before the day subsection 1 (1) of the All Families Are Equal Act (Parentage and Related Registrations Statute Law Amendment), 2016 came into force; (“parent”)
“place of safety” means a foster home, a hospital, a person’s home that satisfies the requirements of subsection (4) or a place or one of a class of places designated as a place of safety by a Director or local director under section 39, but does not include a place of temporary detention, of open custody or of secure custody; (“lieu sûr”) 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 74 (1).
Note: On October 1, 2021, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 74 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection: (See: 2021, c. 21, Sched. 3, s. 1 (1))
Child sex trafficking
(1.1) A child is subjected to child sex trafficking for the purposes of this Part where another person does any of the following for the purposes of sexually exploiting the child:
1. Recruits, transports, transfers, receives, holds, conceals or harbours the child.
2. Exercises control, direction or influence over the movements of the child. 2021, c. 21, Sched. 3, s. 1 (1).
Child in need of protection (2) A child is in need of protection where,
(a) the child has suffered physical harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child or caused by or resulting from that person’s,
(i) failure to adequately care for, provide for, supervise or protect the child, or
(ii) pattern of neglect in caring for, providing for, supervising or protecting the child;
(b) there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer physical harm inflicted by the person having charge of the child or caused by or resulting from that person’s,
(i) failure to adequately care for, provide for, supervise or protect the child, or
(ii) pattern of neglect in caring for, providing for, supervising or protecting the child;
(c) the child has been sexually abused or sexually exploited, by the person having charge of the child or by another person where the person having charge of the child knows or should know of the possibility of sexual abuse or sexual exploitation and fails to protect the child;
(d) there is a risk that the child is likely to be sexually abused or sexually exploited as described in clause (c);
Note: On October 1, 2021, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 74 (2) of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses: (See: 2021, c. 21, Sched. 3, s. 1 (2))
(d.1) the child has been sexually exploited as a result of being subjected to child sex trafficking;
(d.2) there is a risk that the child is likely to be sexually exploited as a result of being subjected to child sex trafficking;
(e) the child requires treatment to cure, prevent or alleviate physical harm or suffering and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide the treatment or access to the treatment, or, where the child is incapable of consenting to the treatment under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996 and the parent is a substitute decision-maker for the child, the parent refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to the treatment on the child’s behalf;
(f) the child has suffered emotional harm, demonstrated by serious,
(i) anxiety,
(ii) depression,
(iii) withdrawal,
(iv) self-destructive or aggressive behaviour, or
(v) delayed development,
and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the emotional harm suffered by the child results from the actions, failure to act or pattern of neglect on the part of the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child;
(g) the child has suffered emotional harm of the kind described in subclause (f) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide services or treatment or access to services or treatment, or, where the child is incapable of consenting to treatment under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to the treatment to remedy or alleviate the harm;
(h) there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer emotional harm of the kind described in subclause (f) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) resulting from the actions, failure to act or pattern of neglect on the part of the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child;
(i) there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer emotional harm of the kind described in subclause (f) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) and that the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide services or treatment or access to services or treatment, or, where the child is incapable of consenting to treatment under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to treatment to prevent the harm;
(j) the child suffers from a mental, emotional or developmental condition that, if not remedied, could seriously impair the child’s development and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide treatment or access to treatment, or where the child is incapable of consenting to treatment under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to the treatment to remedy or alleviate the condition;
(k) the child’s parent has died or is unavailable to exercise the rights of custody over the child and has not made adequate provision for the child’s care and custody, or the child is in a residential placement and the parent refuses or is unable or unwilling to resume the child’s care and custody;
(l) the child is younger than 12 and has killed or seriously injured another person or caused serious damage to another person’s property, services or treatment are necessary to prevent a recurrence and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide services or treatment or access to services or treatment, or, where the child is incapable of consenting to treatment under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to treatment;
(m) the child is younger than 12 and has on more than one occasion injured another person or caused loss or damage to another person’s property, with the encouragement of the person having charge of the child or because of that person’s failure or inability to supervise the child adequately;
(n) the child’s parent is unable to care for the child and the child is brought before the court with the parent’s consent and, where the child is 12 or older, with the child’s consent, for the matter to be dealt with under this Part; or
(o) the child is 16 or 17 and a prescribed circumstance or condition exists. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 74 (2); 2020, c. 25, Sched. 1, s. 26 (1).
Best interests of child (3) Where a person is directed in this Part to make an order or determination in the best interests of a child, the person shall,
(a) consider the child’s views and wishes, given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity, unless they cannot be ascertained;
(b) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, consider the importance, in recognition of the uniqueness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, heritages and traditions, of preserving the child’s cultural identity and connection to community, in addition to the considerations under clauses (a) and (c); and
(c) consider any other circumstance of the case that the person considers relevant, including,
(i) the child’s physical, mental and emotional needs, and the appropriate care or treatment to meet those needs,
(ii) the child’s physical, mental and emotional level of development,
(iii) the child’s race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, family diversity, disability, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression,
(iv) the child’s cultural and linguistic heritage,
(v) the importance for the child’s development of a positive relationship with a parent and a secure place as a member of a family,
(vi) the child’s relationships and emotional ties to a parent, sibling, relative, other member of the child’s extended family or member of the child’s community,
(vii) the importance of continuity in the child’s care and the possible effect on the child of disruption of that continuity,
(viii) the merits of a plan for the child’s care proposed by a society, including a proposal that the child be placed for adoption or adopted, compared with the merits of the child remaining with or returning to a parent,
(ix) the effects on the child of delay in the disposition of the case,
(x) the risk that the child may suffer harm through being removed from, kept away from, returned to or allowed to remain in the care of a parent, and
(xi) the degree of risk, if any, that justified the finding that the child is in need of protection. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 74 (3).
Place of safety (4) For the purposes of the definition of “place of safety” in subsection (1), a person’s home is a place of safety for a child if,
(a) the person is a relative of the child or a member of the child’s extended family or community; and
(b) a society or, in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, a society or a child and family service authority, has conducted an assessment of the person’s home in accordance with the prescribed procedures and is satisfied that the person is willing and able to provide a safe home environment for the child. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 74 (4).
Definition, child and family service authority (5) In subsection (4),
“child and family service authority” means a First Nations, Inuit or Métis child and family service authority designated under section 70. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 74 (5).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Voluntary Agreements Temporary care agreement 75 (1) A person who is temporarily unable to care adequately for a child in the person’s custody, and the society having jurisdiction where the person resides, may make a written agreement for the society’s care and custody of the child.
Older child to be party to agreement (2) No temporary care agreement shall be made in respect of a child who is 12 or older unless the child is a party to the agreement.
Exception: developmental disability (3) Subsection (2) does not apply where it has been determined on the basis of an assessment not more than one year before the agreement is made, that the child does not have capacity to participate in the agreement because of a developmental disability.
Duty of society (4) A society shall not make a temporary care agreement unless the society,
(a) has determined that an appropriate residential placement that is likely to benefit the child is available; and
(b) is satisfied that no course of action less disruptive to the child, such as care in the child’s own home, is able to adequately protect the child.
Term of agreement limited (5) No temporary care agreement shall be made for a term exceeding six months, but the parties to a temporary care agreement may, with a Director’s written approval, agree to extend it for a further period or periods if the total term of the agreement, as extended, does not exceed 12 months.
Time limit (6) No temporary care agreement shall be made or extended so as to result in a child being in a society’s care and custody, for a period exceeding,
(a) 12 months, if the child is younger than 6 on the day the agreement is entered into or extended; or
(b) 24 months, if the child is 6 or older on the day the agreement is entered into or extended.
Calculating time in care (7) The time during which a child has been in a society’s care and custody pursuant to the following shall be counted in calculating the period referred to in subsection (6):
1. An interim society care order made under paragraph 2 of subsection 101 (1).
2. A temporary care agreement under subsection (1) of this section.
3. A temporary order made under clause 94 (2) (d).
Previous periods to be counted (8) The period referred to in subsection (6) shall include any previous periods that the child was in a society’s care and custody as described in subsection (7) other than periods that precede a continuous period of five or more years that the child was not in a society’s care and custody.
Authority to consent to medical treatment may be transferred (9) A temporary care agreement may provide that, where the child is found incapable of consenting to treatment under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, the society is entitled to act in the place of a parent in providing consent to treatment on the child’s behalf.
Contents of temporary care agreement (10) A temporary care agreement shall include the following:
1. A statement by all the parties to the agreement that the child’s care and custody are transferred to the society.
2. A statement by all the parties to the agreement that the child’s placement is voluntary.
3. A statement, by the person referred to in subsection (1), that the person is temporarily unable to care for the child adequately and has discussed with the society alternatives to residential placement of the child.
4. An undertaking by the person referred to in subsection (1) to maintain contact with the child and be involved in the child’s care.
5. If it is not possible for the person referred to in subsection (1) to maintain contact with the child and be involved in the child’s care, the person’s designation of another person who is willing to do so.
6. The name of the individual who is the primary contact between the society and the person referred to in subsection (1).
7. Such other provisions as are prescribed.
Designation by advisory committee (11) Where the person referred to in subsection (1) does not give an undertaking under paragraph 4 of subsection (10) or designate another person under paragraph 5 of subsection (10), a residential placement advisory committee established under subsection 63 (1) that has jurisdiction may, in consultation with the society, name a suitable person who is willing to maintain contact with the child and be involved in the child’s care.
Variation of agreement (12) The parties to a temporary care agreement may vary the agreement from time to time in a manner that is consistent with this Part and the regulations made under it.
Agreement expires at 18 (13) No temporary care agreement shall continue beyond the 18th birthday of the person who is its subject.
Notice of termination of agreement 76 (1) A party to a temporary care agreement may terminate the agreement at any time by giving every other party written notice that the party wishes to terminate the agreement.
When notice takes effect (2) Where notice is given under subsection (1), the agreement terminates on the expiry of five days, or such longer period not exceeding 21 days as the agreement specifies, after the day on which every other party has actually received the notice.
Society response to notice of termination (3) Where notice of a wish to terminate a temporary care agreement is given by or to a society under subsection (1), the society shall as soon as possible, and in any event before the agreement terminates under subsection (2),
(a) cause the child to be returned to the person who made the agreement, or to a person who has obtained an order for the child’s custody since the agreement was made;
(b) where the society is of the opinion that the child would be in need of protection if returned to the person referred to in clause (a), bring the child before the court under this Part to determine whether the child would be in need of protection in that case; or
(c) where the child is 16 or 17 and the criteria set out in clauses 77 (1) (a), (b), (c) and (d) are met, make a written agreement with the child under subsection 77 (1).
Expiry of agreement (4) Where a temporary care agreement expires or is about to expire and is not extended, the society shall, before the agreement expires or as soon as practicable thereafter, but in any event within 21 days after the agreement expires,
(a) cause the child to be returned to the person who made the agreement, or to a person who has obtained an order for the child’s custody since the agreement was made;
(b) where the society is of the opinion that the child would be in need of protection if returned to the person referred to in clause (a), bring the child before the court under this Part to determine whether the child would be in need of protection in that case; or
(c) where the child is 16 or 17 and the criteria set out in clauses 77 (1) (a), (b), (c) and (d) are met, make a written agreement with the child under subsection 77 (1).
Society agreements with 16 and 17 year olds 77 (1) The society and a child who is 16 or 17 may make a written agreement for services and supports to be provided for the child where,
(a) the society has jurisdiction where the child resides;
(b) the society has determined that the child is or may be in need of protection;
(c) the society is satisfied that no course of action less disruptive to the child, such as care in the child’s own home or with a relative, neighbour or other member of the child’s community or extended family, is able to adequately protect the child; and
(d) the child wants to enter into the agreement.
Term of agreement (2) The agreement may be for a period not exceeding 12 months, but may be renewed if the total term of the agreement, as extended, does not exceed 24 months.
Previous or current involvement with society not a bar to agreement (3) A child may enter into an agreement under this section regardless of any previous or current involvement with a society, and without regard to any time during which the child has been in a society’s care pursuant to an agreement made under section 75 (1) or pursuant to an order made under clause 94 (2) (d) or paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection 101 (1).
Notice of termination of agreement (4) A party to an agreement made under this section may terminate the agreement at any time by giving every other party written notice that the party wishes to terminate the agreement.
Agreement expires at 18 (5) No agreement made under this section shall continue beyond the 18th birthday of the person who is its subject.
Current agreements and orders must be terminated first (6) Despite subsection (3), an agreement may not come into force under this section until any temporary care agreement under section 75 or order for the care or supervision of a child under this Part is terminated.
Representation by Children’s Lawyer (7) The Children’s Lawyer may provide legal representation to the child entering into an agreement under this section if, in the opinion of the Children’s Lawyer, such legal representation is appropriate.
Note: On October 1, 2021, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section before the heading “Legal Representation”: (See: 2021, c. 21, Sched. 3, s. 2)
Removal to Offer Voluntary Services Removal to offer services, children 16 or 17
77.1 (1) A child protection worker or a peace officer may bring a child who is 16 or 17 to another location for up to 12 hours for the purpose of offering services and supports to the child, including the possibility of entering into an agreement under section 77, if the child protection worker or the peace officer has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that the child is in need of protection within the meaning of clause 74 (2) (d.1) and that,
(a) the child has suffered physical harm inflicted by a person involved in subjecting the child to child sex trafficking or received threats of physical harm by such a person;
(b) the child is dependent on alcohol or controlled substances as defined in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or is being provided with alcohol or such controlled substances by another person in order to facilitate the sexual exploitation of the child;
(c) the child has a disorder of emotional processes, thought or cognition, a developmental disability or a brain injury and the disorder, disability or injury significantly impairs the child’s capacity to make reasoned judgements regarding the circumstances surrounding their sexual exploitation;
(d) the child does not have access to housing other than as provided by a person involved in subjecting the child to child sex trafficking;
(e) the child’s finances are being controlled by a person involved in subjecting the child to child sex trafficking or such a person is threatening to control their finances;
(f) the child’s personal effects or identification documents are under the control of a person involved in subjecting the child to child sex trafficking;
(g) the child does not have Canadian citizenship and information about their immigration status is being used by another person in order to coerce the child into being sexually exploited; or
(h) the child is otherwise unable to exercise mature and independent judgement regarding the circumstances of their sexual exploitation because the child is being coerced, manipulated or unduly influenced by a person involved in subjecting the child to child sex trafficking. 2021, c. 21, Sched. 3, s. 2.
Police assistance
(2) A child protection worker acting under this section may call for the assistance of a peace officer. 2021, c. 21, Sched. 3, s. 2.
Use of mechanical restraints prohibited
(3) A child protection worker or a peace officer shall not use or permit the use of mechanical restraints on a child when acting under this section. 2021, c. 21, Sched. 3, s. 2.
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Legal Representation Legal representation of child 78 (1) A child may have legal representation at any stage in a proceeding under this Part.
Court to consider issue (2) Where a child does not have legal representation in a proceeding under this Part, the court,
(a) shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement of the proceeding; and
(b) may, at any later stage in the proceeding,
determine whether legal representation is desirable to protect the child’s interests.
Direction for legal representation (3) Where the court determines that legal representation is desirable to protect a child’s interests, the court shall direct that legal representation be provided for the child.
Criteria (4) Where,
(a) the court is of the opinion that there is a difference of views between the child and a parent or a society, and the society proposes that the child be removed from a person’s care or be placed in interim or extended society care under paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection 101 (1);
(b) the child is in the society’s care and,
(i) no parent appears before the court, or
(ii) it is alleged that the child is in need of protection within the meaning of clause 74 (2) (a), (c), (f), (g) or (j); or
(c) the child is not permitted to be present at the hearing,
legal representation is deemed to be desirable to protect the child’s interests, unless the court is satisfied, taking into account the child’s views and wishes, given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity, that the child’s interests are otherwise adequately protected.
Where parent a minor (5) Where a child’s parent is younger than 18, the Children’s Lawyer shall represent the parent in a proceeding under this Part unless the court orders otherwise.
Parties and Notice Parties 79 (1) The following are parties to a proceeding under this Part:
1. The applicant.
2. The society having jurisdiction in the matter.
3. The child’s parent.
4. In the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the persons described in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 and a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
Director to be added (2) At any stage in a proceeding under this Part, the court shall add a Director as a party on the Director’s motion.
Right to participate (3) Any person, including a foster parent, who has cared for the child continuously during the six months immediately before the hearing,
(a) is entitled to the same notice of the proceeding as a party;
(b) may be present at the hearing;
(c) may be represented by a lawyer; and
(d) may make submissions to the court,
but shall take no further part in the hearing without leave of the court.
Child 12 or older (4) A child 12 or older who is the subject of a proceeding under this Part is entitled to receive notice of the proceeding and to be present at the hearing, unless the court is satisfied that being present at the hearing would cause the child emotional harm and orders that the child not receive notice of the proceeding and not be permitted to be present at the hearing.
Child younger than 12 (5) A child younger than 12 who is the subject of a proceeding under this Part is not entitled to receive notice of the proceeding or to be present at the hearing unless the court is satisfied that the child,
(a) is capable of understanding the hearing; and
(b) will not suffer emotional harm by being present at the hearing,
and orders that the child receive notice of the proceeding and be permitted to be present at the hearing.
Child’s participation (6) A child who is the applicant under subsection 113 (4) or 115 (4) (status review), receives notice of a proceeding under this Part or has legal representation in a proceeding is entitled to participate in the proceeding and to appeal under section 121 as if the child were a party.
Dispensing with notice (7) Where the court is satisfied that the time required for notice to a person might endanger the child’s health or safety, the court may dispense with notice to that person.
Customary Care Customary care 80 A society shall make all reasonable efforts to pursue a plan for customary care for a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child if the child,
(a) is in need of protection;
(b) cannot remain in or be returned to the care and custody of the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part or, where there is an order for the child’s custody that is enforceable in Ontario, of the person entitled to custody under the order; and
(c) is a member of or identifies with a band, or is a member of or identifies with a First Nations, Inuit or Métis community.
Commencing Child Protection Proceedings Warrants, orders, etc. Application 81 (1) A society may apply to the court to determine whether a child is in need of protection.
Warrant to bring child to place of safety (2) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorizing a child protection worker to bring a child to a place of safety if the justice of the peace is satisfied on the basis of a child protection worker’s sworn information that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that,
(a) the child is younger than 16;
(b) the child is in need of protection; and
(c) a less restrictive course of action is not available or will not protect the child adequately.
When warrant may not be refused (3) A justice of the peace shall not refuse to issue a warrant under subsection (2) by reason only that the child protection worker may bring the child to a place of safety under subsection (7).
Order to produce child or bring child to place of safety (4) Where the court is satisfied, on a person’s application upon notice to a society, that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that,
(a) a child is in need of protection, the matter has been reported to the society, the society has not made an application under subsection (1), and no child protection worker has sought a warrant under subsection (2) or brought the child to a place of safety under subsection (7); and
(b) the child cannot be protected adequately otherwise than by being brought before the court,
the court may order,
(c) that the person having charge of the child produce the child before the court at the time and place named in the order for a hearing under subsection 90 (1) to determine whether the child is in need of protection; or
(d) where the court is satisfied that an order under clause (c) would not protect the child adequately, that a child protection worker employed by the society bring the child to a place of safety.
Child’s name, location not required (5) It is not necessary, in an application under subsection (1), a warrant under subsection (2) or an order made under subsection (4), to describe the child by name or to specify the premises where the child is located.
Authority to enter, etc. (6) A child protection worker authorized to bring a child to a place of safety by a warrant issued under subsection (2) or an order made under clause (4) (d) may at any time enter any premises specified in the warrant or order, by force if necessary, and may search for and remove the child.
Bring child to place of safety without warrant (7) A child protection worker who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that,
(a) a child is in need of protection;
(b) the child is younger than 16; and
(c) there would be a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety during the time necessary to bring the matter on for a hearing under subsection 90 (1) or obtain a warrant under subsection (2),
may without a warrant bring the child to a place of safety.
Police assistance (8) A child protection worker acting under this section may call for the assistance of a peace officer.
Consent to examine child (9) A child protection worker acting under subsection (7) or under a warrant issued under subsection (2) or an order made under clause (4) (d) may authorize the child’s medical examination where a parent’s consent would otherwise be required.
Right of entry, etc. (10) A child protection worker who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a child referred to in subsection (7) is on any premises may without a warrant enter the premises, by force, if necessary, and search for and remove the child.
Regulations re power of entry (11) A child protection worker authorized to enter premises under subsection (6) or (10) shall exercise the power of entry in accordance with the regulations.
Peace officer has powers of child protection worker (12) Subsections (2), (6), (7), (10) and (11) apply to a peace officer as if the peace officer were a child protection worker.
Protection from personal liability (13) No action shall be instituted against a peace officer or child protection worker for any act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of that person’s duty under this section or for an alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of that duty.
Exception, 16 and 17 year olds brought to place of safety with consent 82 (1) A child protection worker may bring a child who is 16 or 17 and who is subject to a temporary or final supervision order to a place of safety if the child consents.
Temporary or final supervision order (2) In this section,
“temporary or final supervision order” means an order under clause 94 (2) (b) or (c), paragraph 1 or 4 of subsection 101 (1), subsection 112 (8) or 115 (10) or clause 116 (1) (a).
Special Cases of Bringing Children to a Place of Safety Bringing children who are removed from or leave care to place of safety With warrant 83 (1) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer or a child protection worker to bring a child to a place of safety if the justice of the peace is satisfied on the basis of a peace officer’s or a child protection worker’s sworn information that,
(a) the child is actually or apparently younger than 16, and,
(i) has left or been removed from a society’s lawful care and custody without its consent, or
(ii) is the subject of an extra-provincial child protection order and has left or been removed from the lawful care and custody of the child welfare authority or other person named in the order; and
(b) there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that there is no course of action available other than bringing the child to a place of safety that would adequately protect the child. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 83 (1); 2019, c. 15, Sched. 5, s. 1.
When warrant may not be refused (2) A justice of the peace shall not refuse to issue a warrant to a person under subsection (1) by reason only that the person may bring the child to a place of safety under subsection (4). 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 83 (2).
No need to specify premises (3) It is not necessary in a warrant under subsection (1) to specify the premises where the child is located. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 83 (3).
Without warrant (4) A peace officer or child protection worker may without a warrant bring the child to a place of safety if the peace officer or child protection worker believes on reasonable and probable grounds that,
(a) the child is actually or apparently younger than 16, and,
(i) has left or been removed from a society’s lawful care and custody without its consent, or
(ii) is the subject of an extra-provincial child protection order and has left or been removed from the lawful care and custody of the child welfare authority or other person named in the order; and
(b) there would be a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety during the time necessary to obtain a warrant under subsection (1). 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 83 (4).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Bringing child younger than 12 home or to place of safety 84 (1) A peace officer who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a child actually or apparently younger than 12 has committed an act in respect of which a person 12 or older could be found guilty of an offence may bring the child to a place of safety without a warrant and on doing so,
(a) shall return the child to the child’s parent or other person having charge of the child as soon as practicable; or
(b) where it is not possible to return the child to the parent or other person within a reasonable time, shall bring the child to a place of safety until the child can be returned to the parent or other person.
Notice to parent, etc. (2) The person in charge of a place of safety in which a child is detained under subsection (1) shall make reasonable efforts to notify the child’s parent or other person having charge of the child of the child’s detention so that the child may be returned to the parent or other person.
Where child not returned to parent, etc., within 12 hours (3) Where a child brought to a place of safety under subsection (1) cannot be returned to the child’s parent or other person having charge of the child within 12 hours of being brought to the place of safety, the child is deemed to have been brought to a place of safety under subsection 81 (7) and not under subsection (1).
Children who withdraw from parent’s care Warrant to bring child to a place of safety 85 (1) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer or child protection worker to bring a child to a place of safety if the justice of the peace is satisfied on the basis of the sworn information of a person that,
(a) the child is younger than 16;
(b) the child has withdrawn from the person’s care and control without the person’s consent; and
(c) the person believes on reasonable and probable grounds that the child’s health or safety may be at risk if the child is not brought to a place of safety.
Child to be returned or brought to a place of safety (2) A person acting under a warrant issued under subsection (1) shall return the child to the person with care and control of the child as soon as practicable and where it is not possible to return the child to that person within a reasonable time, bring the child to a place of safety.
Notice to person with care, custody or control (3) The person in charge of a place of safety to which a child is brought under subsection (2) shall make reasonable efforts to notify the person with care and control of the child that the child is in the place of safety so that the child may be returned to that person.
Where child not returned within 12 hours (4) Where a child brought to a place of safety under subsection (2) cannot be returned to the person with care and control of the child within 12 hours of being brought to the place of safety, the child is deemed to have been brought to a place of safety under subsection 81 (2) and not under subsection (1).
Where custody enforcement proceedings more appropriate (5) A justice of the peace shall not issue a warrant under subsection (1) in respect of a child who has withdrawn from the care and control of a person where a proceeding under section 36 of the Children’s Law Reform Act would be more appropriate.
No need to specify premises (6) It is not necessary in a warrant under subsection (1) to specify the premises where the child is located.
Child protection proceedings (7) Where a peace officer or child protection worker believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a child brought to a place of safety under this section is in need of protection and there may be a substantial risk to the health or safety of the child if the child were returned to the person with care and control of the child,
(a) the peace officer or child protection worker may bring the child to a place of safety under subsection 81 (7); or
(b) where the child has been brought to a place of safety under subsection (4), the child is deemed to have been brought there under subsection 81 (7).
Authority to enter, etc. 86 (1) A person authorized to bring a child to a place of safety by a warrant issued under subsection 83 (1) or 85 (1) may at any time enter any premises specified in the warrant, by force, if necessary, and may search for and remove the child
Right of entry, etc. (2) A person authorized under subsection 83 (4) or 84 (1) who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a child referred to in the relevant subsection is on any premises may without a warrant enter the premises, by force, if necessary, and search for and remove the child.
Regulations re power of entry (3) A person authorized to enter premises under this section shall exercise the power of entry in accordance with the regulations.
Police assistance (4) A child protection worker acting under section 83 or 85 may call for the assistance of a peace officer.
Consent to examine child (5) Where subsection 84 (3) or 85 (4) applies to a child brought to a place of safety, a child protection worker may authorize the child’s medical examination where a parent’s consent would be otherwise required.
Protection from personal liability (6) No action shall be instituted against a peace officer or child protection worker for any act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of that person’s duty under this section or section 83, 84 or 85 or for an alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of that duty.
Hearings and Orders Rules re hearings Definition 87 (1) In this section,
“media” means the press, radio and television media.
Application (2) This section applies to hearings held under this Part, except hearings under section 134 (child abuse register).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 87 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 5)
Application
(2) This section applies to hearings held under this Part. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 3, s. 5.
Hearings separate from criminal proceedings (3) A hearing shall be held separately from hearings in criminal proceedings.
Hearings private unless court orders otherwise (4) A hearing shall be held in the absence of the public, subject to subsection (5), unless the court orders that the hearing be held in public after considering,
(a) the wishes and interests of the parties; and
(b) whether the presence of the public would cause emotional harm to a child who is a witness at or a participant in the hearing or is the subject of the proceeding.
Media representatives may attend (5) Media representatives chosen in accordance with subsection (6) may be present at a hearing that is held in the absence of the public, unless the court makes an order excluding them under subsection (7).
Selection of media representatives (6) The media representatives who may be present at a hearing that is held in the absence of the public shall be chosen as follows:
1. The media representatives in attendance shall choose not more than two persons from among themselves.
2. Where the media representatives in attendance are unable to agree on a choice of persons, the court may choose not more than two media representatives who may be present at the hearing.
3. The court may permit additional media representatives to be present at the hearing.
Order excluding media representatives or prohibiting publication (7) Where the court is of the opinion that the presence of the media representative or representatives or the publication of the report, as the case may be, would cause emotional harm to a child who is a witness at or a participant in the hearing or is the subject of the proceeding, the court may make an order,
(a) excluding a particular media representative from all or part of a hearing;
(b) excluding all media representatives from all or a part of a hearing; or
(c) prohibiting the publication of a report of the hearing or a specified part of the hearing.
Prohibition re identifying child (8) No person shall publish or make public information that has the effect of identifying a child who is a witness at or a participant in a hearing or the subject of a proceeding, or the child’s parent or foster parent or a member of the child’s family.
Prohibition re identifying person charged (9) The court may make an order prohibiting the publication of information that has the effect of identifying a person charged with an offence under this Part.
Transcript (10) No person except a party or a party’s lawyer shall be given a copy of a transcript of the hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Time in place of safety limited 88 As soon as practicable, but in any event within five days after a child is brought to a place of safety under section 81, subclause 83 (1) (a) (ii) or subsection 136 (5),
(a) the matter shall be brought before a court for a hearing under subsection 90 (1) (child protection hearing);
(b) the child shall be returned to the person who last had charge of the child or, where there is an order for the child’s custody that is enforceable in Ontario, to the person entitled to custody under the order;
(c) if the child is the subject of an extra-provincial child protection order, the child shall be returned to the child welfare authority or other person named in the order;
(d) a temporary care agreement shall be made under subsection 75 (1); or
(e) an agreement shall be made under section 77 (agreements with 16 and 17 year olds).
Time in place of safety limited, 16 or 17 year old 89 As soon as practicable, but in any event within five days after a child who is 16 or 17 is brought to a place of safety with the child’s consent under section 82,
(a) the matter shall be brought before a court for a hearing under subsection 90 (1); or
(b) the child shall be returned to the person entitled to custody of the child under an order made under this Part.
Child protection hearing 90 (1) Where an application is made under subsection 81 (1) or a matter is brought before the court to determine whether the child is in need of protection, the court shall hold a hearing to determine the issue and make an order under section 101.
Child’s name, age, etc. (2) As soon as practicable, and in any event before determining whether a child is in need of protection, the court shall determine,
(a) the child’s name and age;
(b) whether the child is a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child and, if so, the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities; and
(c) where the child was brought to a place of safety before the hearing, the location of the place from which the child was removed.
Territorial jurisdiction 91 (1) In this section,
“territorial jurisdiction” means a society’s territorial jurisdiction under subsection 34 (1).
Place of hearing (2) A hearing under this Part with respect to a child shall be held in the territorial jurisdiction in which the child ordinarily resides, except that,
(a) where the child is brought to a place of safety before the hearing, the hearing shall be held in the territorial jurisdiction in which the place from which the child was removed is located;
(b) where the child is in interim society care under an order made under paragraph 2 or 4 of subsection 101 (1) or extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c), the hearing shall be held in the society’s territorial jurisdiction; and
(c) where the child is the subject of an order for society supervision under paragraph 1 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (a), the hearing may be held in the society’s territorial jurisdiction or in the territorial jurisdiction in which the parent or other person with whom the child is placed resides.
Transfer of proceeding (3) Where the court is satisfied at any stage of a proceeding under this Part that there is a preponderance of convenience in favour of conducting it in another territorial jurisdiction, the court may order that the proceeding be transferred to that other territorial jurisdiction and be continued as if it had been commenced there.
Orders affecting society (4) The court shall not make an order placing a child in the care or under the supervision of a society unless the place where the court sits is within the society’s territorial jurisdiction.
Power of court 92 The court may, on its own initiative, summon a person to attend before it, testify and produce any document or thing, and may enforce obedience to the summons as if it had been made in a proceeding under the Family Law Act.
Evidence Past conduct toward children 93 (1) Despite anything in the Evidence Act, in any proceeding under this Part,
(a) the court may consider the past conduct of a person toward any child if that person is caring for or has access to or may care for or have access to a child who is the subject of the proceeding; and
(b) any oral or written statement or report that the court considers relevant to the proceeding, including a transcript, exhibit or finding or the reasons for a decision in an earlier civil or criminal proceeding, is admissible into evidence.
Evidence re disposition and finding (2) In a hearing under subsection 90 (1), evidence relating only to the disposition of the matter shall not be considered in determining if the child is in need of protection.
Adjournments 94 (1) The court shall not adjourn a hearing for more than 30 days,
(a) unless all the parties present and the person who will be caring for the child during the adjournment consent; or
(b) if the court is aware that a party who is not present at the hearing objects to the longer adjournment.
Custody during adjournment (2) Where a hearing is adjourned, the court shall make a temporary order for care and custody providing that the child,
(a) remain in or be returned to the care and custody of the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part;
(b) remain in or be returned to the care and custody of the person referred to in clause (a), subject to the society’s supervision and on such reasonable terms and conditions as the court considers appropriate;
(c) be placed in the care and custody of a person other than the person referred to in clause (a), with the consent of that other person, subject to the society’s supervision and on such reasonable terms and conditions as the court considers appropriate; or
(d) remain or be placed in the care and custody of the society, but not be placed in a place of temporary detention, of open or of secure custody.
Where child is subject to extra-provincial order (3) Where a court makes an order under clause (2) (d) in the case of a child who is the subject of an extra-provincial child protection order the society may, during the period of the adjournment, return the child to the care and custody of the child welfare authority or other person named in the order.
Criteria (4) The court shall not make an order under clause (2) (c) or (d) unless the court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer harm and that the child cannot be protected adequately by an order under clause (2) (a) or (b).
Placement with relative, etc. (5) Before making a temporary order for care and custody under clause (2) (d), the court shall consider whether it is in the child’s best interests to make an order under clause (2) (c) to place the child in the care and custody of a person who is a relative of the child or a member of the child’s extended family or community.
Terms and conditions in order (6) A temporary order for care and custody of a child under clause (2) (b) or (c) may impose,
(a) reasonable terms and conditions relating to the child’s care and supervision;
(b) reasonable terms and conditions on the child’s parent, the person who will have care and custody of the child under the order, the child and any other person, other than a foster parent, who is putting forward a plan or who would participate in a plan for care and custody of or access to the child; and
(c) reasonable terms and conditions on the society that will supervise the placement, but shall not require the society to provide financial assistance or to purchase any goods or services.
Application of s. 107 (7) Where the court makes an order under clause (2) (d), section 110 (child in interim society care) applies with necessary modifications.
Access (8) An order made under clause (2) (c) or (d) may contain provisions regarding any person’s right of access to the child on such terms and conditions as the court considers appropriate.
Power to vary (9) The court may at any time vary or terminate an order made under subsection (2).
Evidence on adjournments (10) For the purpose of this section, the court may admit and act on evidence that the court considers credible and trustworthy in the circumstances.
Child’s views and wishes (11) Before making an order under subsection (2), the court shall take into consideration the child’s views and wishes, given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity, unless they cannot be ascertained.
Use of prescribed methods of alternative dispute resolution 95 At any time during a proceeding under this Part, the court may, in the best interests of the child and with the consent of the parties, adjourn the proceeding to permit the parties to attempt through a prescribed method of alternative dispute resolution to resolve any dispute between them with respect to any matter that is relevant to the proceeding.
Delay: court to fix date 96 Where an application is made under subsection 81 (1) or a matter is brought before the court to determine whether a child is in need of protection and the determination has not been made within three months after the commencement of the proceeding, the court,
(a) shall by order fix a date for the hearing of the application, and the date may be the earliest date that is compatible with the just disposition of the application; and
(b) may give such directions and make such orders with respect to the proceeding as are just.
Reasons, etc. 97 (1) Where the court makes an order under this Part, the court shall give,
(a) a statement of any terms or conditions imposed on the order;
(b) a statement of every plan for the child’s care proposed to the court;
(c) a statement of the plan for the child’s care that the court is applying in its decision; and
(d) reasons for its decision, including,
(i) a brief statement of the evidence on which the court bases its decision, and
(ii) where the order has the effect of removing or keeping the child from the care of the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part, a statement of the reasons why the child cannot be adequately protected while in the person’s care.
No requirement to identify person or place (2) Clause (1) (b) does not require the court to identify a person with whom or a place where it is proposed that a child be placed for care and supervision.
Assessments Order for assessment 98 (1) In the course of a proceeding under this Part, the court may order that one or more of the following persons undergo an assessment within a specified time by a person appointed in accordance with subsections (3) and (4):
1. The child.
2. A parent of the child.
3. Any other person, other than a foster parent, who is putting forward or would participate in a plan for the care and custody of or access to the child.
Criteria for ordering assessment (2) An assessment may be ordered if the court is satisfied that,
(a) an assessment of one or more of the persons specified in subsection (1) is necessary for the court to make a determination under this Part; and
(b) the evidence sought from an assessment is not otherwise available to the court.
Assessor selected by parties (3) An order under subsection (1) shall specify a time within which the parties to the proceeding may select a person to perform the assessment and submit the name of the selected person to the court.
Appointment of person selected by parties (4) The court shall appoint the person selected by the parties to perform the assessment if the court is satisfied that the person meets the following criteria:
1. The person is qualified to perform medical, emotional, developmental, psychological, educational or social assessments.
2. The person has consented to perform the assessment.
Appointment of a person not selected by parties (5) If the court is of the opinion that the person selected by the parties under subsection (3) does not meet the criteria set out in subsection (4), the court shall select and appoint another person who does meet the criteria.
Regulations (6) An order under subsection (1) and the assessment required by that order shall comply with such requirements as may be prescribed.
Report (7) The person performing an assessment under subsection (1) shall make a written report of the assessment to the court within the time specified in the order, which shall not be more than 30 days, unless the court is of the opinion that a longer assessment period is necessary.
Copies of report (8) At least seven days before the court considers the report at a hearing, the court or, where the assessment was requested by a party, that party, shall provide a copy of the report to,
(a) the person assessed, subject to subsections (9) and (10);
(b) the child’s lawyer or agent;
(c) a parent appearing at the hearing, or the parent’s lawyer;
(d) the society caring for or supervising the child;
(e) a Director, where the Director requests a copy;
(f) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the persons described in clauses (a), (b) (c), (d) and (e) and a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities; and
(g) any other person who, in the opinion of the court, should receive a copy of the report for the purposes of the case.
Child younger than 12 (9) Where the person assessed is a child younger than 12, the child shall not receive a copy of the report unless the court considers it desirable that the child receive a copy of the report.
Child 12 or older (10) Where the person assessed is a child 12 or older, the child shall receive a copy of the report, except that where the court is satisfied that disclosure of all or part of the report to the child would cause the child emotional harm, the court may withhold all or part of the report from the child.
Conflict (11) Subsections (9) and (10) prevail despite anything in the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004.
Assessment is evidence (12) The report of an assessment ordered under subsection (1) is evidence and is part of the court record of the proceeding.
Inference from refusal (13) The court may draw any inference it considers reasonable from a person’s refusal to undergo an assessment ordered under subsection (1).
Report inadmissible (14) The report of an assessment ordered under subsection (1) is not admissible into evidence in any other proceeding except,
(a) a proceeding under this Part, including an appeal under section 121;
(b) a proceeding referred to in section 138;
(c) a proceeding under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing) respecting an application to make, vary or terminate an openness order; or
(d) a proceeding under the Coroners Act,
without the consent of the person or persons assessed. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 98 (14); 2017, c. 34, Sched. 4, s. 1.
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Consent order: special requirements 99 Where a child is brought before the court on consent as described in clause 74 (2) (n), the court shall, before making an order under section 101 or 102 that would remove the child from the parent’s care and custody,
(a) ask whether,
(i) the society has offered the parent and child services that would enable the child to remain with the parent, and
(ii) the parent and, where the child is 12 or older, the child, has consulted independent legal counsel in connection with the consent; and
(b) be satisfied that,
(i) the parent and, where the child is 12 or older, the child, understands the nature and consequences of the consent,
(ii) every consent is voluntary, and
(iii) the parent and, where the child is 12 or older, the child, consents to the order being sought.
Society’s plan for child 100 The court shall, before making an order under section 101, 102, 114 or 116, obtain and consider a plan for the child’s care prepared in writing by the society and including,
(a) a description of the services to be provided to remedy the condition or situation on the basis of which the child was found to be in need of protection;
(b) a statement of the criteria by which the society will determine when its care or supervision is no longer required;
(c) an estimate of the time required to achieve the purpose of the society’s intervention;
(d) where the society proposes to remove or has removed the child from a person’s care,
(i) an explanation of why the child cannot be adequately protected while in the person’s care, and a description of any past efforts to do so, and
(ii) a statement of what efforts, if any, are planned to maintain the child’s contact with the person;
(e) where the society proposes to remove or has removed the child from a person’s care permanently, a description of the arrangements made or being made for the child’s long-term stable placement; and
(f) a description of the arrangements made or being made to recognize the importance of the child’s culture and to preserve the child’s heritage, traditions and cultural identity.
Order where child in need of protection 101 (1) Where the court finds that a child is in need of protection and is satisfied that intervention through a court order is necessary to protect the child in the future, the court shall make one of the following orders or an order under section 102, in the child’s best interests:
Supervision order 1. That the child be placed in the care and custody of a parent or another person, subject to the supervision of the society, for a specified period of at least three months and not more than 12 months.
Interim society care 2. That the child be placed in interim society care and custody for a specified period not exceeding 12 months.
Extended society care 3. That the child be placed in extended society care until the order is terminated under section 116 or expires under section 123.
Consecutive orders of interim society care and supervision 4. That the child be placed in interim society care and custody under paragraph 2 for a specified period and then be returned to a parent or another person under paragraph 1, for a period or periods not exceeding a total of 12 months.
Court to inquire (2) In determining which order to make under subsection (1) or section 102, the court shall ask the parties what efforts the society or another person or entity has made to assist the child before intervention under this Part.
Less disruptive alternatives preferred (3) The court shall not make an order removing the child from the care of the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part unless the court is satisfied that alternatives that are less disruptive to the child, including non-residential care and the assistance referred to in subsection (2), would be inadequate to protect the child.
Community placement to be considered (4) Where the court decides that it is necessary to remove the child from the care of the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part, the court shall, before making an order under paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection (1), consider whether it is possible to place the child with a relative, neighbour or other member of the child’s community or extended family under paragraph 1 of subsection (1) with the consent of the relative or other person.
First Nations, Inuk or Métis child (5) Where the child referred to in subsection (4) is a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, unless there is a substantial reason for placing the child elsewhere, the court shall place the child with a member of the child’s extended family if it is possible or, if it is not possible,
(a) in the case of a First Nations child, another First Nations family;
(b) in the case of an Inuk child, another Inuit family; or
(c) in the case of a Métis child, another Métis family.
Further hearing with notice for orders for interim or extended society care (6) When the court has dispensed with notice to a person under subsection 79 (7), the court shall not make an order for interim society care under paragraph 2 of subsection (1) for a period exceeding 30 days or an order for extended society care under paragraph 3 of subsection (1) until a further hearing under subsection 90 (1) has been held upon notice to that person.
Terms and conditions of supervision order (7) If the court makes a supervision order under paragraph 1 of subsection (1), the court may impose,
(a) reasonable terms and conditions relating to the child’s care and supervision;
(b) reasonable terms and conditions on,
(i) the child’s parent,
(ii) the person who will have care and custody of the child under the order,
(iii) the child, and
(iv) any other person, other than a foster parent, who is putting forward or would participate in a plan for the care and custody of or access to the child; and
(c) reasonable terms and conditions on the society that will supervise the placement, but shall not require the society to provide financial assistance or purchase any goods or services.
Order for child to remain or return to person who had charge before intervention (8) Where the court finds that a child is in need of protection but is not satisfied that a court order is necessary to protect the child in the future, the court shall order that the child remain with or be returned to the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part.
No order where child not subject to parental control (9) Where the court finds that a child who was not subject to parental control immediately before intervention under this Part by virtue of having withdrawn from parental control or who withdraws from parental control after intervention under this Part is in need of protection, but is not satisfied that a court order is necessary to protect the child in the future, the court shall make no order in respect of the child.
Custody order 102 (1) Subject to subsection (6), if a court finds that an order under this section instead of an order under subsection 101 (1) would be in a child’s best interests, the court may make an order granting custody of the child to one or more persons, other than a foster parent of the child, with the consent of the person or persons. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 102 (1).
Deemed to be order under s. 28 Children’s Law Reform Act (2) An order made under subsection (1) and any access order under section 104 that is made at the same time as the order under subsection (1) is deemed to be a parenting order or contact order, as the case may be, made under section 28 of the Children’s Law Reform Act and the court,
(a) may make any order under subsection (1) that the court may make under section 28 of that Act; and
(b) may give any directions that it may give under section 34 of that Act. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 102 (2); 2020, c. 25, Sched. 1, s. 26 (2).
Restraining order (3) When making an order under subsection (1), the court may, without a separate application, make a restraining order in accordance with section 35 of the Children’s Law Reform Act. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 102 (3).
Deemed to be final order under s. 35 Children’s Law Reform Act (4) An order under subsection (3) is deemed to be a final order made under section 35 of the Children’s Law Reform Act, and shall be treated for all purposes as if it had been made under that section. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 102 (4).
Appeal under s. 121 (5) Despite subsections (2) and (4), an order under subsection (1) or (3) and any access order under section 104 that is made at the same time as an order under subsection (1) are orders under this Part for the purposes of appealing from the orders under section 121. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 102 (5).
Conflict of laws (6) No order shall be made under this section if,
(a) an order granting decision-making responsibility with respect to the child has been made under the Divorce Act (Canada); or
(b) in the case of an order that would be made by the Ontario Court of Justice, the order would conflict with an order made by a superior court. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 102 (6); 2020, c. 25, Sched. 1, s. 26 (3).
Application of s. 101 (3) (7) Subsection 101 (3) applies for the purposes of this section.
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Proceedings under Children’s Law Reform Act 103 If, under this Part, a proceeding is commenced or an order for the care, custody or supervision of a child is made, any proceeding under the Children’s Law Reform Act respecting decision-making responsibility, parenting time or contact with respect to the same child is stayed, except by leave of the court in the proceeding under that Act. 2020, c. 25, Sched. 1, s. 26 (4).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Access Access order 104 (1) The court may, in the child’s best interests,
(a) when making an order under this Part; or
(b) upon an application under subsection (2),
make, vary or terminate an order respecting a person’s access to the child or the child’s access to a person, and may impose such terms and conditions on the order as the court considers appropriate.
Who may apply (2) Where a child is in a society’s care and custody or supervision, the following may apply to the court at any time for an order under subsection (1):
1. The child.
2. Any other person, including a sibling of the child and, in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
3. The society.
Notice (3) An applicant referred to in paragraph 2 of subsection (2) shall give notice of the application to the society.
Society to give notice of application (4) A society making or receiving an application under subsection (2) shall give notice of the application to,
(a) the child, subject to subsections 79 (4) and (5) (notice to child);
(b) the child’s parent;
(c) the person caring for the child at the time of the application; and
(d) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the persons described in clauses (a), (b) and (c) and a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
Child older than 16 (5) No order respecting access to a person 16 or older shall be made under subsection (1) without the person’s consent.
Six-month period (6) No application shall be made under subsection (2) by a person other than a society within six months of,
(a) the making of an order under section 101;
(b) the disposition of a previous application by the same person under subsection (2);
(c) the disposition of an application under section 113 or 115; or
(d) the final disposition or abandonment of an appeal from an order referred to in clause (a), (b) or (c),
whichever is later.
No application where child placed for adoption (7) No person or society shall make an application under subsection (2) where the child,
(a) is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c);
(b) has been placed in a person’s home by the society or by a Director for the purpose of adoption under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing); and
(c) still resides in that person’s home.
Access: where child removed from person in charge 105 (1) Where an order is made under paragraph 1 or 2 of subsection 101 (1) removing a child from the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part, the court shall make an order for access by the person unless the court is satisfied that continued contact with the person would not be in the child’s best interests.
Access after custody order under s. 102 (2) If a custody order is made under section 102 removing a child from the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part, the court shall make an order for access by the person unless the court is satisfied that continued contact will not be in the child’s best interests.
Access after supervision order or custody order under s. 116 (1) (3) If an order is made for supervision under clause 116 (1) (a) or for custody under clause 116 (1) (b), the court shall make an order for access by every person who had access before the application for the order was made under section 115, unless the court is satisfied that continued contact will not be in the child’s best interests.
Existing access order terminated if order made for extended society care (4) Where the court makes an order that a child be in extended society care under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c), any order for access made under this Part with respect to the child is terminated.
When court may order access to child in extended society care (5) A court shall not make or vary an access order under section 104 with respect to a child who is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c) unless the court is satisfied that the order or variation would be in the child’s best interests.
Additional considerations for best interests test (6) The court shall consider, as part of its determination of whether an order or variation would be in the child’s best interests under subsection (5),
(a) whether the relationship between the person and the child is beneficial and meaningful to the child; and
(b) if the court considers it relevant, whether the ordered access will impair the child’s future opportunities for adoption.
Court to specify access holders and access recipients (7) Where a court makes or varies an access order under section 104 with respect to a child who is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c), the court shall specify,
(a) every person who has been granted a right of access; and
(b) every person with respect to whom access has been granted.
When court to terminate access to child in extended society care (8) The court shall terminate an access order with respect to a child who is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c) if the order is no longer in the best interests of the child as determined under subsection (6).
Society may permit contact or communication (9) If a society believes that contact or communication between a person and a child who is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c) is in the best interests of the child and no openness order under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing) or access order is in effect with respect to the person and the child, the society may permit contact or communication between the person and the child.
Review of access order made concurrently with custody order 106 No order for access under section 104 is subject to review under this Act if it is made at the same time as a custody order under section 102, but it may be the subject of an application under section 21 of the Children’s Law Reform Act and the provisions of that Act apply as if the order had been made under that Act.
Restriction on access order 107 If a society has applied to a court for an order under this Act respecting access to a child by a parent of the child and the court makes the order, the court shall specify in the order the supervision to which the access is subject if, at the time of making the order, the parent has been charged with or convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada) involving an act of violence against the child or the other parent of the child, unless the court considers it appropriate not to make the access subject to such supervision.
Payment Orders Order for payment by parent 108 (1) Where the court places a child in the care of,
(a) a society; or
(b) a person other than the child’s parent, subject to a society’s supervision,
the court may order a parent or a parent’s estate to pay the society a specified amount at specified intervals for each day the child is in the society’s care or supervision.
Criteria (2) In making an order under subsection (1), the court shall consider those of the following circumstances of the case that the court considers relevant:
1. The assets and means of the child and of the parent or the parent’s estate.
2. The child’s capacity to provide for their own support.
3. The capacity of the parent or the parent’s estate to provide support.
4. The child’s and the parent’s age and physical and mental health.
5. The child’s mental, emotional and physical needs.
6. Any legal obligation of the parent or the parent’s estate to provide support for another person.
7. The child’s aptitude for and reasonable prospects of obtaining an education.
8. Any legal right of the child to support from another source, other than out of public money.
Order ends at 18 (3) No order made under subsection (1) shall extend beyond the day on which the child turns 18.
Power to vary (4) The court may vary, suspend or terminate an order made under subsection (1) where the court is satisfied that the circumstances of the child or parent have changed.
Collection by municipality (5) The council of a municipality may enter into an agreement with the board of directors of a society providing for the collection by the municipality, on the society’s behalf, of the amounts ordered to be paid by a parent under subsection (1).
Enforcement (6) An order made against a parent under subsection (1) may be enforced as if it were an order for support made under Part III of the Family Law Act.
Interim and Extended Society Care Placement of children 109 (1) This section applies where a child is in interim society care under an order made under paragraph 2 of subsection 101 (1) or extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c).
Placement (2) The society having care of a child shall choose a residential placement for the child that,
(a) represents the least restrictive alternative for the child;
(b) where possible, respects the child’s race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, family diversity, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression;
(c) where possible, respects the child’s cultural and linguistic heritage;
(d) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, is with, if possible, a member of the child’s extended family or, if that is not possible,
(i) in the case of a First Nations child, another First Nations family,
(ii) in the case of an Inuk child, another Inuit family, or
(iii) in the case of a Métis child, another Métis family; and
(e) takes into account the child’s views and wishes, given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity, and the views and wishes of any parent who is entitled to access to the child.
Education (3) The society having care of a child shall ensure that the child receives an education that corresponds to the child’s aptitudes and abilities.
Placement outside or removal from Ontario (4) The society having care of a child shall not place the child outside Ontario or permit a person to remove the child from Ontario permanently unless a Director is satisfied that extraordinary circumstances justify the placement or removal.
Rights of child, parent and foster parent (5) The society having care of a child shall ensure that,
(a) the child is afforded all the rights referred to in Part II (Children’s and Young Persons’ Rights); and
(b) the wishes of any parent who is entitled to access to the child and, where the child is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c), of any foster parent with whom the child has lived continuously for two years are taken into account in the society’s major decisions concerning the child.
Change of placement (6) The society having care of a child may remove the child from a foster home or other residential placement where, in the opinion of a Director or local director, it is in the child’s best interests to do so.
Notice of proposed removal (7) If a child is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c) and has lived continuously with a foster parent for two years and a society proposes to remove the child from the foster parent under subsection (6), the society shall,
(a) give the foster parent at least 10 days notice in writing of the proposed removal and of the foster parent’s right to apply for a review under subsection (8); and
(b) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, give the notice required by clause (a), and
(i) give at least 10 days notice in writing of the proposed removal to a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, and
(ii) after the notice is given under subclause (i), consult with representatives chosen by the bands and communities relating to the plan of care for the child.
Application for review (8) A foster parent who receives a notice under clause (7) (a) may, within 10 days after receiving the notice, apply to the Board in accordance with the regulations for a review of the proposed removal.
Board hearing (9) Upon receipt of an application by a foster parent for a review of a proposed removal, the Board shall hold a hearing under this section.
First Nations, Inuk or Métis child (10) Upon receipt of an application for review of a proposed removal of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the Board shall also give notice of receipt of the application and of the date of the hearing to a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
Practices and procedures (11) The Statutory Powers Procedure Act applies to a hearing under this section and the Board shall comply with such additional practices and procedures as may be prescribed.
Composition of Board (12) At a hearing under this section, the Board shall be composed of members with the prescribed qualifications and prescribed experience.
Parties (13) The following persons are parties to a hearing under this section:
1. The applicant.
2. The society.
3. If the child is a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the persons described in paragraphs 1 and 2 and a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
4. Any person that the Board adds under subsection (14).
Additional parties (14) The Board may add a person as a party to a review if, in the Board’s opinion, it is necessary to do so in order to decide all the issues in the review.
Board decision (15) The Board shall, in accordance with its determination of which action is in the best interests of the child, confirm the proposal to remove the child or direct the society not to carry out the proposed removal, and shall give written reasons for its decision.
No removal before decision (16) Subject to subsection (17), the society shall not carry out the proposed removal of the child unless,
(a) the time for applying for a review of the proposed removal under subsection (8) has expired and an application is not made; or
(b) if an application for a review of the proposed removal is made under subsection (8), the Board has confirmed the proposed removal under subsection (15).
Where child at risk (17) A society may remove the child from the foster home before the expiry of the time for applying for a review under subsection (8) or at any time after the application for a review is made if, in the opinion of a local director, there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer harm during the time necessary for a review by the Board.
Review of certain placements (18) Sections 63, 64, 65 and 66 (review by residential placement advisory committee, further review by the Board) apply with necessary modifications to a residential placement made by a society under this section.
Definition (19) In this section,
“residential placement” has the same meaning as in section 62.
Child in interim society care 110 (1) Where a child is in interim society care under an order made under paragraph 2 of subsection 101 (1), the society has the rights and responsibilities of a parent for the purpose of the child’s care, custody and control.
Consent to treatment — society or parent may act (2) Where a child is in interim society care under an order made under paragraph 2 of subsection 101 (1), and the child is found incapable of consenting to treatment under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, the society may act in the place of a parent in providing consent to treatment on behalf of the child, unless the court orders that the parent shall retain the authority under that Act to give or refuse consent to treatment on behalf of the incapable child.
Exception (3) The court shall not make an order under subsection (2) where failure to consent to necessary treatment was a ground for finding that the child was in need of protection.
Court may authorize society to act re consent to treatment (4) Where a parent referred to in an order made under subsection (2) refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to treatment for the incapable child and the court is satisfied that the treatment would be in the child’s best interests, the court may authorize the society to act in the place of a parent in providing consent to the treatment on the child’s behalf.
Consent to child’s marriage (5) Where a child is in interim society care under an order made under paragraph 2 of subsection 101 (1), the child’s parent retains any right that the parent may have under the Marriage Act to give or refuse consent to the child’s marriage.
Child in extended society care 111 (1) Where a child is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c), the Crown has the rights and responsibilities of a parent for the purpose of the child’s care, custody and control, and the Crown’s powers, duties and obligations in respect of the child, except those assigned to a Director by this Act or the regulations, shall be exercised and performed by the society caring for the child.
Consent to treatment — society may act (2) Where a child is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c), and the child is found incapable of consenting to treatment under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, the society may act in the place of a parent in providing consent to treatment on behalf of the child.
Society’s obligation to pursue family relationship for child in extended society care 112 Where a child is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c), the society shall make all reasonable efforts to assist the child to develop a positive, secure and enduring relationship within a family through one of the following:
1. An adoption.
2. A custody order under subsection 116 (1).
3. In the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child,
i. a plan for customary care,
ii. an adoption, or
iii. a custody order under subsection 116 (1).
Review Status review 113 (1) This section applies where a child is the subject of an order made under paragraph 1 or 4 of subsection 101 (1) for society supervision or under paragraph 2 of subsection 101 (1) for interim society care.
Society to seek status review (2) The society having care, custody or supervision of a child,
(a) may apply to the court at any time for a review of the child’s status;
(b) shall apply to the court for a review of the child’s status before the order expires, unless the expiry is by reason of section 123; and
(c) shall apply to the court for a review of the child’s status within five days after removing the child, if the society has removed the child from the care of a person with whom the child was placed under an order for society supervision.
Application of subs. (2) (a) and (c) (3) If a child is the subject of an order for society supervision, clauses (2) (a) and (c) also apply to the society that has jurisdiction in the county or district in which the parent or other person with whom the child is placed resides.
Others may seek status review (4) An application for review of a child’s status may be made on notice to the society by,
(a) the child, if the child is at least 12;
(b) a parent of the child;
(c) the person with whom the child was placed under an order for society supervision; or
(d) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, a person described in clause (a), (b) or (c) or a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
Notice (5) A society making an application under subsection (2) or receiving notice of an application under subsection (4) shall give notice of the application to,
(a) the child, except as otherwise provided under subsection 79 (4) or (5);
(b) the child’s parent;
(c) the person with whom the child was placed under an order for society supervision;
(d) any foster parent who has cared for the child continuously during the six months immediately before the application; and
(e) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the persons described in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) and a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
Six-month period (6) No application shall be made under subsection (4) within six months after the latest of,
(a) the day the original order was made under subsection 101 (1);
(b) the day the last application by a person under subsection (4) was disposed of; or
(c) the day any appeal from an order referred to in clause (a) or the disposition referred to in clause (b) was finally disposed of or abandoned.
Exception (7) Subsection (6) does not apply if the court is satisfied that a major element of the plan for the child’s care that the court applied in its decision is not being carried out.
Interim care and custody (8) If an application is made under this section, the child shall remain in the care and custody of the person or society having charge of the child until the application is disposed of, unless the court is satisfied that the child’s best interests require a change in the child’s care and custody.
Court may vary, etc. 114 Where an application for review of a child’s status is made under section 113, the court may, in the child’s best interests,
(a) vary or terminate the original order made under subsection 101 (1), including a term or condition or a provision for access that is part of the order;
(b) order that the original order terminate on a specified future date;
(c) make a further order or orders under section 101; or
(d) make an order under section 102.
Status review for children in, or formerly in, extended society care 115 (1) This section applies where a child is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c), or is subject to an order for society supervision made under clause 116 (1) (a) or for custody made under clause 116 (1) (b).
Society to seek status review (2) The society that has or had care, custody or supervision of the child,
(a) may apply to the court at any time, subject to subsection (9), for a review of the child’s status;
(b) shall apply to the court for a review of the child’s status before the order expires if the order is for society supervision, unless the expiry is by reason of section 123; and
(c) shall apply to the court for a review of the child’s status within five days after removing the child, if the society has removed the child,
(i) from the care of a person with whom the child was placed under an order for society supervision described in clause 116 (1) (a), or
(ii) from the custody of a person who had custody of the child under a custody order described in clause 116 (1) (b).
Application of subs. (2) (a) and (c) (3) Clauses (2) (a) and (c) also apply to the society that has jurisdiction in the county or district,
(a) in which the parent or other person with whom the child is placed resides, if the child is the subject of an order for society supervision under clause 116 (1) (a); or
(b) in which the person who has custody resides, if the child is the subject of a custody order under clause 116 (1) (b).
Others may seek status review (4) An application for review of a child’s status under this section may be made on notice to the society by,
(a) the child, if the child is at least 12;
(b) a parent of the child;
(c) the person with whom the child was placed under an order for society supervision described in clause 116 (1) (a);
(d) the person to whom custody of the child was granted, if the child is subject to an order for custody described in clause 116 (1) (b);
(e) a foster parent, if the child has lived continuously with the foster parent for at least two years immediately before the application; or
(f) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, a person described in clause (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) or a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
When leave to apply required (5) Despite clause (4) (b), a parent of a child shall not make an application under subsection (4) without leave of the court if the child has, immediately before the application, received continuous care for at least two years from the same foster parent or from the same person under a custody order.
Notice (6) A society making an application under subsection (2) or receiving notice of an application under subsection (4) shall give notice of the application to,
(a) the child, except as otherwise provided under subsection 79 (4) or (5);
(b) the child’s parent, if the child is younger than 16;
(c) the person with whom the child was placed, if the child is subject to an order for society supervision described in clause 116 (1) (a);
(d) the person to whom custody of the child was granted, if the child is subject to an order for custody described in clause 116 (1) (b);
(e) any foster parent who has cared for the child continuously during the six months immediately before the application; and
(f) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the persons described in clause (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) and a representative chosen by each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities.
Six-month period (7) No application shall be made under subsection (4) within six months after the latest of,
(a) the day the order was made under subsection 101 (1) or 116 (1), whichever is applicable;
(b) the day the last application by a person under subsection (4) was disposed of; or
(c) the day any appeal from an order referred to in clause (a) or a disposition referred to in clause (b) was finally disposed of or abandoned.
Exception (8) Subsection (7) does not apply if,
(a) the child is the subject of,
(i) an order for society supervision made under clause 116 (1) (a),
(ii) an order for custody made under clause 116 (1) (b), or
(iii) an order for extended society care made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c) and an order for access under section 104; and
(b) the court is satisfied that a major element of the plan for the child’s care that the court applied in its decision is not being carried out.
No review if child placed for adoption (9) No person or society shall make an application under this section with respect to a child who is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c) who has been placed in a person’s home by the society or by a Director for the purposes of adoption under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licensing), if the child still resides in the person’s home.
Interim care and custody (10) If an application is made under this section, the child shall remain in the care and custody of the person or society having charge of the child until the application is disposed of, unless the court is satisfied that the child’s best interests require a change in the child’s care and custody.
Court order 116 (1) If an application for review of a child’s status is made under section 115, the court may, in the child’s best interests,
(a) order that the child be placed in the care and custody of a parent or another person, subject to the supervision of the society, for a specified period of at least three months and not more than 12 months;
(b) order that custody be granted to one or more persons, including a foster parent, with the consent of the person or persons;
(c) order that the child be placed in extended society care until the order is terminated under this section or expires under section 123; or
(d) terminate or vary any order made under section 101 or this section. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 116 (1).
Variation, termination or new order (2) When making an order under subsection (1), the court may, subject to section 105, vary or terminate an order for access or make a further order under section 104. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 116 (2).
Termination of extended society care order (3) Any previous order for extended society care made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause (1) (c) is terminated if an order described in clause (1) (a) or (b) is made in respect of a child. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 116 (3).
Terms and conditions of supervision order (4) If the court makes a supervision order described in clause (1) (a), the court may impose,
(a) reasonable terms and conditions relating to the child’s care and supervision;
(b) reasonable terms and conditions on,
(i) the child’s parent,
(ii) the person who will have care and custody of the child under the order,
(iii) the child, and
(iv) any other person, other than a foster parent, who is putting forward a plan or who would participate in a plan for care and custody of or access to the child; and
(c) reasonable terms and conditions on the society that will supervise the placement, but shall not require the society to provide financial assistance or purchase any goods or services. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 116 (4).
Access (5) Section 105 applies with necessary modifications if the court makes an order described in clause (1) (a), (b) or (c). 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 116 (5).
Proceedings under Children’s Law Reform Act (6) If an order is made under this section or a proceeding is commenced under this Part, any proceeding under the Children’s Law Reform Act respecting decision-making responsibility, parenting time or contact with respect to the same child is stayed, except by leave of the court in the proceeding under that Act. 2020, c. 25, Sched. 1, s. 26 (5).
Rights and responsibilities (7) A person to whom custody of a child is granted by an order under this section has the rights and responsibilities of a parent in respect of the child and must exercise those rights and responsibilities in the best interests of the child. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1, s. 116 (7).
Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)
Director’s annual review of children in extended society care 117 (1) A Director or a person authorized by a Director shall, at least once during each calendar year, review the status of every child,
(a) who is in extended society care under an order made under paragraph 3 of subsection 101 (1) or clause 116 (1) (c);
(b) who was in extended society care under an order described in clause (a) throughout the immediately preceding 24 months; and
(c) whose status has not been reviewed under this section or under section 116 during that time.
Direction to society (2) After a review under subsection (1), the Director may direct the society to make an application for review of the child’s status under subsection 115 (2) or give any other direction that, in the Director’s opinion, is in the child’s best interests.
Investigation by judge 118 (1) The Minister may appoint a judge of the Court of Ontario to investigate a matter relating to a child in a society’s care or the proper administration of this Part, and a judge who is appointed shall conduct the investigation and make a written report to the Minister.
Application of Public Inquiries Act, 2009 (2) Section 33 of the Public Inquiries Act, 2009 applies to an investigation by a judge under subsection (1).
Complaint to society 119 (1) A person may make a complaint to a society relating to a service sought or received by that person from the society in accordance with the regulations.
Complaint review procedure (2) Where a society receives a complaint under subsection (1), it shall deal with the complaint in accordance with the complaint review procedure established by regulation, subject to subsection 120 (2).
Public availability (3) A society shall make information relating to the complaint review procedure available to the public and to any person upon request.
Society’s decision (4) Subject to subsection (5), the decision of a society made upon completion of the complaint review procedure is final.
Application for review by Board (5) If a complaint relates to one of the following matters, the complainant may apply to the Board in accordance with the regulations for a review of the decision made by the society upon completion of the complaint review procedure:
1. A matter described in subsection 120 (4).
2. Any other prescribed matter.
Review by Board (6) Upon receipt of an application under subsection (5), the Board shall give the society notice of the application and conduct a review of the society’s decision.
Composition of Board (7) The Board shall be composed of members with the prescribed qualifications and prescribed experience.
Hearing optional (8) The Board may hold a hearing and, if a hearing is held, the Board shall comply with the prescribed practices and procedures.
Non-application (9) The Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply to a hearing under this section.
Board decision (10) Upon completing its review of a decision by a society in relation to a complaint, the Board may,
(a) in the case of a matter described in subsection 120 (4), make any order described in subsection 120 (7), as appropriate;
(b) redirect the matter to the society for further review;
(c) confirm the society’s decision; or
(d) make such other order as may be prescribed.
No review if matter within purview of court (11) A society shall not conduct a review of a complaint under this section if the subject of the complaint,
(a) is an issue that has been decided by the court or is before the court; or
(b) is subject to another decision-making process under this Act or the Labour Relations Act, 1995.
120 (1) If a complaint in respect of a service sought or received from a society relates to a matter described in subsection (4), the person who sought or received the service may,
- (a) decide not to make the complaint to the society under section 119 and make the complaint directly to the Board under this section; or
- (b) where the person first makes the complaint to the society under section 119, submit the complaint to the Board before the society’s complaint review procedure is completed.
(2) If a person submits a complaint to the Board under clause (1) (b) after having brought the complaint to the society under section 119, the Board shall give the society notice of that fact and the society may terminate or stay its review, as it considers appropriate.
(3) A complaint to the Board under this section shall be made in accordance with the regulations.
(4) The following matters may be reviewed by the Board under this section:
- 1. Allegations that the society has refused to proceed with a complaint made by the complainant under subsection 119 (1) as required under subsection 119 (2).
- 2. Allegations that the society has failed to respond to the complainant’s complaint within the timeframe required by regulation.
- 3. Allegations that the society has failed to comply with the complaint review procedure or with any other procedural requirements under this Act relating to the review of complaints.
- 4. Allegations that the society has failed to comply with subsection 15 (2).
- 5. Allegations that the society has failed to provide the complainant with reasons for a decision that affects the complainant’s interests.
- 6. Such other matters as may be prescribed.
References
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