The Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) governs many of the province's programs and services for children and youth, including:

  • Child welfare;
  • Youth justice services;
  • Secure treatment;
  • Children's developmental services;
  • Residential services;
  • Community support services;
  • Indian and native child and family services; and
  • Adoption within Ontario.

The CFSA's main purpose is to promote the best interests, protection and well-being of children and youth.

A review every five years

The Minister of Children and Youth Services is required to review the Act or specified provisions of the Act and report back to the public on the review every five years.

Review of the CFSA

The 2015 review explored possible changes to the CFSA while targeting two key areas: improving outcomes for children and youth, and modernizing and clarifying the language of the Act.

The ministry met with key stakeholders, including youth, parents, service providers and other partners from October to December 2014 to gather input.

The public engagement process included:

  • Regional engagement sessions
  • Engagement with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Aboriginal partners
  • Written submissions.

The report summarizes what children, youth, families and service providers in Ontario said about the ways the Act affects their lives - and the things about the Act that could be strengthened or improved. Thank you to all those who participated in the review.

Executive summaries

Next steps

The contributions to the review will be taken into account as the government considers updating child and family services legislation. The government will also continue to engage with partners, services providers, families and youth, as well as those with lived experiences, as it explores key areas for updating legislation.

If you have any comments about the Review, you can either submit them by e-mail at: CFSAreview@ontario.ca.

Or by mail to:
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Strategic Planning and Aboriginal Relationships Branch
CFSA Review
101 Bloor St., 4th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2Z7