O. Reg. 156/18: GENERAL MATTERS UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER, Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, S.O. 2017, c. 14, Sched. 1
Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
GENERAL MATTERS UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER
Historical version for the period October 1, 2021 to January 24, 2022.
Last amendment: 685/21.
Legislative History: 78/19, 87/20 (as am. by 301/20, 664/20, 140/21), 208/20, 301/20, 506/20, 664/20, 700/20, 140/21, 685/21.
This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.
CONTENTS
Definitions |
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Interpretation, identity characteristics |
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Service provider to take into account matters |
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Service provider to provide information, inquire |
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Resource person |
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First Nations, Inuk or Métis child — complementary services |
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Training |
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Procedures |
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Books of account |
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Audit of books of account |
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Information to be provided to Minister |
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Budget allocation and spending plan |
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Payments, adjustments |
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Expenditure limit |
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Accountability agreements |
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Summary of compliance order against society |
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Local director |
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Other society staff |
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Application for financial assistance |
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Summary of compliance order against service provider, lead agency |
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Determination of Bands or First Nations, Inuit or Métis Communities with which a Child Identifies |
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Determination of bands, communities with which child identifies |
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Requirements to be listed as a First Nations, Inuit or Métis community |
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Consultation with Bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis Communities |
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Invitation to discuss agreement re consultation |
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Society to keep updated contact information |
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Notice re consultation, s. 73 of Act |
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Manner of giving notice |
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Response to notice |
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Documentation required |
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Prescribed services and powers, s. 73 of the Act |
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Child Protection Service Requirements for Referrals, Investigations and Ongoing Service |
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Society’s procedure, upon receiving information |
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Society’s procedure, investigation |
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Society’s procedure, after investigation |
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Duty to inquire re register |
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Report, follow-up report re verified information |
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Warrant for access to record |
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Telewarrant |
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Warrant, information under ss. 83, 85 of Act |
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Application of sections 39 to 44 |
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First Nations, Inuk or Métis child |
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Placement in care of relative, etc., society apprised of plan before placement |
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Child already living with relative, etc., society apprised of plan after placement |
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Placement with relative, etc., outside of society’s jurisdiction |
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Documentation, procedures not followed |
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Response to request for information |
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Procedures prior to placement |
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Procedures after placement |
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Response to request for information |
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Temporary care agreement |
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Examinations and treatment, medical, etc. |
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Child to visit home before placement |
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Visits by child protection worker, etc. |
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Application to adopt or board a child |
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Definitions |
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Home visits and in-person interviews |
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Examinations and treatment, medical, etc. |
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Records |
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Adoption of additional measures |
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Support, s. 124 of the Act |
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Care and support |
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Prescribed support service, Renewed Youth Supports |
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Complaint in writing |
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Eligibility for review |
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Notice if not eligible for review |
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Notice if eligible for review |
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Members of Internal Complaints Review Panel |
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Scheduling of meeting |
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Attendance at meeting |
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Summary of results of meeting |
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Resolution of complaint |
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Forms |
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Definition |
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Registration of placement by society or licensee |
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Registration of placement by Director |
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Acknowledgement of adoption placement |
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Director’s review, notice of proposed placement, s. 188 of the Act |
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Director’s review, proposed placement, s. 190 of the Act |
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Licensee’s trust account |
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Licensee’s record of money received, expenditures |
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Licensee’s financial reports |
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Licensee, society to open and maintain files |
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Application, licence to place children for adoption |
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Licensee to provide information re change |
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Definitions |
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Prescribed offences |
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Additional requirements for applicants, children’s residences |
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Operation of a children’s residence |
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Policies and procedures |
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Orientation re policies and procedures |
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Serious occurrence reporting |
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Request for admission |
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Assessment of child |
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Admission process |
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Agreement re residential care |
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Admission of residents — medical and dental treatment |
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Orientation of child or young person |
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Transfer or discharge of a resident |
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Register |
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Resident case record |
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Resident plan of care |
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Daily log |
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Maintenance of premises |
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Requirements re premises |
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Minimum staffing requirements |
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Training re fire extinguishers |
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Staff immunizations, medical assessments |
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Educational planning |
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Nutrition |
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First aid kit |
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Provision of health care |
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Storage of medication |
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Administration of medication |
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Medical isolation |
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Recommendations of the medical officer of health |
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Discipline |
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Clothing |
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Fire and emergency procedures plan |
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Fire safety requirements |
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Fire inspections |
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Prohibition on firearms |
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Financial records |
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Insurance |
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Provision of Residential Care in Places that are not Children’s Residences or Foster Homes |
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Application of rules to licensee |
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Foster home administration |
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Policies and procedures |
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Orientation re policies and procedures |
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Approval of foster parents |
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Supervision and support re foster parents, foster homes |
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Annual review of foster home |
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Records re foster homes |
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Rules respecting placement in a foster home |
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Register |
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Assessment of child |
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Review of foster plan of care |
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Placement of child |
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Same |
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Foster care service agreement |
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Foster child file |
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Fire and emergency procedures plan |
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Fire safety requirements |
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Storage of medication |
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Firearms |
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Records and Reporting Requirements (Requirements for All Licensees) |
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Records |
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Financial reporting |
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Change in officers or directors |
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Death of a resident |
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Delivery of records, prescribed person |
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Alternative Procedures Due to the Emergency for Licensees Providing Residential Care |
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Definitions |
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Supervision and support of foster homes |
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Foster home reviews |
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Records |
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Maximum number of foster children |
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Annual review of policies and procedures |
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Medical documentation |
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Foster care service agreement |
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Statement by physician |
Definitions
“child and family service authority” means a First Nations, Inuit or Métis child and family service authority designated under section 70 of the Act; (“fournisseur de services aux familles et aux enfants”)
“Child Protection Fast Track Information System” means the database containing information extracted from the records kept by societies respecting children and families with whom the societies have had contact in connection with their function under clause 35 (1) (a) of the Act; (“Système Info express pour la protection de l’enfance”)
“Child Protection Standards” means the Ministry publication titled “Ontario Child Protection Standards (2016)” and available on a website of the Government of Ontario; (“Normes de protection de l’enfance”)
“child welfare service” means,
(a) residential care,
(b) a service provided under Part V (Child Protection) of the Act, or
(c) a service provided under Part VIII (Adoption and Adoption Licencing) of the Act. (“service de bien-être de l’enfance”)
Interpretation, identity characteristics
2. In this Regulation, a reference to a child’s identity characteristics means a reference to the child’s race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, family diversity, disability, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or cultural or linguistic needs.
Providing Services to Children, Young Persons and Families
Service provider to take into account matters
3. (1) A service provider shall, in making a decision about a child that materially affects or is likely to materially affect the child’s interests, take into account the child’s identity characteristics and regional differences.
(2) In addition to complying with subsection (1), when providing services to First Nations, Inuit or Métis children and their families, a service provider shall take into account the child’s cultures, heritages, traditions, connection to community and the concept of the extended family.
(3) The service provider shall document how it took into account the matters mentioned in subsections (1) and (2).
Service provider to provide information, inquire
4. (1) A service provider shall comply with this section,
(a) as part of the process of the service provider beginning to provide a service to a child;
(b) as part of the process of the service provider making a decision respecting a service provided to the child if the decision materially affects or is likely to materially affect the child’s interests; and
(c) when the service provider becomes aware of new information that suggests that a child has an identity characteristic previously unknown to the service provider or that an identity characteristic of the child may have changed.
(2) Subject to subsection (4), the service provider shall inform the child and the following individuals about the service provider’s obligation to take into account the identity characteristics of the child and regional differences:
1. In the case of a child who is not in the care of a society, a parent of the child.
2. In the case of a child who is in the care of a society, except for extended society care, a person who was the child’s parent immediately before the child was placed in the care of the society.
3. In the case of a child who is being cared for under customary care, the person who, immediately before the child was placed in customary care, was the child’s parent.
(3) Subject to subsection (4) and in addition to complying with subsection (2), in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the service provider shall inform the child and the individuals described in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of subsection (2) about the service provider’s obligation to take into account the child’s cultures, heritages, traditions, connection to community and the concept of the extended family.
(4) The requirements in this section apply in respect of an individual described in paragraph 1, 2 or 3 of subsection (2) only if,
(a) to the knowledge of the service provider, the individual is aware that the child is receiving the service provided by the service provider; and
(b) the service provider is able to contact the individual after making reasonable efforts to do so.
(5) The service provider shall,
(a) ask the child what information, if any, the child wishes to have the service provider take into account when making decisions,
(i) in relation to the child’s identity characteristics, and
(ii) in relation to regional differences, such as the fact that the child is from a region that is different from the region in which the services may be provided to the child;
(b) in addition to complying with clause (a), in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, ask the child what information about the child’s cultures, heritages, traditions, connection to community and the concept of the extended family the child wishes to have the service provider take into account in relation to any aspect of providing services to the child and the child’s family;
(c) ask the child how the child wishes to have the service provider take into account any information identified under this section;
(d) inform the child that, at any time, the child may provide the service provider with additional information in relation to matters referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c);
(e) offer the child the opportunity to name one or more individuals as resource persons as described in section 5;
(f) if the service provider is required to provide information to an individual under subsection (2),
(i) ask the individual what information, if any, in relation to matters described in subclauses (a) (i) and (ii) they wish to have the service provider take into account when making decisions,
(ii) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, ask the individual what information, if any, about the child’s cultures, heritages, traditions, connection to community and the concept of the extended family they wish the service provider to take into account in relation to any aspect of providing services to the child and the child’s family,
(iii) ask the individual how they wish to have the service provider take into account any information identified under this section; and
(iv) offer the individual the opportunity to name one or more individuals as resource persons as described in section 5.
(6) If the child is unable to communicate to the service provider whether or not there is any information that the child wishes to have the service provider take into account in response to any of the inquiries under subsection (5) and there is no individual to whom information is provided under subsection (2), the service provider shall make reasonable efforts to determine if any of this information is otherwise available to the service provider and that the service provider considers to be reliable from,
(a) the service provider’s file;
(b) another service provider, if any, that referred the child to the service provider to whom this section applies; or
(c) subject to subsection (7), a relative or sibling of the child who may reasonably be expected to have such information.
(7) The requirement in clause (6) (c) applies in respect of a relative or sibling only if,
(a) to the knowledge of the service provider, the relative or sibling is aware that the child is receiving the service provided by the service provider; and
(b) the service provider is able to contact the relative or sibling after making reasonable efforts to do so.
(8) The service provider shall document the steps it took to comply with this section, including the information it provided and received and how it took into account information under this section.
Resource person
5. (1) A child who is offered an opportunity as described in clause 4 (5) (e) or an individual who is offered an opportunity as described in subclause 4 (5) (f) (iv) may name an individual as a resource person whose role, on a voluntary basis, is,
(a) to assist the service provider in taking into account one or more identity characteristics of the child or regional differences when making a decision that will materially affect or may materially affect the child’s interests; and
(b) in the case of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, to assist the service provider in taking into account the child’s cultures, heritages, traditions, connection to community and the concept of the extended family in relation to any aspect of providing services to the child and the child’s family.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), if an individual is named as a resource person, the service provider shall do the following:
1. As soon as practicable, contact the resource person for the purposes of,
i. informing the resource person of the types of decisions, if any, that the service provider reasonably anticipates needing to make with respect to the child that would or would be likely to materially affect the child’s interests, and
ii. receiving any information the resource person wishes to provide to the service provider for the purposes described in subsection (1).
2. Subject to subsection (4), make reasonable efforts to be available to the resource person when the resource person contacts the service provider.
3. Contact the resource person at any time when the service provider is making a decision that would or would be likely to materially affect the child’s interests and receive any information the resource person wishes to provide for the purposes described in subsection (1).
(3) If the child or individual who named the resource person subsequently indicates to the service provider that they no longer wish for that resource person to be contacted, or if a person named as a resource person declines to act or to continue acting in that role, the service provider shall cease contacting the resource person and shall ask the child or individual who named that resource person whether they wish to name another resource person.
(4) The service provider may, as the service provider considers to be appropriate, determine the times, places and methods of communicating with a resource person.
(5) The service provider shall document the steps it took to comply with this section, including the information it provided and received and how it took into account information under this section.
First Nations, Inuk or Métis child — complementary services
6. (1) A service provider who is providing a service to a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child shall make reasonable efforts to determine whether there are services, programs or activities that may complement the service and support the objectives of the service or that would further the additional purpose set out in paragraph 6 of subsection 1 (2) of the Act with respect to the child that are offered or recommended by,
(a) any of the child’s bands or First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities; or
(b) if the child does not have a band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community, an organization that is closely linked to the child’s cultures, heritages and traditions.
(2) If the service provider determines that such a service, program or activity is available, the service provider shall,
(a) ask the child if the child wishes to receive the service or participate in the program or activity; and
(b) if so, make reasonable efforts to facilitate the child receiving the service or participating in the program or activity in addition to continuing to receive the service from the service provider.
(3) The service provider shall document the steps it took to comply with this section.
Training
7. (1) A service provider shall, no later than January 1, 2019, ensure that the following persons are provided with training with respect to the matters set out in subsection (2):
1. Any person who, in the course of their employment with the service provider or otherwise on behalf of the service provider, makes decisions that may materially affect a child’s interests.
2. Any person who, in the course of their employment with the service provider or otherwise on behalf of the service provider is involved in providing services to a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child.
(2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) are identity characteristics, regional differences, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, heritages, traditions, connection to community and the concept of the extended family.
(3) A service provider shall ensure that any person mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection (1) who has not previously received training with respect to the matters set out in subsection (2) receives the training within eight months after beginning to make decisions as described in paragraph 1 of subsection (1) or being involved in providing services as described in paragraph 2 of subsection (1).
Procedures
8. A service provider shall, no later than January 1, 2019, maintain written procedures reflecting the requirements set out in sections 3 to 7 and shall make them available to any person mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection 7 (1).
Financial Records of Societies
Books of account
9. (1) A society shall keep books of account that set out,
(a) the revenue and expenditures of the society, itemized according to each service provided by the society; and
(b) money received by the society from sources other than under the Act.
(2) Each book of account shall be kept for at least eight years from the date of the last entry in the book for a particular year.
Audit of books of account
10. (1) A society shall ensure that the books of account mentioned in section 9 are audited annually by a public accountant who is licensed or holds a certificate of authorization under the Public Accounting Act, 2004 who is not a member of the Board or an employee of the society or an employee of a corporation with which the society may have a non-arm’s length relationship.
(2) A society shall ensure that the public accountant who is licensed or holds a certificate of authorization under the Public Accounting Act, 2004 prepares a report in respect of the audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards as set out in the CPA Canada Handbook published by the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Canada, as amended from time to time.
(3) In subsection (1),
“non-arm’s length relationship” means a relationship between two parties such that one party has the ability to exercise, directly or indirectly, control or significant influence over the operating and financial decisions of the other party.
Information to be provided to Minister
11. (1) A society shall provide to the Minister, on or before the last day of the fourth month following the end of its fiscal year,
(a) the report mentioned in subsection 10 (2);
(b) the annual financial statement of the society; and
(c) a reconciliation report, prepared in the manner specified by the Minister, including a calculation of the financial assistance payable by Ontario, the actual payments made by Ontario with respect to the fiscal year and a calculation made of the balance that may be owing by or repayable to Ontario.
(2) A society shall provide to the Minister, on a monthly or quarterly basis as specified by the Minister, a financial report prepared in the manner specified by the Minister that includes statistics on the services provided by the society.
(3) A society shall provide to the Minister an annual report, prepared in the manner specified by the Minister, on expenditures and revenues of each children’s residence licensed under Part IX of the Act that is operated by the society.
Budgets and Accountability Agreements
Budget allocation and spending plan
12. (1) The Minister shall determine an approved budget allocation for each society in accordance with a funding model developed by the Minister and provide the approved budget allocation to each society on a date fixed by the Minister.
(2) After receiving its approved budget allocation, each society shall submit to the Minister, on or before a date specified by the Minister, a plan for spending the budget allocation, prepared in the manner specified by the Minister.
(3) A society’s plan for spending the budget allocation shall provide for spending that does not exceed its approved budget allocation.
Payments, adjustments
13. (1) An amount paid to a society under subsection 40 (1) of the Act shall not exceed the amount of its approved budget allocation.
(2) Before the budget allocation of a society has been approved for its fiscal year, amounts may be paid to it under subsection 40 (1) of the Act for that fiscal year based on the approved budget allocation for the preceding year.
(3) An amount paid under subsection 40 (1) of the Act may be adjusted by the Minister upon receipt of the annual financial statement and the reconciliation report of the society.
(4) The amount of an adjustment to an approved budget allocation,
(a) shall be refunded by the society to Ontario when Ontario so requests; or
(b) shall be taken into account in determining the approved budget allocation for the subsequent fiscal year.
Expenditure limit
14. A society shall expend its approved budget allocation solely in performing its functions under subsection 35 (1) of the Act.
Accountability agreements
15. For the purposes of subsection 41 (4) of the Act, an accountability agreement entered into between a society and the Minister may include terms,
(a) requiring the society to report to the Minister, in the manner specified by the Minister, such information as the Minister may request within the time period specified by the Minister;
(b) requiring the society to meet performance goals, objectives and obligations set out in the agreement;
(c) requiring the society to meet performance standards, targets and measures set out in the agreement;
(d) requiring the society to comply with a performance management process for the society, as described in the agreement; and
(e) requiring the society to comply with such other terms related to service quality, good governance, fiscal responsibility and achieving value for money through efficient and effective service delivery, as determined to be necessary by the Minister.
Summary of compliance order against society
16. (1) For the purposes of clause 43 (4) (b) of the Act, the summary of an order shall include the following information:
1. The name of the society against whom the order was made.
2. The date the order was made.
3. The nature of the non-compliance resulting in the order.
(2) The summary of an order shall be posted on the Ministry’s website no later than 60 days after the order is made and shall remain on the website for a period of at least 12 months after the day on which it is posted.
Local director
17. (1) A local director shall be an individual who meets one of the following sets of criteria:
1. The individual meets both of the following criteria:
i. The individual has,
A. a professional degree in social work from a school of social work in Canada that is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education — Association Canadienne pour la formation en travail social, or
B. an educational degree, which in the opinion of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is equivalent to a degree described in sub-subparagraph A.
ii. The individual is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers who holds a general certificate of registration for social work and has at least three years of professional experience working in a child welfare service.
2. The individual has educational qualifications and professional experience that are, in the opinion of the Minister, suitable for the position.
3. Revoked: O. Reg. 156/18, s. 143 (1).
O. Reg. 156/18, ss. 17 (1), 143 (1).
(2) An individual who is qualified under paragraph 1 of subsection (1) to be a local director must, at all times during the appointment as local director, hold a general certificate of registration for social work issued by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 17 (2).
(3), (4) Revoked: O. Reg. 156/18, s. 143 (2).
Other society staff
18. (1) A society child welfare service supervisor shall be an individual who,
(a) has a professional degree in social work from a school of social work in Canada that is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education - Association Canadienne pour la formation en travail social, or a diploma in social service work; or
(b) has educational qualifications and experience that are, in the opinion of the local director, suitable for the position of supervising child protection workers and other persons employed by the society in providing a child welfare service.
(2) For the purposes of the definition of “child protection worker” in subsection 74 (1) of the Act, the prescribed requirement is that the person must be an employee of a society.
Service Providers and Lead Agencies
Application for financial assistance
19. (1) A service provider or a lead agency may apply to the Minister, in the manner specified by the Minister, for funding for the establishment, management, operation, location, construction, alteration or renovation of buildings in which services are provided.
(2) The Minister shall assess the application, taking into consideration such factors as the Minister considers to be appropriate, which may include whether the proposed funding would align with current government policy, ministry priorities for programs and services funded under the Act and whether the proposed funding would achieve value for money.
(3) The Minister shall, as the Minister considers to be appropriate,
(a) approve the application, which approval may be subject to such conditions and amendments to the amount of funding as the Minister considers to be appropriate; or
(b) refuse to approve the application.
Summary of compliance order against service provider, lead agency
20. (1) For the purposes of clause 33 (4) (b) of the Act, the summary of an order shall include the following information:
1. The name of the service provider or lead agency against whom the order was made.
2. The date the order was made.
3. The nature of the non-compliance resulting in the order.
(2) The summary of an order shall be posted on the Ministry’s website no later than 60 days after the order is made and shall remain on the website for a period of at least 12 months after the day on which it is posted.
Determination of Bands or First Nations, Inuit or Métis Communities with which a Child Identifies
Determination of bands, communities with which child identifies
21. The bands or First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities with which a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child identifies, if any, are determined in accordance with the following rules:
1. If the views of the child can be ascertained, the bands or First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities with which the child identifies are any bands or First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities with which the child indicates that they identify.
2. If the views of the child cannot be ascertained, the bands or First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities with which the child identifies are any bands or First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities that a parent of the child indicates are bands or communities with which the child identifies.
Requirements to be listed as a First Nations, Inuit or Métis community
22. The Minister shall not list a community as a First Nations, Inuit or Métis community for the purposes of the Act unless the following requirements are met:
1. The community must be a community of either First Nations, Inuit or Métis peoples with shared culture, heritage and traditions.
2. The community must have established a representative governing body.
3. The community’s representative governing body must have requested that the Minister list the community in the regulation.
Consultation with Bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis Communities
Invitation to discuss agreement re consultation
23. (1) A society shall provide a written invitation described in subsection (2) to each band and each First Nations, Inuit or Métis community that is wholly or partially located within the territorial jurisdiction of the society.
(2) The invitation shall include an offer by the society to discuss with the band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community the establishment of a written agreement between the society and the band or community setting out how consultations under sections 72 and 73 of the Act will be carried out.
(3) The society may provide the invitation by any method of delivery as long as the society obtains a record confirming delivery and keeps the record.
(4) The society shall provide the invitation to each band and First Nations, Inuit or Métis community at least every six months, except if a written agreement described in subsection (2) is in effect between the society and the band or community.
(5) If any band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community requests that the society discuss with the band or community the establishment of or an amendment to a written agreement described in subsection (2), the society shall engage in the discussions.
Society to keep updated contact information
24. A society shall take reasonable steps to keep an updated record of the contact information that each band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community wishes the society to use for providing notice of a matter in respect of which the society is required to consult with the band or community under section 72 or 73 of the Act.
Notice re consultation, s. 73 of Act
25. (1) For the purpose of consulting as required under section 73 of the Act with a representative chosen by each of a child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, a society shall provide notice to each representative regarding the prescribed service or power in respect of which the consultation is required.
(2) The notice shall include the following information:
1. A description of the service proposed to be provided or the power proposed to be exercised in relation to the child.
2. The society’s estimated timeline for providing the service or exercising the power, based on information available to the society.
3. An invitation to consult with respect to the service proposed to be provided or the power proposed to be exercised.
Manner of giving notice
26. (1) Subject to subsection (2), a notice under section 25 shall be given verbally or in writing.
(2) If the band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community has entered into an agreement with the society regarding the manner of giving notice, the notice shall be given in the manner agreed upon.
(3) If a notice is provided verbally, the society shall record the date and time of the notice and the name and role of the person to whom the notice was given and shall keep the record.
(4) If a notice is provided in writing, the society shall obtain a record confirming delivery and keep the record.
(5) The following rules apply in respect of a notice under section 25:
1. Subject to paragraph 2, the society shall give the notice before providing the service or exercising the power in respect of which the consultation is required.
2. If it is impracticable in the circumstances to give the notice as required in paragraph 1, the notice shall be given in accordance with the following rules:
i. If the band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community is wholly or partially located within the territorial jurisdiction of the society, the notice shall be given no later than one business day following the day on which the service is provided or the power is exercised.
ii. If the band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community is not wholly or partially located within the territorial jurisdiction of the society, the notice shall be given no later than two business days following the day on which the service is provided or the power is exercised.
3. If, in the opinion of the society, it would be expedient to do so, a single notice may be given in respect of the provision of multiple services and the exercise of multiple powers, if the services are expected to be provided and the powers are expected to be exercised within the same 14-day period and if no agreement entered into between the band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community and the society provides otherwise.
Response to notice
27. If a band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community responds to a notice and indicates that it wishes to engage in consultation on the matter referred to in the notice, the society shall engage in the consultation within the next two business days following the society’s receipt of the response, unless the band or community agrees to the consultation occurring on a later date.
Documentation required
28. A society shall document how the society complied with each of sections 23 to 27 or, if the society did not comply with any of those sections, the reasons for not complying.
Prescribed services and powers, s. 73 of the Act
29. (1) The following services provided by a society and powers exercised by a society are prescribed for the purposes of section 73 of the Act:
1. The service of developing a safety plan as described in the Child Protection Standards.
2. The service of developing a service plan as described in the Child Protection Standards.
3. The power to determine that the disposition of an investigation as described in the Child Protection Standards is to transfer a case to ongoing services.
4. The service of conducting a case review and evaluation as described in the Child Protection Standards.
5. Subject to subsection (2), the power to choose a residential placement for a child.
6. Subject to subsection (3), the power to remove a child from a foster home or other residential placement.
7. The power to continue a child’s placement following removal of the child as described in paragraph 6, if the child’s placement changed before notice was provided or before any consultation could occur.
8. The power to decide to recommend that a case be transferred to another society.
9. Subject to subsection (4), the service of developing a plan to transition a child from being in a society’s care to living independently.
10. The power to decide to terminate child protection services as described in the Child Protection Standards.
(2) The power described in paragraph 5 of subsection (1) is not prescribed if,
(a) section 39 applies; or
(b) the placement is under Part VIII of the Act.
(3) The power described in paragraph 6 of subsection (1) is not prescribed if,
(a) subsection 109 (7) of the Act applies;
(b) the child is to be placed by a society under Part VIII of the Act; or
(c) clause 192 (2) (c) of the Act applies.
(4) The service described in paragraph 9 of subsection (1) is prescribed only if the child who is the subject of the plan consents to the consultation under section 73 of the Act.
Child Protection Service Requirements for Referrals, Investigations and Ongoing Service
Society’s procedure, upon receiving information
30. Within 24 hours after receiving information that a child is or may be in need of protection, a society shall,
(a) record the information it received;
(b) assess the information it received in accordance with the Child Protection Standards;
(c) record the assessment made under clause (b);
(d) search the Child Protection Fast Track Information System for information that may be relevant in determining whether or not there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that the child or any other child in the same family is in need of protection;
(e) record the information found under clause (d) that may be relevant;
(f) decide, in accordance with the Child Protection Standards, whether or not a child protection investigation should be initiated with respect to the child or any other child in the same family;
(g) record the decision made under clause (f);
(h) if the decision made under clause (f) is that a child protection investigation should be initiated,
(i) determine, in accordance with the Child Protection Standards, the time within which a child protection worker should first meet with the child and family who are the subject of the investigation, and
(ii) develop, in accordance with the Child Protection Standards, a plan for carrying out the investigation; and
(i) record the determination made under subclause (h) (i).
Society’s procedure, investigation
31. When conducting a child protection investigation, a society shall ensure that the following procedures are carried out in accordance with the Child Protection Standards:
1. The child protection worker conducts a thorough review of all current and historical information known about the child and family.
2. The child protection worker carries out the investigative steps.
3. The child protection worker records the investigative steps.
4. When the child protection worker first meets with the child and family who are the subject of the investigation, the worker conducts a safety assessment and takes the actions that are immediately necessary to protect the child.
5. As soon as possible and no later than five days after the first meeting referred to in paragraph 4, the child protection worker records the safety assessment conducted under paragraph 4 and the safety plan, if any, the worker has implemented under paragraph 4 to protect the child.
6. The child protection worker carries out a risk assessment before the completion of the investigation.
Society’s procedure, after investigation
32. (1) After completing a child protection investigation, a society shall,
(a) record the findings of the investigation;
(b) determine, in accordance with the Child Protection Standards, whether or not the child who was the subject of the investigation is in need of protection; and
(c) record the determination made under clause (b) and the reasons for it.
(2) If the determination made by the society under clause (1) (b) is that the child who was the subject of the investigation is in need of protection, the society shall,
(a) carry out, in accordance with the Child Protection Standards, a family and child strengths and needs assessment;
(b) develop and carry out, in accordance with the Child Protection Standards, a plan for reducing the risk of future harm to the child who is believed to be in need of protection; and
(c) record the assessment carried out under clause (a), the plan developed under clause (b) and the steps taken to carry out the plan.
(3) The society shall carry out and record a reassessment of risk and repeat the tasks it is required to perform under clauses (2) (a), (b) and (c) at least every six months until it determines, in accordance with the Child Protection Standards, that the child is no longer eligible for child protection services as described in the Child Protection Standards.
(4) When the society determines that the child is no longer eligible for child protection services as described in the Child Protection Standards, the society shall,
(a) review its most recent assessment under clause (2) (a) and its most recent plan under clause (2) (b); and
(b) record the review in accordance with the Child Protection Standards.
Duty to inquire re register
33. A society that receives a report under section 125 of the Act that a child is or may be suffering or may have suffered abuse within the meaning of subsection 127 (2) of the Act shall contact the Director within the meaning of subsection 133 (1) of the Act, within three days after receiving the information, to inquire about and determine whether any person referred to in the information has been previously identified in the register.
Note: On the day section 7 of Schedule 3 to the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 comes into force, section 33 of this Regulation is revoked. (See: O. Reg. 156/18, s. 143 (3))
Report, follow-up report re verified information
34. (1) Subject to subsection 33 (5) of Ontario Regulation 155/18 (General Matters under the Authority of the Lieutenant Governor in Council) made under the Act, information required to be reported by a society under subsection 133 (3) of the Act shall be reported within 14 days after the information is verified by the society.
(2) The report referred to in subsection (1) shall be in the form entitled “Form 1: Report to Child Abuse Register” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(3) If a society has reported verified information under subsection 133 (3) of the Act and the case relating to the report is not closed by the society, the society shall, until such time as the case is closed by the society, make a further report to the Director within the meaning of subsection 133 (1) of the Act,
(a) within four months after making the original report; and
(b) on each anniversary of making the original report.
(4) Each report required under subsection (3) shall be in the form entitled “Form 2: Follow-up Report to Child Abuse Register” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Note: On the day section 7 of Schedule 3 to the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 comes into force, section 34 of this Regulation is revoked. (See: O. Reg. 156/18, s. 143 (3))
Warrants, Telewarrants, Information
Warrant for access to record
35. (1) A warrant under section 131 of the Act for access to a record or a specified part of a record shall be in the form entitled “Warrant for Access to Record(s)” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(2) An information in support of a warrant under section 131 of the Act for access to a record or a specified part of a record shall be in the form entitled “Information in Support of a Warrant for Access to a Record” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Telewarrant
36. (1) A warrant under section 132 of the Act for access to a record or a specified part of a record shall be in the form entitled “Warrant (Telewarrant) for Access to Record(s)” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(2) An information in support of a warrant under section 132 of the Act for access to a record or a specified part of a record shall be in the form entitled “Information in Support of a Warrant (Telewarrant) for Access to a Record” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Warrant, information under ss. 83, 85 of Act
37. (1) A warrant under subsection 83 (1) of the Act shall be in the form entitled “Warrant to Bring to a Place of Safety and Return a Child in Care” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(2) An information in support of the warrant referred in subsection (1) shall be in the form entitled “Information in Support of a Warrant to Bring to a Place of Safety and Return a Child in Care” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(3) A warrant under subsection 85 (1) of the Act shall be in the form entitled “Warrant to Apprehend and Return a Child who has withdrawn from a Parent’s Control” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(4) An information in support of the warrant referred in subsection (3) shall be in the form entitled “Information in Support of a Warrant to Bring to a Place of Safety and Return a Child Who has Withdrawn From a Person’s Care and Control” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Family and Community Placement
Application of sections 39 to 44
38. Sections 39 to 44 apply in circumstances where all of the following criteria are met:
1. A society has determined that a child is in need of protection and cannot be adequately protected if the child remains with the person having charge of the child.
2. Any of the following circumstances applies in respect of the child:
i. The child has received services from the society but has not been placed in the society’s care by an agreement under subsection 75 (1) of the Act or by an order made under clause 94 (2) (d), paragraph 2, 3 or 4 of subsection 101 (1), section 114 or clause 116 (1) (c) of the Act.
ii. The child has been placed in the society’s care and the agreement or order described in subparagraph i will be terminated.
iii. The child has received services under an agreement made under subsection 77 (1) of the Act and the agreement will be terminated.
3. The society proposes or is apprised of a plan to place the child in the care of a person who is a relative of the child or a member of the child’s extended family or community in any of the following situations:
i. In the context of a court proceeding for a supervision order under clause 94 (2) (c), paragraph 1 or 4 of subsection 101 (1), section 114 or clause 116 (1) (a) of the Act.
ii. In the context of a court proceeding for an order relating to the custody of the child.
iii. Where the person having charge of the child agrees to the placement.
iv. In the case of a child who is 16 or 17, the child agrees to the placement.
First Nations, Inuk or Métis child
39. If a society proposes or is apprised of a placement plan in the circumstances described in paragraph 3 of section 38 and the plan relates to the placement of a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child, the society shall,
(a) consult with each of the child’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities respecting the placement of the child before beginning to follow the procedures set out in section 40 or 41, as the case may be; and
(b) if the consultation does not occur before the applicable procedures begin, continue to use best efforts to carry out the consultation after the procedures begin.
Placement in care of relative, etc., society apprised of plan before placement
40. (1) This section applies if a society proposes or is apprised of a plan to place a child with a relative of the child or a member of the child’s extended family or community before the placement occurs.
(2) Before a child is placed in the care of a relative or member of the child’s extended family or community, the society shall conduct an evaluation of the proposed plan for the care of the child to determine whether the person is capable of providing the child with a safe home environment.
(3) In an evaluation under subsection (2), the society shall ensure that all of the following procedures are completed:
1. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority obtains information,
i. as to the identity of every person who is 18 or older and resides in the home in which the child will be placed, and
ii. as to the nature of the relationship between the child and every person referred to in subparagraph i.
2. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority meets with the proposed primary caregiver and conducts an interview of the caregiver.
3. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority meets in private with the child who will be placed and conducts an interview appropriate to the child’s age and maturity.
4. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority conducts an assessment of the home environment, including an assessment of the physical aspects of the home.
5. A child protection worker conducts a review of the society’s records for information relating to any person who is 18 or older and resides in the home in which the child will be placed.
6. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority obtains the consent of the proposed primary caregiver to,
i. a police record check, and
ii. the disclosure of information related to the primary caregiver by any society, including any information from the Child Protection Fast Track Information System and any child welfare authority outside Ontario.
7. As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or child and family service authority obtains the consent requested of a person under subparagraph 6 ii, the society shall conduct a search of the proposed primary caregiver’s name in the Child Protection Fast Track Information System.
8. As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or child and family service authority obtains the consent requested of a person under subparagraphs 6 i and ii, the society,
i. makes a request to the appropriate authority in any jurisdiction in which the person has resided for the results of the person’s police record check, and
ii. if the person has resided in the past in an area outside of the society’s jurisdiction, makes a request to any society or any child welfare authority outside Ontario for any information or records they may have relating to the person.
(4) As soon as practicable but no later than 30 days after a society completes the evaluation under subsection (2), the society shall ensure that a child protection worker documents the evaluation.
(5) After the child is placed in the care of a relative or member of the child’s extended family or community, the society shall ensure that the following procedures are completed:
1. Within seven days of being apprised that the placement has occurred, a child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority,
i. conducts a home visit to the home in which the child was placed,
ii. conducts an interview with the primary caregiver,
iii. meets in private with the child and conducts an interview appropriate to the child’s age and maturity, and
iv. contacts every person other than the primary caregiver who is 18 or older and resides in the home in order to obtain each person’s consent to,
A. a police record check, and
B. the disclosure of information related to the person by any society, including any information from the Child Protection Fast Track Information System, and any child welfare authority outside Ontario.
2. As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or child and family service authority obtains the consent requested of a person under sub-subparagraph 1 iv B, the society conducts a search of the person’s name in the Child Protection Fast Track Information System.
3. As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or child and family service authority obtains the consent requested of a person under sub-subparagraphs 1 iv A and B, the society,
i. makes a request to the appropriate authority in any jurisdiction in which the person has resided for the results of the person’s police record check, and
ii. if the person has resided in the past in an area outside of the society’s jurisdiction, makes a request to any society or any child welfare authority outside Ontario for any information or records they may have relating to the person.
4. As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the information requested under paragraph 3 is received, the society shall review the information and document any decisions and actions it proposes to take with respect to the information.
5. No later than 30 days after being apprised that the placement has occurred, the society shall ensure that the following procedures are followed by a child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority:
i. A second home visit to the home in which the child was placed is conducted.
ii. A second meeting is held in private with the child at which an interview appropriate to the child’s age and maturity is conducted.
iii. A second interview with the primary caregiver is conducted.
6. The placement plan relating to the child is reviewed by a society child welfare service supervisor.
Child already living with relative, etc., society apprised of plan after placement
41. (1) This section applies if a society is apprised of a plan to place a child with a relative of the child or a member of the child’s extended family or community after the child has begun living with that person.
(2) In the circumstances described in subsection (1), the society shall, as soon as practicable but no later than seven days after a society is apprised of the placement with a person, conduct an evaluation of the placement to determine whether the person is providing the child with a safe home environment and is capable of continuing to do so.
(3) In an evaluation under subsection (2), the society shall ensure that the following procedures are completed:
1. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority obtains information,
i. as to the identity of every person who is 18 or older and resides in the home in which the child has been placed, and
ii. as to the nature of the relationship between the child and every person referred to in subparagraph i.
2. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority meets with the primary caregiver and conducts an interview of the caregiver.
3. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority meets in private with the child who has been placed in the home and conducts an interview appropriate to the child’s age and maturity.
4. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority conducts an assessment of the home environment, including an assessment of the physical aspects of the home.
5. A child protection worker conducts a review of the society’s records for information relating to any person who is 18 or older and resides in the home in which the child has been placed.
6. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority obtains the consent of the primary caregiver and every person other than the primary caregiver who is 18 or older and resides in the home to,
i. a police record check, and
ii. the disclosure of information related to the person by any society, including any information from the Child Protection Fast Track Information System, and any child welfare authority outside Ontario.
(4) The society shall ensure that the following procedures are completed:
1. As soon as practicable and no later than seven days after the society or child and family service authority obtains the consent requested of a person under subparagraph 6 ii of subsection (3), the society conducts a search of the person’s name in the Child Protection Fast Track Information System.
2. As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or child and family service authority obtains the consent requested of a person under subparagraphs 6 i and ii of subsection (3), the society,
i. makes a request to the appropriate authority in any jurisdiction in which the person has resided for the results of the person’s police record check, and
ii. if the person has resided in the past in an area outside of the society’s jurisdiction, makes a request to any society or any child welfare authority outside Ontario for any information or records they may have relating to the person.
(5) The society shall ensure that, no later than 30 days after being apprised that the placement has occurred, the following procedures are followed by a child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority:
1. A second home visit to the home in which the child was placed is conducted.
2. A second private meeting is held with the child at which an interview appropriate to the child’s age and maturity is conducted.
3. A second interview with the primary caregiver is conducted.
4. The placement plan relating to the child is reviewed by a society child welfare service supervisor.
(6) As soon as practicable but no later than 30 days after the society completes the procedures for an evaluation under subsection (3), the society shall ensure that a child protection worker documents the evaluation.
(7) As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the information requested under paragraph 2 of subsection (4) is received, the society shall review the information and document any decisions and actions it proposes to take with respect to the information.
Placement with relative, etc., outside of society’s jurisdiction
42. If a child is to be placed with a relative of the child or a member of the child’s extended family or community and that person resides outside of the jurisdiction of the society involved with the child’s case,
(a) in the case of a relative or member of the child’s extended family or community who lives in another jurisdiction in Ontario, the society may refer the matter to the society in that jurisdiction so that it can carry out all or part of the procedures set out in sections 38 to 44; and
(b) in the case of a relative or member of the child’s extended family or community who lives outside Ontario, the society may request the assistance of a child welfare authority in the jurisdiction in which the person lives. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 42; O. Reg. 140/21, s. 1.
Documentation, procedures not followed
43. If all of the procedures set out in sections 38 to 44 have not been followed with respect to a particular matter, a society shall document,
(a) the circumstances and reasons why specified procedures were not followed; and
(b) any additional steps that were taken with respect to the matter. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 43; O. Reg. 140/21, s. 2.
Response to request for information
44. (1) No later than seven days after it receives a request for information from another society under subparagraph 3 ii of subsection 40 (5) or subparagraph 2 ii of subsection 41 (4), a society shall respond to the request, indicating whether or not any information relating to the person specified in the request exists in the society’s records and, if so, the nature of the information in the society’s records.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), if a society receives a request from a child and family service authority for information about a person who is 18 or older and resides in the home in which a child may be placed, the society shall respond to the request as soon as possible, indicating whether or not any information relating to the person specified in the request exists in the society’s records, and if so, the nature of the information in the society’s records.
(3) The society shall not respond under subsection (2) unless it receives a consent to the disclosure of information from the person about whom the request for information was made.
Procedures prior to placement
45. (1) This section applies if a society or a child and family service authority is conducting an assessment of a person’s home as a place of safety for a child under clause 74 (4) (b) of the Act.
(2) A child shall not be placed in a person’s home as a place of safety unless the society or the child and family service authority, as the case may be, has assessed the home in accordance with the following procedures within 30 days before the placement:
1. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of the authority shall obtain information,
i. as to the identity of every person who is 18 or older and resides in the home in which the child may be placed, and
ii. as to the nature of the relationship between the child who may be placed in the home and every person referred to in subparagraph i.
2. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of the authority shall meet with the proposed primary caregiver and conduct an interview of the caregiver.
3. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of the authority shall meet in private with the child who will be placed in the home and conduct an interview appropriate to the child’s age and maturity.
4. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of the authority shall conduct an assessment of the home environment, including an assessment of the physical aspects of the home.
5. In the case of an assessment conducted by a society, a child protection worker shall conduct a review of the society’s records for information relating to any person who is 18 or older and resides in the home in which the child will be placed.
6. In the case of an assessment conducted by an authority, the following procedures shall be followed:
i. The authority shall advise the society that may be placing the child of the name of any person who is 18 or older and resides in the home.
ii. The society that is advised under subparagraph i shall,
A. conduct a review of the society’s records for information relating to each person, and
B. respond as soon as possible to the authority indicating whether or not information relating to the person exists in the society’s records and whether, on the basis of this information, the society has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child may be at risk if placed in the home.
7. A child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of the authority shall obtain the consent of the proposed primary caregiver to,
i. a police record check, and
ii. the disclosure of information related to the primary caregiver by any society, including any information from the Child Protection Fast Track Information System, and any child welfare authority outside Ontario.
8. As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or authority obtains the consent requested of a person under subparagraph 7 ii, the society shall conduct a search of the proposed primary caregiver’s name in the Child Protection Fast Track Information System.
9. As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or authority obtains the consent requested of a person under subparagraphs 7 i and ii, the society shall,
i. make a request to the appropriate authority in any jurisdiction in which the person has resided for the results of the person’s police record check, and
ii. if the person has resided in the past in an area outside of the society’s jurisdiction, make a request to any society or any child welfare authority outside Ontario for any information or records they may have relating to the person.
(3) As soon as practicable but no later than 30 days after conducting an assessment under this section, a child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority, as the case may be, shall document the assessment of the person’s home.
Procedures after placement
46. (1) No later than seven days after a society has placed a child in a person’s home that is a place of safety under subsection 74 (4) of the Act, a child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority shall,
(a) conduct a home visit to the home where the child is placed;
(b) conduct an interview with the primary caregiver;
(c) meet in private with the child and conduct an interview appropriate to the child’s age and maturity; and
(d) contact every person other than the primary caregiver who is 18 or older and resides in the home in order to obtain the person’s consent to,
(i) a police record check, and
(ii) the disclosure of information related to the person by any society, including any information from the Child Protection Fast Track Information System, and any child welfare authority outside Ontario.
(2) As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or child and family service authority obtains the consent requested of a person under subclause (1) (d) (ii), the society shall conduct a search of the person’s name in the Child Protection Fast Track Information System.
(3) As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the society or child and family service authority obtains the consent requested of a person under subclauses (1) (d) (i) and (ii) the society shall,
(a) make a request to the appropriate authority in any jurisdiction in which the person has resided for the results of the person’s police record check; and
(b) if the person has resided in the past in an area outside of the society’s jurisdiction, make a request to any society or any child welfare authority outside Ontario for any information or records they may have relating to the person.
(4) As soon as practicable but no later than seven days after the information requested under clauses (3) (a) and (b) is received, the society shall review the information and document any decisions and actions it proposes to take with respect to the information.
(5) Between the 25th day and the 30th day after a society has placed a child in a person’s home that is a place of safety under subsection 74 (4) of the Act, a child protection worker, a person designated by the society or an employee of a child and family service authority shall repeat the steps taken under clauses (1) (a), (b) and (c).
(6) The steps taken under subsections (1) and (2) are the minimum steps a society or child and family service authority shall take in visiting a person’s home that is a place of safety where a child has been placed and nothing in them prevents or limits the ability of the society or child and family service authority to visit such a home.
Response to request for information
47. (1) No later than seven days after it receives a request for information from another society under clause 46 (3) (b), a society shall respond to the request, indicating whether or not any information relating to the person specified in the request exists in the society’s records and, if so, the nature of the information in the society’s records.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), if a society receives a request from a child and family service authority for information about a person who is 18 or older and resides in the home in which a child may be placed, the society shall respond to the request as soon as possible, indicating whether or not any information relating to the person specified in the request exists in the society’s records and, if so, the nature of the information in the society’s records.
(3) The society shall not respond under subsection (2) unless it receives a consent to the disclosure of information from the person about whom the request for information was made.
Services to be Provided by Society
Temporary care agreement
48. (1) An agreement entered into under subsection 75 (1) of the Act for the temporary care and custody of a child shall be in a form entitled “Temporary Care Agreement” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(2) An agreement to extend a temporary care agreement under subsection 75 (5) of the Act or to vary a temporary care agreement under subsection 75 (12) of the Act shall be in a form entitled “Extension or Variation Agreement” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Examinations and treatment, medical, etc.
49. (1) A society shall ensure that each child in care of the society is given a medical and dental examination as soon as practicable after the admission of the child to care.
(2) A society shall ensure that each child who is in care of the society is given a medical examination and dental examination at least once a year.
(3) A society shall keep a record of each medical examination and dental examination of each child admitted into care by the society.
(4) A society shall ensure that the treatment recommended as a result of a medical examination or dental examination of a child admitted into care by the society is carried out within the times recommended.
(5) Psychological and psychiatric assessments or treatment or both shall be provided for each child in the care of a society in accordance with the needs of the child where the society is of the opinion that the behaviour and condition of the child indicate that an assessment or treatment or both is necessary in the circumstances.
(6) The results of each assessment and treatment carried out under subsection (5) shall be recorded by the society.
Child to visit home before placement
50. (1) No society that admits a child into care shall place the child in a foster home or other home unless the child has previously visited the home at least 10 days before the placement.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply where it is not practicable in the circumstances to have the child visit the home at least 10 days before the placement.
Visits by child protection worker, etc.
51. (1) A society shall ensure that each child placed in a foster home or other home by the society is visited by a child protection worker or a person designated by a society,
(a) at least once within seven days after the child’s placement in the home;
(b) in addition to the visit referred in clause (a), at least once within 30 days of the placement; and
(c) at least once every three months after the visit referred to in clause (b).
(2) The society shall ensure that each visit required under this section includes a meeting in private between the worker and the child and that the private meeting is documented.
Application to adopt or board a child
52. A society that receives an application to adopt or board a child that is in the care of the society shall, within 30 days after receiving the application, begin an assessment of the applicant and the home of the applicant.
Alternative Procedures Due to the Emergency for Societies
Definitions
52.1 In sections 52.2 to 52.5,
“emergency” means the emergency declared by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on March 17, 2020 under section 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act in the whole of the Province of Ontario as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19); (“situation d’urgence”)
“public health guidance on physical distancing” means any advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials on physical distancing;(“orientations en matière de santé publique concernant la distanciation physique”)
“society child welfare service supervisor” means an employee of a society who has the qualifications referred to in subsection 18 (1). (“superviseur d’un service de bien-être de l’enfance d’une société”) O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1.
Home visits and in-person interviews
52.2 (1) Despite the requirements in clauses 46 (1) (a) to (c) and subsection 46 (5) to conduct home visits and in-person interviews and the requirement in section 51 to visit children placed in a foster or other home, and subject to subsection (1.1), the requirements in those sections for home visits or in-person interviews may be deviated from if a society considers it appropriate to do so after having considered,
(a) the feasibility of a home visit or in-person interview being conducted in a way that is consistent with the most recent public health guidance on physical distancing; and
(b) whether any risk to the safety and well-being of a child can be adequately assessed through other means and mitigated by taking additional steps, such as more frequent contact with the child and the person with whom a child is placed by telephone or other means or through visits conducted in the community. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 506/20, s. 1 (1).
(1.1) No deviation from the requirements referred to in subsection (1) is permitted after the day section 1 of Ontario Regulation 506/20 made under the Act comes into force. O. Reg. 506/20, s. 1 (2).
(2) In determining whether to deviate from the requirements referred to in subsection (1), the society shall consult with the person who would otherwise conduct the home visits and in-person interviews, if that person is not an employee of the society. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1.
(3) Any deviation from the requirements referred to in subsection (1) must be approved by a society child welfare service supervisor. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1.
(4) If any of the requirements referred to in subsection (1) are deviated from under this section, the society that placed the child shall ensure that a home visit or in-person interview or both, as the case may be, is conducted as soon as reasonably possible after the society determines that it can be conducted, taking into account the most recent public health guidance on physical distancing. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1.
Examinations and treatment, medical, etc.
52.3 (1) Where a non-urgent examination, assessment or treatment of a child who is in the care of a society is required by subsection 49 (1), (2), (4) or (5) during the emergency and the examination, assessment or treatment requires that the child attend in-person, the examination, assessment or treatment may, if the in-person attendance of the child cannot be accommodated in the circumstances by the person providing the medical, dental, psychiatric or psychological services, be postponed until the next available time at which the examination or assessment can be conducted or the treatment performed. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1.
(2) Any postponement of an examination, assessment or treatment under subsection (1) must be approved by a society child welfare service supervisor. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1.
Records
52.4 The following information shall be documented where a society child welfare service supervisor approves a deviation from a requirement in this Regulation as authorized by section 52.2 or 52.3:
1. The particular requirement in question, including when it is required to be met.
2. The last time the requirement was met or any previous occasions on which the requirement was deviated from, if applicable.
3. Any attempts made to meet the requirement, any rationale for deviating from the requirement and any alternative means to be used to assess and mitigate any risk to the safety and well-being of a child. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1.
Adoption of additional measures
52.5 Where a society is exempt under section 31 of Ontario Regulation 155/18 (General Matters under the Authority of the Lieutenant Governor in Council) made under the Act for more than 60 days from the requirement for a licence under section 244 of the Act in respect of the provision of residential care in a person’s home, the society shall,
(a) document whether any licensing requirements that would be applicable once the setting is licensed are not met, either in whole or in part, as of 60 days following the placement and the reasons for which those requirements cannot be met; and
(b) adopt other measures that the society considers appropriate to ensure the health, safety and welfare of any children receiving residential care in the home. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 1.
Support, s. 124 of the Act
53. For the purposes of section 124 of the Act, the support to a person may include one or both of financial and non-financial support.
Care and support
“Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines” means the guidelines entitled “2021 Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines”, dated September 28, 2021 and available on a website of the Government of Ontario. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (1); O. Reg. 685/21, s. 1 (1, 2).
(2) An agreement under section 124 of the Act shall not be made for a term exceeding 12 months. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (2).
(3) A society or prescribed entity shall make reasonable efforts to renew the care and support agreement between the person and the society or prescribed entity before expiry. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (3).
(4) A society or prescribed entity may cease providing care and support under section 124 of the Act that is financial support if the society or prescribed entity has made reasonable efforts to contact the person and has been unable to contact the person to whom care and support is to be provided for three months. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (4).
(5) A society or prescribed entity shall not provide care and support under section 124 of the Act if the person to whom care and support is to be provided is 21 or older. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (5).
(6) A society or prescribed entity shall provide care and support under section 124 of the Act that is financial support, except if any of the following circumstances apply:
1. The person to whom care and support is to be provided is receiving basic financial assistance under the Ontario Works Act, 1997.
2. The person to whom care and support is to be provided is receiving income support under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997.
3. The person to whom care and support is to be provided is living with a caregiver who is receiving financial support from a society as described in the Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines as “Targeted Subsidies for Adoption and Legal Custody”, to care for the person receiving care and support.
4. The person to whom care and support is to be provided is living with a caregiver who is receiving financial support from a society as described in the Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines as “Stay Home For School”, to care for the person receiving care and support. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (6); O. Reg. 685/21, s. 1 (3).
(7) Where a society or prescribed entity is providing care and support under section 124 of the Act that is financial support, the monthly financial support shall not be less than the monthly amount set out in Appendix B of the document entitled “Continued Care and Support for Youth Policy Directive (CCSY)” and dated March 20, 2018, available on a website of the Government of Ontario. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (7).
(8) Where a society or prescribed entity is providing care and support under section 124 of the Act that is financial support, the society or prescribed entity may pay amounts of the financial support to third parties on behalf of the person receiving care and support if the person agrees and the decision is in the person’s best interests. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (8).
(9) Nothing in subsection (6) shall be read as preventing a society or prescribed entity from providing care and support under section 124 of the Act to such a person if the care and support is not financial support. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (9).
(10) Despite subsection (2), the agreement may be extended for a further period or periods if the total term of the agreement, as extended, does not exceed 36 months. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 54 (10).
(11) The following rules apply to the provision of care and support under section 124 of the Act for the period beginning on the day section 1 of Ontario Regulation 87/20 comes into force and ending on September 30, 2022:
1. A society or prescribed entity shall, despite subsection (5), continue to provide the care and support in accordance with this section to a person who is receiving such care and support on the day section 1 of Ontario Regulation 87/20 comes into force, even if the person turns 21.
2. For the purpose of continuing to provide care and support as permitted by paragraph 1, the agreement under section 124 of the Act may, despite subsection (10), be extended beyond 36 months. O. Reg. 87/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 301/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 664/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 140/21, s. 3.
Prescribed support service, Renewed Youth Supports
55. (1) The Ministry program described in the Table titled “Renewed Youth Supports” in the document entitled “Addendum to Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines”, dated November 15, 2017 and effective January 1, 2018, available on a website of the Government of Ontario, is prescribed as a support service for the purposes of paragraph 3 of section 124 of the Act. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 55.
(2) Services provided to a child by a society because the child is in interim society care are prescribed as support services for the purposes of paragraph 3 of section 124 of the Act. O. Reg. 87/20, s. 2 (1).
Note: On October 1, 2022, subsection 55 (2) of the Regulation is revoked. (See: O. Reg. 87/20, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 301/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 664/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 140/21, s. 4)
(3) A person who received the support services prescribed under subsection (2) is only eligible for care and support under section 124 of the Act if the person was in interim society care immediately before turning 18. O. Reg. 87/20, s. 2 (1).
Note: On October 1, 2022, subsection 55 (3) of the Regulation is revoked. (See: O. Reg. 87/20, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 301/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 664/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 140/21, s. 4)
Complaint in writing
56. A complaint to a society under subsection 119 (1) of the Act must be made in the form entitled “Formal Complaint to a Society’s Internal Complaints Review Panel (ICRP)” and dated 2020/11, available on a website of the Government of Ontario. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 56; O. Reg. 78/19, s. 1; O. Reg. 700/20, s. 1.
Eligibility for review
57. Within seven days after receiving a complaint under subsection 119 (1) of the Act, the society shall determine whether the complaint is eligible for review.
Notice if not eligible for review
58. If the complaint is not eligible for review, the society shall notify the complainant of its decision and the reasons for it in writing.
Notice if eligible for review
59. (1) If the complaint is eligible for review, the society shall notify the complainant in writing and shall establish an Internal Complaints Review Panel.
(2) The notice shall provide the complainant with a date and time for meeting with the Internal Complaints Review Panel.
Members of Internal Complaints Review Panel
60. (1) The members of the Internal Complaints Review Panel shall be selected by the executive director of the society and shall include a senior manager from the society, other society staff as required and at least one person who is external to the society.
(2) A person selected to be a member of the Internal Complaints Review Panel who is external to the society may be a member of the society’s board of directors.
(3) No person selected as a member of the Internal Complaints Review Panel shall have had any direct involvement with the complaint being reviewed.
Scheduling of meeting
61. (1) The meeting between the complainant and the Internal Complaints Review Panel shall be scheduled at a time that is mutually convenient for the complainant and the members of the panel and shall be held within 14 days after the date the written notice is sent to the complainant or at such later time as may be requested by the complainant.
(2) The Internal Complaints Review Panel shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate a request by a complainant to schedule the meeting at a later time.
(3) The meeting between the complainant and the Internal Complaints Review Panel shall take place in person.
Attendance at meeting
62. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Internal Complaints Review Panel may determine who may attend the meeting.
(2) The complainant, a representative chosen by each of the complainant’s bands and First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, where appropriate, and one other person of the complainant’s choosing may attend the meeting.
Summary of results of meeting
63. Within 14 days after the meeting, the Internal Complaints Review Panel shall send a written summary of the results of the meeting, including any agreed upon next steps, to the complainant and the executive director of the society to which the complaint was made.
Resolution of complaint
64. If at any point during a society’s complaint review procedure the complaint is resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, the society shall confirm the resolution in writing to the complainant.
Forms
65. (1) An application for emergency admission to a secure treatment program shall be in the form entitled “Application for Emergency Admission to Secure Treatment Program” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(2) The administrator of a secure treatment program shall use, for the emergency admission of a child to the secure treatment program, the form entitled “Emergency Admission to Secure Treatment Program” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(3) An application for review of emergency admission to a secure treatment program shall be in the form entitled “Application for Review of Emergency Admission to Secure Treatment Program” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(4) An order reviewing a child’s emergency admission to a secure treatment program shall be in the form entitled “Review of Emergency Admission to Secure Treatment Program” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(5) A warrant to apprehend and return a child who has been admitted to a secure treatment program and has left that program without consent shall be in the form entitled “Warrant to Apprehend and Return a Child Who has Been Admitted to a Secure Treatment Program” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(6) An information in support of a warrant to apprehend and return a child who has been admitted to a secure treatment program and has left that program without consent shall be in the form entitled “Information in Support of a Warrant to Apprehend and Return a Child Who has Been Admitted to a Secure Treatment Program” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(7) An application to a Director for approval of a locked room for use for the de-escalation of situations and behaviour involving children or young persons under subsection 173 (1) of the Act shall be in the form entitled “Application for Approval of a Secure De-escalation Room” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(8) An application in the form referred to in subsection (7) shall be accompanied by the applicant’s written policies and procedures with respect to the use of a secure de-escalation room together with such other information concerning the service provider’s program, the room and the proposed use of the room as a Director considers necessary to determine whether the room should be approved for use for the de-escalation of situations and behaviour involving children or young persons.
(9) An approval or renewal of an approval of a locked room for use for the de-escalation of situations and behaviour involving children or young persons shall be in the form entitled “Approval or Renewal of Approval of a Secure De-escalation Room” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(10) A refusal or withdrawal of an approval of a locked room for use for the de-escalation of situations and behaviour involving children or young persons shall be in the form entitled “Refusal or Withdrawal of an Approval of a Secure De-escalation Room” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Adoption and Adoption Licensing
Definition
“licensee” means a person acting under the authority of a licence issued by a Director under section 229 of the Act.
Registration of placement by society or licensee
67. For the purpose of subsection 183 (7) of the Act, the placement of a child for adoption shall be registered by providing to the Director the completed form entitled “Registration of Placement of a Child for Adoption” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Registration of placement by Director
68. For the purpose of subsection 183 (8) of the Act, the Director shall register the placement of a child for adoption by recording the information concerning the placement in the form entitled “Director’s Registration of Placement of Child for Adoption” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Acknowledgement of adoption placement
69. A person with whom a child has been placed for adoption shall, no later than 30 days after the date of the placement, complete and file with the licensee or society that arranged the placement an acknowledgement of adoption placement in the form entitled “Acknowledgement of Adoption Placement” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Director’s review, notice of proposed placement, s. 188 of the Act
70. A notice of a proposed placement by a licensee under subsection 188 (1) of the Act shall be in the form entitled “Notice to a Director of Proposed Placement” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Director’s review, proposed placement, s. 190 of the Act
71. A request by a licensee that a Director review a proposed placement under subsection 190 (1) of the Act shall be in the form entitled “Request to Director for Review of Proposed Placement” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
Licensee’s trust account
72. (1) A licensee shall establish and maintain a trust account in a bank listed in Schedule I or II to the Bank Act (Canada), a trust corporation registered under the Loan and Trust Corporations Act or a credit union within the meaning of the Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act, 1994.
(2) The licensee shall ensure that all funds received by the licensee from prospective adoptive parents are deposited in the trust account.
(3) The licensee shall not withdraw money paid into the trust account unless,
(a) the licensee obtains the consent of the prospective adoptive parents for whom the money is held; and
(b) the money is withdrawn only for expenses incurred for services provided by the licensee with respect to the adoption of a child by the prospective adoptive parents.
(4) The licensee shall return any money remaining in the trust account after expenses are paid to the person who paid the money to the licensee.
(5) The licensee shall keep a separate book of accounts showing all deposits and withdrawals from the trust account, the name of the prospective adoptive parent for whom the deposit or withdrawal is made and the date of each deposit or withdrawal.
Licensee’s record of money received, expenditures
73. A licensee shall keep a record of all money received and expenditures made with respect to the placement of children for adoption.
Licensee’s financial reports
74. (1) A Director may request that a licensee prepare and submit financial reports to the Director with respect to the licensee’s placement of children for adoption.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the request may be for reports prepared by a public accountant who is licensed or holds a certificate of authorization under the Public Accounting Act, 2004.
(3) The licensee shall comply with a request under this section.
Licensee, society to open and maintain files
75. (1) Each licensee and each society shall open and maintain a separate file with respect to,
(a) each person who is a parent within the meaning of subsection 180 (1) of the Act who relinquishes a child to the licensee or society for adoption;
(b) each prospective adoptive parent;
(c) each child who is placed or who is intended to be placed for adoption by the licensee or society; and
(d) each foster parent who provides services to the licensee or society in connection with an adoption.
(2) The licensee or society shall review each file referred to in subsection (1) and update the file at least every six months until the file is closed.
(3) For the purposes of clause 238 (b) of the Act, the licensee shall provide the records to the Minister within six months following the day on which the licence is revoked, renewal is refused or the licensee ceased to place children for adoption, as the case may be.
(4) The licensee shall permanently retain the records contained in each file referred to in subsection (1) unless the records are delivered to the Minister as required under clause 238 (b) of the Act.
(5) The society shall permanently retain the records contained in each file referred to in subsection (1).
Application, licence to place children for adoption
76. (1) An application for a licence or a renewal of a licence to place children for adoption under subsection 229 (2) or (4) of the Act shall be made to a Director in the form entitled “Application for a Licence or Renewal of a Licence to Place Children for Adoption” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
(2) The application shall be accompanied by such other information as a Director considers necessary to enable the Director to determine whether the applicant would, if licensed, be in compliance with the Act and the regulations.
Licensee to provide information re change
77. A licensee that is a corporation shall, within 15 days after any change to the officers or directors of the corporation, notify a Director of the change and the role of the new director or officer.
Residential Licensing — Interpretation
Definitions
78. (1) In this section and sections 79 to 141,
“appliance” has the same meaning as in the fire code; (“appareil”)
“case record” means a case record maintained in accordance with section 93; (“dossier de cas”)
“discipline” means teaching positive behaviour to a child or young person and reinforcing that behaviour; (“discipline”)
“fire code” means the fire code established under Part IV of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997; (“code de prévention des incendies”)
“foster care licensee” means a licensee who provides residential care, directly or indirectly, for three or more children not of common parentage in one or more homes in which parent model foster care is provided; (“titulaire de permis de famille d’accueil”)
“physician” means a legally qualified medical practitioner; (“médecin”)
“program staff person” means a person employed in a children’s residence whose primary responsibility is the day to day care and supervision of residents; (“employé du programme”)
“registered nurse in the extended class” means a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario who holds an extended certificate of registration as a registered nurse; (“infirmière autorisée ou infirmier autorisé de la catégorie supérieure”)
“resident” means, with respect to a children’s residence, a child or young person admitted to the children’s residence. (“pensionnaire”)
(2) For the purposes of the definition of “foster care licensee” in subsection (1), parent model foster care is provided if the foster care is provided in a foster home by not more than two adults on a continuous basis.
Residential Licensing — Applications
Prescribed offences
79. Offences under the following provisions of the Criminal Code (Canada) are prescribed as offences for the purposes of section 245 of the Act:
1. Section 151 (sexual interference).
2. Section 153 (sexual exploitation).
3. Section 163.1 (making child pornography).
4. Section 215 (duty of persons to provide necessaries).
5. Sections 229, 230, 231 or 235 (murder).
6. Section 233 (infanticide).
7. Section 239 (attempt to commit murder).
8. Section 273 (aggravated sexual assault).
9. Section 279.011 (trafficking of a person under the age of eighteen years).
10. Subsection 279.02 (2) (material benefit - trafficking).
Additional requirements for applicants, children’s residences
80. (1) The following additional requirements are prescribed for the purposes of subsection 254 (2) of the Act for an applicant for a licence or the renewal of a licence to operate a children’s residence:
1. An applicant for a new licence shall provide to a Director a copy of the site plan of the children’s residence and a drawing to scale that sets out the floor plan of the residence, showing windows, doors, exits and stairways and the proposed uses of each room in the residence.
2. An applicant for the renewal of a licence shall provide to a Director a copy of an updated site plan and drawing, as described in paragraph 1, if there has been a change to the children’s residence such that the last floor plan or drawing previously submitted to a Director is no longer up to date or if otherwise requested by the Director.
3. An applicant for a new licence or the renewal of a licence shall provide a Director with documentation demonstrating that the premises that is being used or is to be used as a children’s residence complies with the requirements set out in subsection (2) and any other applicable law.
4. An applicant for a new licence or the renewal of a licence shall keep on file the documentation set out in subsection (3) and, in the case of an applicant for a renewal, shall update the documentation if any information set out in the documentation has changed since the most recent documentation was prepared.
5. An applicant for a new licence or the renewal of a licence shall provide any of the documentation to a Director if requested.
(2) The requirements mentioned in paragraph 3 of subsection (1) are the applicable requirements of,
(a) the laws of the area in which the premises that is being used or is to be used as a children’s residence is located respecting the health of inhabitants of the area;
(b) a rule, regulation, direction or order of the local board of health and any direction or order of the local medical officer of health;
(c) any law for the protection of persons from fire hazards including the fire code and any by-law of a municipality in which the premises that is being or will be used as a children’s residence is located respecting the protection of persons from fire hazards;
(d) a zoning by-law passed pursuant to the Planning Act, or any predecessor of that Act, by a municipality in which the premises that is being or will be used as a children’s residence is located; and
(e) the building code made under the Building Code Act, 1992.
(3) The following is the documentation mentioned in paragraph 4 of subsection (1):
1. A written proposal that outlines the program goals of the children’s residence, the types of residents to be served in the residence and the services to be provided in the residence.
2. Documentation of the need for the children’s residence and a description of the needs of the residents to be served by the residence.
3. Documentation of the community facilities and services that are available to the residents to be served by the children’s residence and a description of how they will be accessed by them and how they are appropriate for them.
4. Written evidence of consultation with community facilities and services that will provide services to the residents to be served by the children’s residence.
5. Information concerning facilities that are similar to the children’s residence or that offer similar services to the residence within the community and their proximity to the proposed site of the residence.
6. A description of the community in which the applicant proposes to establish the children’s residence and of the ways in which the community will be suitable for the residence.
7. Evidence that the municipalities and school boards in the area where the children’s residence is to be located have been notified in writing of the intent to establish a residence.
8. A plan for securing neighbourhood acceptance of the children’s residence.
9. A plan for securing funds to establish, equip and operate the children’s residence.
Operation of a Children’s Residence
Operation of a children’s residence
81. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence is responsible for its operation and management, including the operation and management of the program offered in the residence and the administration of the residence’s finances and personnel.
(2) A licensee who operates a children’s residence may appoint a person to be responsible to the licensee for the day to day operation and management of the children’s residence.
(3) The appointment shall be in writing and set out a specific timeframe for which it is valid.
Policies and procedures
82. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall maintain and keep up to date written policies and procedures for the residence respecting,
(a) the purpose of the residence;
(b) the program provided in the residence;
(c) the admission and discharge of residents to and from the residence;
(d) the manner in which planning for the care provided to residents is carried out and the manner in which the care is monitored and evaluated;
(e) how case records are maintained;
(f) methods of discipline and intervention that may be used and may not be used in the residence;
(g) a health program for residents that provides for,
(i) access by residents to community health programs,
(ii) arrangements for a physician or a registered nurse in the extended class to advise the licensee on an ongoing basis on the medical care required by the residents,
(iii) arrangements for a dentist to advise the licensee on an ongoing basis on the dental care required by the residents,
(iv) assessments of the residents’ general health, vision, hearing and oral health, at least annually,
(v) health education for the residents, and
(vi) the carrying out of procedures recommended by a physician, a nurse in the extended class or a dentist for the prevention and control of disease;
(h) the methods to be used to maintain the security of the residence;
(h.1) how the licensee will ensure that the children’s residence is kept safe and clean;
(i) how a resident’s parent will be involved with the program provided in the residence;
(j) the administrative structure of the residence;
(k) practices, including supervisory practices, to be followed by staff in the children’s residence;
(l) the conduct of persons employed in the residence, other than any policies and procedures concerning their conduct that may be set out in a collective agreement between the licensee and the licensee’s employees;
(m) emergency situations;
(n) the financial administration of the residence;
(o) how residents are encouraged to participate in community activities;
(p) articles prohibited by the licensee for the purposes of subsections 10 (3) and (4) of the Act;
(q) the manner in which residents may express concerns or make complaints;
(q.1) the manner in which staff and residents are informed of the rights of children under Part II of the Act;
(q.2) the manner in which a resident is supported in relation to any work done and money earned by the resident both inside and outside of the residence; and
(r) situations in which the policies and procedures under this section or the requirements of section 109 of this Regulation or section 4 of the Act are not complied with. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 82 (1), 144.
(2) The licensee shall ensure that a copy of the policies and procedures is kept in the children’s residence in a place that is accessible to staff. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 82 (2).
Orientation re policies and procedures
83. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that each person employed to work in the children’s residence,
(a) receives an orientation to the policies and procedures of the residence, including the policies and procedures respecting emergency situations, within 30 days after commencing their employment in the residence; and
(b) reviews the policies and procedures at least once in every year following the year in which the person began working in the residence.
(2) The licensee shall keep a record of any orientation provided to a person employed in the children’s residence in accordance with subsection (1) and the record shall include the signature of the person who received the orientation.
Serious occurrence reporting
84. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall report to a person listed in subsection (3) any of the following occurrences concerning a resident within 24 hours of the occurrence:
1. A resident dies.
2. A resident is seriously injured.
3. The licensee or a member of the licensee’s staff injures a resident.
4. A resident is abused or mistreated.
5. The licensee or a member of the licensee’s staff uses a physical restraint on a resident.
6. The licensee or a member of the licensee’s staff uses a mechanical restraint in the circumstances described in subsection 156 (2) or section 160 of the Act.
7. A complaint is made by or about a resident that the licensee considers to be of a serious nature.
8. A resident resides in the children’s residence and a fire or other disaster occurs in the residence.
9. Any other serious occurrence concerning a resident takes place, other than an occurrence described in paragraphs 1 to 8.
(2) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall report to a person listed in subsection (3) any of the following occurrences concerning a resident immediately after the occurrence:
1. A resident is absent from the residence without permission for 24 hours or more.
2. A resident is absent from the residence without permission for a period of time that is less than 24 hours, and the licensee considers the absence to be a serious matter.
(3) The following are the persons mentioned in subsections (1) and (2):
1. A parent of the resident.
2. If the resident was placed by a person and that person was also involved in the development of the resident’s plan of care, the person who placed the resident.
3. If the resident was placed by a society, the society that placed the resident.
4. A Director, except in the case of an occurrence described in paragraph 1 or 2 of subsection (2).
5. Only in the case of an occurrence described in paragraph 1 or 2 of subsection (2), the police force having jurisdiction in the area where the residence is located.
Request for admission
85. (1) If a licensee who operates a children’s residence receives an application for admission of a child to the children’s residence, the licensee shall ensure that the applicant is notified in writing as soon as possible in the circumstances of the licensee’s decision with respect to the application.
(2) If the licensee is unable to notify the applicant within 21 days after the day the application is received, the licensee shall advise the applicant in writing of the reasons for the delay.
(3) If the licensee decides to admit the child, the licensee shall notify the applicant in writing of the anticipated date of admission of the child.
Assessment of child
86. Except in the case of an admission of a young person who has been ordered into detention or custody by a youth justice court, before a licensee decides whether to admit a child to a children’s residence operated by the licensee, the licensee shall ensure that,
(a) a preliminary assessment is made of the child that sets out,
(i) the immediate needs of the child,
(ii) if it can be determined in the circumstances, whether the child is likely to be returned home,
(iii) the child’s legal status, and
(iv) any other information that, in the opinion of the licensee, is relevant to the immediate provision of residential care to the child;
(b) the immediate objectives of the provision of residential care are determined, taking into account the developmental, emotional, social, medical and educational needs of the child; and
(c) a written record is prepared that sets out,
(i) any immediate needs of the child that cannot be met in the children’s residence, if they can be ascertained, and
(ii) how those immediate needs will otherwise be met.
Admission process
87. (1) Except in the case of an admission of a young person who has been ordered into detention or custody by a youth justice court, a licensee who operates a children’s residence shall, in respect of each child admitted to the residence, ensure that a written agreement respecting the provision of a service to the child that meets the requirements of section 88 is completed at the time of admission of the child to the children’s residence or as soon as possible after that.
(2) If it is not possible in the circumstances to complete an agreement before the child begins receiving residential care in the residence, the licensee shall obtain the following before the child begins receiving residential care in the residence:
1. The consent for admission of the child required by section 22 of the Act.
2. A consent and authorization for the licensee to obtain emergency medical treatment for the child.
Agreement re residential care
88. (1) Subject to subsection (5), a written agreement respecting the provision of residential care to a child shall be signed by,
(a) the licensee;
(b) the child, if the child has capacity, as defined in subsection 21 (1) of the Act and the child’s consent to the provision of residential care is required by section 22 of the Act;
(c) if the child’s consent is required under section 22 of the Act and the child does not have capacity, as defined in subsection 21 (1) of the Act, the child’s nearest relative, as defined in that subsection;
(d) the parent of the child, placing agency or other person who placed the child, except if the child is 16 or older and signs the agreement; and
(e) in the case of a child in the care and custody of a society pursuant to a temporary care agreement under section 75 of the Act, the society and, if the child is a party to the agreement, the child.
(2) The agreement shall include the following:
1. A consent and authorization for the licensee to,
i. provide residential care to the child,
ii. obtain emergency medical treatment for the child, and
iii. if applicable, obtain and inspect records, reports and information concerning the child from persons named in the consent.
2. Financial arrangements with respect to the licensee’s provision of residential care to the child.
3. Provision for a review of the agreement at the request of the child, a parent of the child, the placing agency or other person who placed the child or the licensee.
(3) Subject to subsection (5), the licensee shall consult with the following persons and involve them in the development of the agreement:
1. A society that is not the parent of the child but that provides services to the child.
2. The child’s probation officer, if any.
3. The parent of the child, placing agency or other person who placed the child.
4. The child, to the extent possible given their age and maturity.
(4) Before the agreement is signed by the persons listed in subsection (1), the licensee shall,
(a) ensure that the agreement is explained to the child to the extent possible and in language that is appropriate for the child given their age and maturity; and
(b) obtain a signed acknowledgement from the child that the agreement has been explained, if possible.
(5) If it is not possible in the circumstances for all the persons listed in subsection (1) to sign the agreement or for the licensee to consult with or involve all of the persons listed in subsection (3) in the development of the agreement,
(a) the licensee may complete the agreement despite the fact that it does not comply with subsection (1) or (3) or both; and
(b) the licensee shall, on an ongoing basis, make reasonable efforts to have the agreement signed by the persons listed in subsection (1) or consult with or involve a person listed in subsection (3) and amend the agreement as necessary, or both, as the case may be, until the agreement complies with subsections (1) and (3).
(6) If it is not possible in the circumstances to obtain a signed acknowledgement from the child under clause (4) (b) before the agreement is signed, the licensee shall, until such an acknowledgement is obtained, make reasonable efforts to obtain one.
(7) The licensee shall note in the child’s case record, if applicable,
(a) the reasons that a person listed in subsection (1) did not sign the agreement;
(b) the reasons that a person listed in subsection (3) was not consulted on or involved in the development of the agreement;
(c) the reasons that the licensee did not obtain a signed acknowledgement from the child; and
(d) a description of any efforts made by the licensee pursuant to subsections (5) and (6).
Admission of residents — medical and dental treatment
89. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall,
(a) ensure that a resident has received a general medical examination conducted by a physician or a registered nurse in the extended class within 30 days prior to admission or within 72 hours after admission; or
(b) if it is not possible in the circumstances for the resident to have received a general medical examination in the time period described in clause (a),
(i) note in the resident’s case record the circumstances that lead to the delay, and
(ii) arrange for the examination as soon as possible in the circumstances after the 72 hour period has elapsed.
(2) If there are specific indications upon the admission of a resident that suggest that a medical examination or treatment is urgently needed by the resident, the licensee shall,
(a) immediately arrange for the examination or treatment; or
(b) if it is not possible in the circumstances to immediately arrange for the examination or treatment,
(i) note in the resident’s case record the reasons for which the examination or treatment could not be immediately arranged, and
(ii) arrange for the examination or treatment as soon as possible in the circumstances.
(3) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall,
(a) ensure that a resident has received a dental examination conducted by a dentist within six months prior to admission to the residence or within 90 days after admission; or
(b) if it is not possible in the circumstances for the resident to have received a dental examination in the time period described in clause (a),
(i) note in the resident’s case record the circumstances that lead to the delay, and
(ii) arrange for the examination as soon as possible in the circumstances after the 90 day period has elapsed.
(4) Upon admission of a child or young person to a children’s residence, the licensee who operates the residence shall ensure that the following things are identified:
1. Any medical treatment that the child or young person is receiving.
2. Any medication that the child or young person is taking.
3. Any allergy or physical ailment from which the child or young person is suffering.
(5) The licensee shall ensure that any treatment or medication referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection (4) is continued, as necessary, to ensure the health and safety of the child or young person.
Orientation of child or young person
90. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that, upon admission of a child or young person to the residence, the child or young person,
(a) receives an orientation to,
(i) the residence and the program provided in the residence, and
(ii) the residence’s fire and emergency procedures plan; and
(b) is informed of the procedures that exist for a resident to express concerns or make complaints.
Transfer or discharge of a resident
91. If a resident of a children’s residence is transferred or discharged from the residence, the licensee who operates the residence shall, as soon as possible within 30 days after the transfer or discharge, provide the licensee, person or agency to whom the resident is transferred or discharged with a summary of the resident’s progress while in the residence, including a summary of the plan of care and an assessment of the resident’s needs at the time of the transfer or discharge.
Register
92. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall maintain a register of residents that includes, with respect to each resident,
(a) their full name, sex and date of birth;
(b) the name, address and telephone number of the parent of the resident, placing agency or other person who placed the resident;
(c) if applicable, the fact that the resident has been placed in interim society care or extended society care;
(d) the date of the resident’s admission; and
(e) if the resident is transferred or discharged from the residence, the date of the transfer or discharge and the name of the licensee, person or agency to whom the resident is transferred or discharged.
Resident case record
93. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall maintain and keep up to date a written case record for each resident that includes,
(a) the resident’s full name, sex and date of birth;
(b) the name, address and telephone number of the parent of the child, placing agency or other person who placed the resident;
(c) the reason for the resident’s admission;
(d) any personal, family and social history or assessment that has been prepared by or provided to the licensee;
(e) a cumulative record of reports of medical and dental examinations and treatments given to the resident that have been provided to the licensee and of reports of all medical and dental examinations and treatments given to the resident after the date of their admission to the residence;
(f) if it can be obtained by the licensee, any legal document that is concerned with the resident’s admission and stay in the residence, including any consent to admission, treatment and release of information;
(g) a copy of the agreement described in section 88 respecting the resident, including any revised version of the agreement and particulars of any reviews of the agreement;
(h) the resident’s school records and reports, if applicable;
(i) the particulars of any review of the resident’s status;
(j) information respecting the child’s plan of care required to be included in the case record under subsection 94 (6);
(k) any serious occurrence involving the resident reported under section 84, including the time of the occurrence, the name of the person reporting it and the person to whom the report was made;
(l) if the licensee or a member of the licensee’s staff opens, removes an article from or withholds any written communication intended for the resident under subsection 10 (3) or (4) of the Act, the reasons for which the written communication was opened or withheld or the article removed;
(m) information respecting the resident’s,
(i) personality, behaviour, aptitudes and abilities,
(ii) involvement with court, and
(iii) experiences of separation from individuals who are or have been significant in the resident’s life;
(n) if applicable,
(i) documentation respecting the circumstances of transfer or discharge of the resident from the children’s residence,
(ii) the name and address of the licensee, person or agency to whom the resident is transferred or discharged,
(iii) a description of the relationship between the resident and the licensee, person or agency to whom the resident is transferred or discharged, and
(iv) the summary referred to in section 91;
(o) any other information required under this Regulation to be included in the case record; and
(p) any other information that the licensee considers appropriate.
(2) A resident’s written case record shall be retained by the licensee for at least 20 years after it was last amended or, if the resident dies, for at least five years after the death of the resident.
Resident plan of care
94. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall develop a written plan of care for each resident within 30 days after the resident’s admission.
(2) In developing a written plan of care, the licensee shall use the resident’s case record.
(3) The licensee shall ensure that, if possible in the circumstances, the following people are consulted with and involved in the development of a plan of care:
1. The parent of the resident, placing agency or other person who placed the child in residential care.
2. Any children’s aid society that is supervising the placement or providing services to the resident, but who is not the resident’s parent.
3. The resident’s probation officer, if any.
4. The resident, to the extent possible given their age and maturity.
(4) If a person listed in subsection (3) was not consulted and involved in the development of a plan of care, the licensee shall,
(a) make reasonable efforts to consult with and involve them after the development of the plan of care; and
(b) amend the plan of care, if necessary, to reflect their consultation and involvement.
(5) The plan of care shall include,
(a) a description of the resident’s needs, developed with reference to the findings of current or previous assessments of the resident, and a description of how those needs will be met;
(b) the desired outcomes that have been identified for the resident by the resident and the persons consulted with and involved in the development of the plan of care, based on the resident’s specific strengths and needs;
(c) a plan to secure, within specified timeframes, one or more specialized consultation, specialized treatment and other supports that have been identified to promote the desired outcomes for the resident;
(d) a statement of the educational programs that have been developed for the resident in consultation with the school boards in the area in which the residence is located;
(e) if applicable, a statement of the ways in which a parent of the resident will be involved in the plan of care including arrangements for contact between the resident and a parent of the resident and the resident’s family;
(f) particulars of any specialized service to be provided directly by, or arranged for by, the licensee;
(g) the dates on which the resident’s plan of care will be reviewed;
(h) a list of revisions, if any, to the plan of care; and
(i) a statement of any anticipated plan for the discharge of the resident.
(6) The following shall be included in the resident’s case record:
1. The initial plan of care developed in accordance with subsection (1).
2. The reasons that a person listed in subsection (3) was not consulted with or involved in the development of a plan of care.
3. A description of the efforts made by the licensee pursuant to clause (4) (a).
4. The particulars of any review of the plan of care.
5. The reasons for which any specialized consultation, specialized treatment and other supports referred to in clause (5) (c) have not been obtained within the specified timeframe.
(7) The licensee shall ensure that the development of each resident is reviewed in relation to their plan of care at least once every 30 days during the first six months after the resident’s admission and at least once every six months after that.
(8) The licensee shall ensure that a resident is given an opportunity to express their views during a review under subsection (7).
(9) The licensee shall ensure that each resident’s plan of care is reviewed three months after the resident’s admission, six months after the resident’s admission and, if requested by a person consulted with and involved in the development of the plan of care, every six months after that.
(10) Subsections (3) and (4) apply to a review under subsection (9) and a reference to the “development of a plan of care” in those subsections shall be read as a “review under subsection (9)”.
Daily log
95. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that a daily log is maintained for the residence in accordance with this section.
(2) The daily log shall set out, in respect of each day,
(a) the general daily activities that occur in the residence;
(b) any visitors to the residence;
(c) when residents leave from and return to the residence;
(d) the staff on duty in the residence;
(e) any event that occurs in the residence that affects the health, safety or well-being of a staff member or a resident or may, in the opinion of the licensee, affect the staff member or resident’s health, safety or well-being in the future; and
(f) any other information required under this Regulation to be included in the daily log.
(3) An event described in clause (2) (e) that affects or may affect a resident’s health, safety or well-being shall be documented in the resident’s case record.
(4) The daily log shall be kept in a secure place that is accessible to staff in the residence who the licensee has authorized to access it.
Maintenance of premises
96. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that the premises used by the licensee as the children’s residence is maintained in a manner that supports the safety and well-being of residents.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the licensee shall ensure that the premises, including the grounds, is kept safe and clean and that any materials, equipment or furnishings in the premises are clean and in good working order.
Requirements re premises
97. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall comply with the following rules in operating the residence:
1. No part of a basement shall be used for sleeping accommodation without the written approval of a Director.
2. No room without a window shall be used as a bedroom.
3. Each bedroom shall have a minimum floor space of,
i. five square metres for each resident who is older than 18 months and younger than 16 who occupies the bedroom, and
ii. seven square metres for each resident who is 16 or older who occupies the bedroom.
4. If a child or children younger than 18 months receive residential care in the children’s residence,
i. the residence shall have a minimum area of 3.25 square metres of floor space for each resident, and
ii. any bedroom occupied by a child under 18 months shall have a minimum floor space of at least 7.5 square metres.
5. Each resident shall be provided with their own bed and clean mattress and bedding suitable for the resident based on their age and size. The bedding shall be appropriate for the weather and climate.
6. A resident who is 7 or older shall not share a bedroom with another resident of the opposite sex without the written approval of a Director.
7. The children’s residence shall have a minimum of,
i. one sink with hot and cold water,
ii. one flush toilet for every five residents or fewer, and
iii. one bath or shower with hot and cold water for every eight residents or fewer.
8. If there is more than one toilet in any room, each toilet shall be located in a separate stall.
9. The maximum temperature of water in a washroom or bathroom in a children’s residence shall not exceed 49 degrees Celsius.
10. The children’s residence shall have an outdoor play space that has a minimum area of at least 9 square metres multiplied by the maximum number of residents permitted by the licence, unless an alternative arrangement is approved by the Director in writing.
11. The children’s residence shall be maintained at a temperature of at least 17 degrees Celsius.
12. There shall be a supply of drinking water in the children’s residence that is,
i. sanitary and adequate for the requirements of the residence, as confirmed by the local medical officer of health, and
ii. available to residents at all times.
13. Any harmful substance or object, including a substance or object that is poisonous or hazardous, shall,
i. only be kept in the children’s residence if it is essential to the operation of the residence, and
ii. be kept in a locked container if it is in the children’s residence.
Minimum staffing requirements
98. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that there are a sufficient number of program staff persons in the residence to ensure a minimum ratio of one program staff person to every eight residents in the residence, averaged over a 24-hour period.
(2) A licensee who operates a parent model children’s residence in which there are no auxiliary staff who are responsible for supervising a resident shall ensure that the total number of children in the residence does not exceed eight.
(3) A licensee who operates a staff model children’s residence shall ensure that, if more than one program staff person is on duty per shift in a staff model children’s residence, one program staff person is designated to be in charge of the shift.
(4) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that,
(a) there is reasonable provision in the circumstances for the supervision, care and safety of a child or young person who is on the premises of the residence; and
(b) if only one adult is on the premises while children or young persons are present, an additional adult is kept on call.
Training re fire extinguishers
99. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that each staff member is trained in the proper use of a fire extinguisher and that a record is kept of each training session.
Staff immunizations, medical assessments
100. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that each person employed in the residence receives any immunization recommended by the local medical officer of health and a health assessment before the person commences employment.
Educational planning
101. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall consult at least once in a year with the school boards in the area in which the residence is located for the purposes of identifying and utilizing the educational resources available for the residents.
(2) If the licensee is of the opinion that a resident is unable to attend a school in the area in which the residence is located because of the severity of the resident’s behavioural, physical or emotional problems, the licensee shall,
(a) document the need for an educational program for the resident in the resident’s case record and the resident’s plan of care; and
(b) consult with the appropriate director of education with respect to an educational program for the resident to be provided in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act and its regulations.
Nutrition
102. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that,
(a) the residents receive well balanced meals and snacks that are nutritionally adequate for their physical growth and development and respect the food preferences, culture, traditions and creed of the residents;
(b) if special foods are recommended by a resident’s physician or registered nurse in the extended class, they are provided to the resident; and
(c) a resident’s reasonable access to food and kitchen facilities is not restricted to meal or snack times unless specifically provided for in the resident’s plan of care.
First aid kit
103. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that,
(a) the residence is equipped with a first aid kit and a first aid manual that are kept in a location that is accessible to staff; and
(b) staff are made aware of the location of the first aid kit and the first aid manual.
Provision of health care
104. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that the services of a physician or a registered nurse in the extended class are provided for each resident at regular intervals and otherwise as needed by the resident.
(2) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that, if it is proposed that a resident receive a medical or dental treatment, the treatment is explained to the resident, to the extent possible based on the resident’s age and maturity.
Storage of medication
105. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that,
(a) all medication in the residence is kept in locked containers; and
(b) only persons who are authorized by the licensee have access to the medication.
(2) The licensee shall provide lockable storage facilities in the children’s residence for storage of medication that is self-administered by a resident.
Administration of medication
106. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that,
(a) prescription medication is only administered to a resident if,
(i) the medication has been prescribed by a physician or registered nurse in the extended class, and
(ii) the medication is administered under the general supervision of a program staff person;
(b) medication is self-administered by a resident only if,
(i) in the case of prescription medication, a physician or a registered nurse in the extended class is of the opinion that the resident is capable of administering their own medication and has provided a written self-medication plan for the resident to the licensee, or
(ii) in the case of non-prescription medication, the resident wishes to assume the responsibility of administering their own medication and the licensee is of the opinion that the resident is capable of assuming that responsibility; and
(c) a record is kept of all medication administered to or by each resident that includes,
(i) the medication administered,
(ii) the period for which the medication is prescribed, if applicable,
(iii) when each dose of the medication is supposed to be administered to the resident in accordance with the prescription, if any, and
(iv) when each dose of medication is actually administered to the resident.
(2) The licensee shall ensure that the record described in clause (1) (c) is made available to a prescribing physician or registered nurse in the extended class who requests it.
(3) If, in the opinion of a physician or a registered nurse in the extended class, a resident is capable of administering their own prescription medication, the licensee shall request from the physician or nurse a copy of a written self-medication plan for the resident that shall be kept in the resident’s case record.
Medical isolation
107. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that a person who suffers from a communicable disease is isolated from other persons in the residence who have not been infected by the disease, if isolation of the person is considered necessary by a physician or a registered nurse in the extended class.
Recommendations of the medical officer of health
108. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall carry out any recommendation made by the local medical officer of health or a person designated by the local medical officer of health concerning the health, safety or nutrition of any child or young person in the residence.
Discipline
109. (1) No licensee who operates a children’s residence shall,
(a) use or permit the use of harsh or degrading measures to humiliate a resident or undermine a resident’s self-respect; or
(b) deprive or permit a person to deprive a resident of basic needs including food, shelter, clothing or bedding.
(2) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that the staff and residents are informed of the type of behaviour of a resident that may result in the administration of a method of discipline.
(3) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that,
(a) any method of discipline or other intervention administered on a resident that is intended to reduce or eliminate a certain behaviour is recorded in the resident’s case record by the person who administered the discipline or intervention; and
(b) the licensee or a person designated by the licensee is informed of the administration of the discipline or intervention.
(4) For greater certainty, the reference to methods of discipline and intervention in clause (3) (a) does not include the use of physical restraint, mechanical restraint or secure de-escalation.
Clothing
110. (1) Subject to subsection (2), a licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that each resident has sufficient clothing of a suitable quality and size considering the resident’s age, activities and local weather conditions.
(2) If the licensee is unable to ensure that a resident has suitable clothing, the licensee shall document efforts made to obtain the clothing in the resident’s case record.
Fire and emergency procedures plan
111. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall develop a written fire and emergency procedures plan for the residence that,
(a) sets out the roles and responsibilities of staff in the event of a fire or other emergency;
(b) designates a place of short-term shelter for situations in which the children’s residence needs to be evacuated because of a fire or other emergency; and
(c) establishes a procedure for situations in which the children’s residence needs to be evacuated because of a fire or other emergency.
(2) The licensee shall keep a copy of the fire and emergency procedures plan in the children’s residence.
(3) The licensee shall,
(a) review the fire and emergency procedures plan as often as is necessary to ensure the safety of staff and residents but at least once every 12 months; and
(b) revise the fire and emergency procedures plan to take into account any changes to the nature of the residential setting or the residents to whom residential care is provided.
Fire safety requirements
112. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall,
(a) ensure that any appliance in the residence is maintained in a good state of repair and inspected at least once every 12 months by a qualified individual; and
(b) maintain a record of each inspection.
(2) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that the children’s residence has,
(a) at least one exit from the first storey of the residence; and
(b) at least one exit or two means of egress from the third storey of the residence, if the third storey contains sleeping accommodation.
(3) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that,
(a) a fire extinguisher rated at least 2A:10BC and listed by an organization accredited by the Standards Council of Canada is installed in the kitchen and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
(b) a smoke alarm that meets the requirements of the fire code respecting standards for smoke alarms is located on each storey of the residence and additional smoke alarms that meet those requirements are located in each bedroom and sleeping area in the residence;
(c) all staff members are instructed on the procedures to be followed when a fire alarm is activated or a fire is discovered, including their roles and responsibilities;
(d) all residents are, upon admission, instructed in a manner suitable to their age and maturity on the procedures to be followed when a fire alarm is activated or a fire is discovered, including their roles and responsibilities;
(e) the procedures referred to in clauses (c) and (d) are,
(i) posted in conspicuous places in the children’s residence, and
(ii) practiced at least once a month in the children’s residence;
(f) a record is kept of each practice under subclause (e) (ii);
(g) the fire alarm is used to initiate fire drills; and
(h) any flammable liquids, including paint supplies, that are kept in the residence are stored in lockable containers and not stored near any appliance.
(4) In this section,
“exit” has the same meaning as in the fire code.
Fire inspections
113. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that the following procedures are followed in the residence:
1. An inspection of the residence is conducted that includes an inspection of equipment in the kitchen and laundry room each night to ensure that there is no danger of fire and that all doors to stairwells, fire doors and smoke barrier doors are closed.
2. A record of each inspection required by paragraph 1 is kept in the daily log for the children’s residence.
Prohibition on firearms
114. A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall ensure that firearms are not permitted on the premises of the residence, except in the circumstances of a peace officer who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course of the officer’s duties attending at the residence in response to an emergency.
Requirements Respecting Financial Matters and Insurance
Financial records
115. (1) A licensee who operates a children’s residence shall prepare an annual budget that sets out,
(a) the anticipated revenue of the residence;
(b) the projected expenditures to be incurred with respect to the day to day operation of the residence, other than those described in clause (c); and
(c) the projected expenditures to be incurred with respect to physical, emotional, developmental and educational needs of residents including professional services and non-recurring costs.
(2) If a licensee operates two or more children’s residences, a separate annual budget shall be prepared for each residence that shows the individual costs for each residence and any costs that are shared between the residences.
(3) A licensee shall, in respect of each children’s residence operated by the licensee, keep a complete record of revenues and expenditures associated with the operation of the residence.
Insurance
116. (1) A licensee that operates a children’s residence shall ensure that an insurance policy is maintained in effect with respect to the residence.
(2) The insurance policy shall include,
(a) fire and extended coverage including coverage for the theft of the children’s residence’s physical assets and the residents’ property;
(b) comprehensive general liability coverage and personal injury coverage, including coverage for persons employed in the residence and volunteers in the residence and, in the case of a parent model residence, the persons who provide care for the residents;
(c) a clause concerning liability arising out of any contract or agreement; and
(d) motor vehicle coverage for all vehicles used by employees of the residence and volunteers or, in the case of a parent model residence, persons who provide care for residents.
Provision of Residential Care in Places that are not Children’s Residences or Foster Homes
Application of rules to licensee
117. (1) This section applies to a licensee, other than a foster care licensee, who provides residential care, directly or indirectly, for three or more children not of common parentage in places,
(a) where adult persons are employed to provide residential care to children on the basis of scheduled periods of duty; and
(b) that are not children’s residences.
(2) A licensee to which this section applies shall comply with sections 81 to 97, subsection 98 (4), sections 99 to 114, subsections 115 (1) and (3) and section 116 as if each place where the licensee provides residential care were a children’s residence and, for that purpose, those sections apply with the following modifications:
1. A reference to “children’s residence” or “residence” shall be read as “place where residential care is provided that is not a children’s residence”.
2. A reference to “child or young person” shall be read as a reference to “child”.
3. The definition of “resident” in section 78 does not apply and instead a reference to a “resident” shall be read as “child admitted to the place where residential care is provided that is not a children’s residence”.
4. Sections 86 and 87 shall be read as if they did not include the words “Except in the case of an admission of a young person who has been ordered into detention or custody by a youth justice court”.
5. The reference to “a program staff person” in subclause 106 (1) (a) (ii) shall be read as “an adult person employed by the licensee to provide residential care to children”.
6. Clause 116 (2) (b) shall be read as if it did not include the words “and, in the case of a parent model residence, the persons who provide care for the residents”.
7. Clause 116 (2) (d) shall be read as if it did not include the words “or, in the case of a parent model residence, persons who provide care for the residents”.
(3) A licensee to which this section applies shall ensure that, in each place where residential care is provided under the authority of the licence,
(a) at least one adult person employed by the licensee to provide residential care is present whenever a child receiving residential care is also present; and
(b) if more than one adult person employed by the licensee to provide residential care is on duty per shift, one of these persons is designated to be in charge of the shift.
(4) The additional requirements prescribed under section 80 for the purposes of subsection 254 (2) of the Act are also prescribed for the purposes of that subsection for an applicant for a licence or for renewal of a licence to provide residential care as described in subsection (1) of this section and, for that purpose, section 80 of this Regulation applies with the modifications set out in paragraphs 1 and 3 of subsection (2) of this section.
Administration of Foster Homes
Foster home administration
118. (1) A foster care licensee shall develop and maintain,
(a) procedures for the recruitment, screening and selection of foster parents; and
(b) a system for,
(i) classifying and utilizing foster homes,
(ii) supervising foster homes, and
(iii) evaluating foster homes on an annual basis according to the objectives set for the type and level of care to be provided in the homes.
(2) A foster care licensee shall maintain a list of foster parents approved by the licensee and corresponding foster homes.
Policies and procedures
119. (1) A foster care licensee shall develop procedures for the selection, development and management of the foster homes used by the licensee to provide residential care. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 119 (1).
(2) A foster care licensee shall maintain written policies and procedures for the foster homes used by the licensee to provide residential care respecting,
(a) the admission and discharge of children to and from the foster home;
(b) closing a foster home, including a requirement that the licensee offer to have an interview with the foster parent or parents regarding the closure of the home;
(c) the manner in which planning for the care provided to children placed in the foster home is carried out and the manner in which the care is monitored and evaluated;
(d) how children’s files are maintained;
(e) methods of discipline and intervention that may be used and may not be used in the home;
(f) a child’s parent’s interaction with the child;
(g) the provision of temporary and planned relief care to the children receiving foster care in the foster home by a person who is not a foster parent, including on an emergency basis;
(h) emergency situations;
(h.1) how children who have been placed in the foster home are encouraged to participate in community activities;
(i) the articles prohibited by the licensee for the purposes of subsection 10 (3) of the Act;
(j) the expression of concerns or complaints by children placed in the foster home;
(j.1) the manner of informing foster parents, persons employed by the licensee and children placed in the foster home of the rights of children under Part II of the Act;
(k) the responsibilities and obligations of the parents of the child, the foster parent or parents and persons assigned by the licensee to supervise and support the foster parent or parents with respect to the provision of health care to children placed in the foster home, including,
(i) the administration of prescription medication,
(ii) situations that may require hospitalization, medical or surgical treatment or emergency medical care, and
(iii) an annual assessment of the health, vision, dental and hearing condition of the children;
(l) expectations and timeframes for the licensee’s response to any inquiry from a foster parent;
(m) the manner in which a foster child is supported in relation to any work done and money earned by the foster child both inside and outside of the foster home; and
(n) situations in which the policies and procedures under this section or the requirements of section 4 of the Act are not complied with. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 119 (2), 145.
(3) For greater certainty, the reference to methods of discipline and intervention in clause (2) (e) does not include the use of physical restraint, mechanical restraint or secure de-escalation. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 119 (3).
(4) Any timeframe in a policy or procedure referred to in clause (2) (l) shall not exceed three business days. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 119 (4).
(5) A copy of the policies and procedures shall be kept in the foster home in a place that is accessible to each foster parent and to persons assigned by the licensee to supervise and support the foster parent or parents. O. Reg. 156/18, s. 119 (5).
Orientation re policies and procedures
120. (1) A licensee shall ensure that each foster parent approved by the licensee to provide foster care and any person assigned by the licensee to supervise and support the foster parent receives an orientation with respect to the policies and procedures of the foster home.
(2) A foster parent or parents shall receive the orientation before a child is placed in the foster home.
(3) A person assigned by the licensee to supervise or support the foster parent or parents shall receive the orientation before beginning to supervise or support the foster parent or parents and annually after that.
(4) The licensee shall keep a record of any orientation provided in accordance with this section that includes the signature of the person who received the orientation.
Approval of foster parents
121. (1) A foster care licensee shall not permit a person to receive a child for the purposes of providing foster care under the authority of the licensee’s licence unless,
(a) the licensee or a person designated by the licensee has approved the person as a foster parent on the basis of an assessment described in this section of the proposed foster parent and the proposed foster home; and
(b) the results of the last assessment of the foster parent or parents and the foster home under section 123, if any, indicated that the foster parent or parents and foster home remain suitable to receive a child for the purposes of providing foster care.
(2) For the purposes of preparing an assessment, the licensee or the person designated by the licensee shall,
(a) conduct at least one interview with each proposed foster parent in the proposed foster home and, in the case of two proposed foster parents, also conduct an interview together with both proposed foster parents in the proposed foster home;
(b) meet with all other persons living in the home of the proposed foster parent or parents;
(c) receive three references, in the case of a single proposed foster parent or five references, in the case of two proposed foster parents, respecting the suitability of the proposed foster parent or parents to provide foster care;
(d) contact the references referred to in clause (c) and make a record of their comments regarding the suitability of the proposed foster parent or parents to provide foster care;
(e) obtain a written statement from a physician, an individual approved by the local medical officer of health or a registered nurse in the extended class regarding the general health and specific illnesses or disabilities of the proposed foster parent or parents and any other individual who lives in the proposed foster home and whether or not they might interfere with the provision of foster care; and
(f) visit the home of the proposed foster parent or parents to determine whether or not it is suitable for placement of a foster child.
(3) For the purposes of clause (2) (c), a proposed foster parent cannot be their own reference and, in the case of two proposed foster parents, neither of the proposed foster parents can be a reference for the other proposed foster parent.
(4) The licensee or person designated by the licensee shall, during a home visit described in clause (2) (f),
(a) conduct an assessment of,
(i) the common living areas of the home,
(ii) the proposed sleeping area for a foster child,
(iii) the grounds surrounding the home, and
(iv) the play space used by the children in the proposed foster home; and
(b) take note of the recreational areas within walking distance of the foster home.
(5) The licensee or person designated by the licensee shall record the details of a home visit, the location of the home and the date and time of the visit.
(6) After satisfying the requirements described in subsections (2) to (5), the licensee or person designated by the licensee shall,
(a) prepare a written assessment respecting the suitability of the proposed foster parent or parents to provide foster care and the suitability of their home as a foster home;
(b) on the basis of the assessment, determine whether or not to approve the proposed foster parent or parents; and
(c) within five business days after determining whether or not to approve the proposed foster parent or parents, meet with the proposed foster parent or parents in order to communicate the results of the assessment.
(7) For the purposes of clause (6) (b), the licensee or a person designated by the licensee shall not approve a foster parent or parents to provide foster care unless their home,
(a) has designated spaces for living, dining, food preparation and storage and separate rooms for sleeping and bathing;
(b) has regular sleeping accommodation for a foster child that meets the requirements set out in subsection (8), subject to subsection (9);
(c) is equipped with a means of maintaining a supply of heat to habitable rooms;
(d) is maintained in a manner that supports the safety and well-being of children, including that the home and its grounds are safe and clean and that any materials, equipment or furnishings located on the premises are clean and in good working order; and
(e) if there is a swimming pool on the grounds of the home, complies with all applicable by-laws and public health requirements respecting the pool.
(8) The following are the requirements referred to in clause (7) (b):
1. Any room to be used as sleeping accommodation must have a window.
2. Any room to be used as sleeping accommodation must not be located in a building detached from the rest of the foster home, in an unfinished attic or basement or in a stairway or hall.
(9) A Director may, in writing, approve an arrangement other than an arrangement required by subsection (8).
(10) If the proposed foster parent or parents have been approved to provide foster care under subsection (6), the licensee or person designated by the licensee shall sign the assessment and ensure that the assessment is also signed by the proposed foster parent or parents.
Supervision and support re foster parents, foster homes
122. (1) A foster care licensee shall assign a person to,
(a) supervise and support the foster parent or parents approved by the licensee; and
(b) arrange for the support services provided for in a foster care service agreement under section 131.
(2) The person shall consult with the foster parent or, in the case of two foster parents, at least one of the foster parents, within seven days after a placement of a child in the foster home and again within at least 30 days after the placement.
(3) If the foster care licensee is not the placing agency with respect to children placed in the foster home, the consultation shall be conducted in the foster home.
(4) At least once every three months, the person assigned under subsection (1) shall,
(a) visit the foster home in order to provide support to the foster family; or
(b) if there are no children placed in the foster home, contact the family.
Annual review of foster home
123. (1) A foster care licensee or person designated by the licensee shall conduct an annual review under this section of a foster parent or parents who provide residential care under the authority of the licensee’s licence and the foster home.
(2) The review shall be conducted 12 months after the foster parent or parents are approved by the licensee and every 12 months after that as long as the foster parent or parents continue to be approved by the licensee.
(3) As part of the review, the licensee or person designated by the licensee shall,
(a) interview the foster parent in the foster home or, in the case of two foster parents, each foster parent in the foster home;
(b) review the licensee’s policies and procedures that are applicable to the provision of foster care by the foster parent or parents;
(c) if there is an individual living in the foster home at the time of the review who was not living in the home during the initial assessment under section 121 or the last review under this section, obtain the statement referred to in clause 121 (2) (e) respecting the individual;
(d) evaluate the foster home according to the objectives set for the type and level of care to be provided in the home; and
(e) visit the foster home to determine whether or not it continues to be a suitable placement for a foster child and whether it continues to meet the requirements set out in subsection 121 (7).
(4) The licensee or person designated by the licensee shall, during a home visit described in clause (3) (e),
(a) conduct an assessment of,
(i) the common living areas of the home,
(ii) the sleeping area for a foster child,
(iii) the grounds surrounding the home, and
(iv) the play space used by the children in the foster home; and
(b) take note of the recreational areas within walking distance of the foster home.
(5) The licensee or person designated by the licensee shall,
(a) record the details of the review and of the visit, including the location of the home and the date and time of the visit; and
(b) ensure the record described in clause (a) is signed by the foster parent or parents, as the case may be, and kept in the licensee’s file in respect of the foster parent or parents.
(6) After completing the activities described in subsections (3) to (5), the licensee or person designated by the licensee shall prepare a written assessment respecting the ongoing suitability of the foster parent or parents to provide foster care and of the foster home as a placement for a foster child and meet with the proposed foster parent or parents in order to communicate the results of the assessment.
(7) The licensee or person designated by the licensee shall not find that the foster home continues to be a suitable placement for a foster child unless the home continues to meet the requirements set out in subsection 121 (7).
Records re foster homes
124. A foster care licensee shall maintain a written file for the foster parent or parents approved to provide foster care under the authority of the licensee’s licence, and the written file shall include the following information:
1. The assessment of the foster parent or parents and their home under section 121.
2. A copy of each foster care service agreement between the licensee and the foster parent or parents.
3. A copy of any review under section 123, signed by both the licensee and the foster parent or parents.
4. A record of any review, including the results of the review, regarding a concern or complaint respecting a foster parent.
Placement of Children in Foster Homes
Rules respecting placement in a foster home
125. (1) Subject to subsections (2) to (4), a foster care licensee shall not place a child in a foster home if the placement would result in any of the following circumstances:
1. More than four foster children receiving foster care in the foster home at one time.
2. More than two foster children who are younger than 2 receiving foster care in the foster home at one time.
3. A foster child not having a bed and clean mattress suitable to the age and size of the foster child or bedding suitable to the age and size of the foster child and appropriate for the weather and climate.
4. A foster child sharing a bed or sleeping room with an adult couple or adult of the opposite sex.
5. A foster child who is 7 or older sharing a bedroom with another child of the opposite sex.
(2) The licensee may place a child in a foster home even if the placement would result in one or both of the circumstances described in paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection (1) if,
(a) all of the foster children have one common parent or are related to a foster parent; and
(b) the placement is approved in writing by a Director.
(3) Paragraph 4 of subsection (1) does not apply in respect of the placement of a child whose needs require that the child be in the same room as an adult couple or an adult of the opposite sex.
(4) A Director may approve in writing an arrangement other than an arrangement required by paragraphs 3 to 5 of subsection (1).
(5) The licensee shall ensure that any written approval of a placement by a Director is available for inspection by an inspector at the business premises of the licensee.
Register
126. (1) A foster care licensee shall maintain a register of children placed in a foster home used by the licensee to provide foster care.
(2) The register shall include, with respect to each child,
(a) their full name, sex and date of birth;
(b) if applicable, the fact that the child has been placed in interim society care or extended society care;
(c) the name, address and telephone number of the placing agency or other person who placed the child;
(d) the address of the foster home in which the child has been placed and the date of placement; and
(e) if the child is transferred or discharged from the foster home, the date of the transfer or discharge and the name of the licensee, person or agency to whom the child is transferred or discharged.
Assessment of child
127. (1) Before a child is placed in a foster home to receive foster care under the authority of the licence of a foster care licensee, the licensee shall ensure that,
(a) a preliminary assessment is made of the child that sets out,
(i) the immediate needs of the child,
(ii) if it can be determined in the circumstances, whether the child is likely to be returned home,
(iii) the child’s legal status, and
(iv) any other information that, in the opinion of the licensee, is relevant to the immediate provision of foster care to the child; and
(b) the immediate objectives of the provision of foster care are determined, taking into account the developmental, emotional, social, medical and educational needs of the child.
(2) A placing agency shall complete an assessment of a child that it places in foster care within 30 days after the placement, and the assessment shall set out,
(a) any special needs that the child may have;
(b) the child’s legal status;
(c) the child’s family history;
(d) the circumstances necessitating foster care for the child; and
(e) any other information that, in the opinion of the placing agency, is relevant to the immediate provision of foster care to the child.
(3) Within 30 days after the placement of the child in foster care, the licensee shall,
(a) review the assessment prepared in accordance with subsection (2); and
(b) develop and finalize the foster plan of care after, if possible in the circumstances, consulting with,
(i) the placing agency, if the placing agency is not the licensee,
(ii) the foster parent or parents,
(iii) the child, to the extent possible given the child’s age and maturity, and
(iv) the child’s parents, if appropriate.
(4) If the licensee finalizes the foster plan of care without consulting a person listed in clause (3) (b), other than a parent of the child, the licensee shall continue to make reasonable efforts to consult with those persons and, based on the consultation, make any changes to the plan of care that may be appropriate.
(5) The licensee shall ensure that the foster plan of care,
(a) takes into account all available information about the child as set out in any existing reports related to specialized consultation with respect to the child or specialized treatment or supports received by the child;
(b) identifies desired outcomes based on the child’s specific strengths and needs; and
(c) includes a plan to secure, within specified timeframes, one or more specialized consultation, specialized treatment and other supports that have been identified to promote the desired outcomes for the child.
(6) For the purposes of clause (5) (a), if the placing agency is not the licensee, the placing agency and the licensee shall ensure that any reports referenced in that clause are shared between them as soon as possible after either of them receives the report.
(7) A placing agency shall initiate a social history of each child that it places in foster care within 60 days after the placement and update it at least once in every year following the placement.
(8) The social history of a child shall include the following information respecting the child:
1. Identifying information.
2. Admission information.
3. Family history.
4. Birth history.
5. Developmental history.
6. Health history.
7. Academic history.
8. History of court involvement.
9. Experiences of separation.
10. Personality and behaviour.
11. Aptitudes and abilities.
(9) If the placing agency is not the licensee, the placing agency shall provide the licensee with a copy of the child’s social history.
(10) A licensee shall use the social history of a child as a resource in adapting the child’s foster plan of care.
Review of foster plan of care
128. (1) A foster care licensee shall review the foster plan of care developed in accordance with section 127 for each child receiving foster care in a foster home used by the licensee to provide foster care.
(2) The following people shall, if possible in the circumstances, be involved in a review:
1. The licensee.
2. The placing agency, if the placing agency is not the licensee.
3. The child, to the extent possible given the child’s age and maturity.
4. The foster parent or parents.
5. The child’s parents, if appropriate.
(3) If a person listed in subsection (2) is not involved in the review, other than a child’s parent, the licensee shall note the reasons in the child’s file and shall,
(a) continue to make reasonable efforts to involve the person after completing the review; and
(b) based on their involvement, make any necessary changes to the foster plan of care.
(4) A review shall take place at the following times:
1. Three months after the child’s placement in foster care, six months after the placement and at least once every six months after that.
2. As soon as possible after the following events:
i. A material change in circumstances occurs that necessitates a review of the foster plan of care.
ii. A change occurs in the child’s placement.
(5) The licensee shall document in the child’s file the date of each review and any changes made to the foster plan of care as a result of the review.
(6) If the placing agency is not the licensee, the placing agency and the licensee shall ensure that any reports respecting the child are shared between them as soon as possible after a report is received by either of them.
(7) If a foster plan of care includes a recommendation to obtain one or more specialized consultations, specialized treatments or other supports for the child within a specified timeframe and the specialized consultation, specialized treatment or support is not subsequently obtained for the child within the timeframe, the licensee shall note the reasons in the child’s file.
Placement of child
129. (1) A foster care licensee shall not place a child in a foster home that it uses to provide residential care unless,
(a) the licensee or person designated by the licensee approves the foster parent or parents under section 121 and the results of the last assessment under section 123, if any, indicated that the foster parent or parents and foster home remain suitable to receive a child for the purposes of providing foster care;
(b) the licensee has disclosed to the foster parent or parents all information known to the licensee about the child that is relevant to the care of the child; and
(c) the licensee obtains the agreement of,
(i) the foster parent or parents, on the basis of the information provided under clause (b), and
(ii) the placing agency, if the licensee is not the placing agency.
(2) The licensee shall ensure that the following information is included in the file of a child who receives or will receive foster care in a foster home used by the licensee to provide residential care:
1. Any needs of the child that cannot be met by placement in the foster home.
2. How the needs of the child will be met.
3. Any reservations or concerns expressed by the foster parent or parents about the placement of the child in the foster home.
Same
130. A foster care licensee or placing agency that places a child in foster care shall,
(a) arrange for a person known to the child or, if the licensee or placing agency or a person designated by the licensee or placing agency approves another person, that person, to accompany the child to the foster home on the date on which the child is placed in the foster home; and
(b) ensure that the foster parent or parents receive, in writing and at the time of placement, information about the child’s health and medical and dental history necessary for the care of the child, including specification of any medical disorders, disabilities, special needs, allergies or limitations on activity.
Foster care service agreement
131. (1) A foster care licensee who intends to place a child in a foster home that the licensee uses to provide residential care shall enter into a written foster care service agreement with the foster parent or parents before placing the child with the foster parent or parents.
(2) The foster care service agreement shall set out,
(a) the respective roles, responsibilities and obligations of the licensee and the foster parent or parents;
(b) support services and training to be provided by the licensee to the foster parent or parents during the placement, including,
(i) the frequency and form of the supervision,
(ii) relief services, and
(iii) professional consultation needed by the foster child;
(c) financial arrangements for the care of a child, including,
(i) the basis for determining the amount of payment to the foster parent or parents,
(ii) the method and frequency of payment to the foster parent or parents, and
(iii) the basis for determining the expenditures incurred by the foster parent or parents that will be reimbursed by the licensee;
(d) information that is considered to be confidential between the foster parent or parents and the licensee;
(e) the frequency at which the foster parent or parents will be evaluated by the licensee; and
(f) the grounds on which the agreement may be terminated.
(3) The licensee shall review the foster care service agreement at least once in every year and as otherwise requested by a foster parent.
(4) As part of the review, the licensee shall conduct at least one interview with the foster parent or parents and any other individual who lives in the foster home.
(5) Upon completion of the review, the foster parent or parents and the licensee shall sign the agreement that was the subject of the review, and the licensee shall keep a copy of it in the foster parent or parents’ file.
(6) The licensee and the foster parent or parents may update the agreement from time to time as is necessary to give proper effect to the agreement.
Foster child file
132. A foster care licensee shall maintain a written file for each foster child to which it provides residential care that includes,
(a) the foster child’s full name, sex and date of birth;
(b) the name, address and telephone number of the placing agency or other person who placed the child;
(c) the reason for the child’s placement in foster care;
(d) any personal, family and social history or assessment that has been prepared by or provided to the licensee, including the social history referenced in subsection 127 (7);
(e) a cumulative record of reports of medical and dental examinations and treatments given to the child that have been provided to the licensee and of reports of all medical and dental examinations and treatments given to the child after the date of their placement in the foster home;
(f) if it can be obtained by the licensee, any legal document that is concerned with the child’s admission and stay in the foster home, including any consent to admission, treatment and release of information;
(g) the child’s school records and reports, if applicable;
(h) the plan of care developed for the child and particulars of any review of the plan of care;
(i) if the licensee or a member of the licensee’s staff opens or removes an article from any written communication intended for the child under subsection 10 (3) of the Act, the reasons for which the written communication was opened or the article removed;
(j) information respecting the child’s,
(i) personality, behaviour, aptitudes and abilities,
(ii) involvement with court, and
(iii) experiences of separation from individuals who are or have been significant in the child’s life;
(k) if applicable,
(i) documentation respecting the circumstances of transfer or discharge of the child from the foster home,
(ii) the name and address of the licensee, person or agency to whom the child is transferred or discharged, and
(iii) a description of the relationship between the child and the licensee, person or agency to whom the child is transferred or discharged;
(l) any other information required under this Regulation to be included in the file; and
(m) any other information that the licensee considers appropriate.
Fire and emergency procedures plan
133. (1) A foster care licensee shall develop a written fire and emergency procedures plan for each foster home used by the licensee to provide residential care that,
(a) sets out the roles and responsibilities of a foster parent or parents in the event of a fire or other emergency;
(b) designates a place of short-term shelter for situations in which the foster home needs to be evacuated because of a fire or other emergency; and
(c) establishes a procedure for situations in which the foster home needs to be evacuated because of a fire or other emergency.
(2) The licensee shall involve the foster parent or parents in the development of the fire and emergency procedures plan.
(3) The licensee shall keep a copy of the fire and emergency procedures plan in the foster home to which it relates and at the business premises of the licensee.
(4) The licensee shall ensure that the fire and emergency procedures plan is,
(a) reviewed as often as is necessary to support the safety of children receiving foster care in the foster home but at least once every 12 months; and
(b) revised to take into account any changes to the nature of the residential setting or the children to whom foster care is provided.
Fire safety requirements
134. A foster care licensee shall, with respect to each foster home used by the licensee to provide residential care, ensure that,
(a) a smoke alarm that meets the requirements of the fire code respecting standards for smoke alarms is located on each storey of the foster home and additional smoke alarms that meet those requirements are located in each bedroom and sleeping area in the home;
(b) the foster parent or parents are instructed on the procedures to be followed when a fire alarm is activated or a fire is discovered, including their roles and responsibilities;
(c) all children placed in the foster home are instructed upon their placement in the foster home, in a manner suitable to their age and maturity, on the procedures to be followed when a fire alarm is activated or a fire is discovered, including their roles and responsibilities;
(d) the procedures referred to in clauses (b) and (c) are,
(i) posted in conspicuous places in the foster home, and
(ii) practiced at least once every six months in the foster home;
(e) a record is kept of each practice under subclause (d) (ii);
(f) the fire alarm is used to initiate fire drills; and
(g) any flammable liquids, including paint supplies, that are kept in the foster home are stored in lockable containers and not stored near any appliance.
Storage of medication
135. A foster care licensee shall ensure that in any foster home used by the licensee to provide residential care,
(a) medication is kept in locked containers; and
(b) only persons authorized by the licensee have access to medications.
Firearms
136. A foster care licensee shall ensure that firearms and ammunition are locked up and stored in a place that is inaccessible to children at all times.
Records and Reporting Requirements (Requirements for All Licensees)
Records
137. A licensee who operates a children’s residence or who provides residential care in places that are not children’s residences shall ensure that records are kept in locked containers that are inaccessible by children.
Financial reporting
138. A licensee who operates a children’s residence or who provides residential care in places that are not children’s residences shall, if requested by a Director, prepare and submit financial reports to the Director, including reports prepared by a public accountant who is licensed or holds a certificate of authorization under the Public Accounting Act, 2004.
Change in officers or directors
139. A licensee that is a corporation and that operates a children’s residence or that provides residential care in places that are not children’s residences shall, within 15 days after any change to the officers or directors of the corporation, notify a Director of the change and the role of the new director or officer.
Death of a resident
140. (1) If a resident of a children’s residence dies, the licensee who operates the residence shall notify a coroner, other than a coroner who is a physician referred to in subsection 104 (1), of the death.
(2) If a child dies while in receipt of residential care provided under the authority of a licence in a place other than a children’s residence, the licensee who directly or indirectly provides the residential care shall, after consulting with the placing agency, unless the placing agency is the licensee, notify a coroner.
Delivery of records, prescribed person
141. The Minister is prescribed as the person to whom records shall be delivered by a licensee for the purposes of clause 269 (b) of the Act.
Alternative Procedures Due to the Emergency for Licensees Providing Residential Care
Definitions
141.1 (1) In sections 141.2 to 141.8,
“emergency” means the emergency declared by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on March 17, 2020 under section 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act in the whole of the Province of Ontario as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19); (“situation d’urgence”)
“public health guidance” means any advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials respecting the coronavirus (COVID-19), including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting;(“orientations en matière de santé publique”) O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
(2) The definitions set out in section 78 also apply in sections 141.2 to 141.8. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
Supervision and support of foster homes
141.2 (1) Despite the requirements in subsections 122 (3) and (4) for a person assigned by a foster care licensee to consult with foster parents in the foster home and to visit the foster home, those requirements may be deviated from until the emergency is terminated if a foster care licensee considers it appropriate to do so after having considered,
(a) the feasibility of conducting the consultation in the foster home or visiting the foster home in a way that is consistent with the most recent public health guidance; and
(b) whether the foster parents can be adequately supported and supervised through other means. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
(2) If any of the requirements referred to in subsection (1) are deviated from under this section, the foster care licensee shall ensure that a consultation is conducted in the home with the foster parents and that the person assigned by the foster care licensee visits the foster home as soon as reasonably possible after the licensee determines that the consultation or visit can be conducted in the home, taking into account the most recent public health guidance. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
Foster home reviews
141.3 (1) Despite the requirements in clauses 123 (3) (a) and (e) to visit a foster home and conduct interviews with foster parents in the foster home, those requirements may be deviated from until the emergency is terminated if a foster care licensee considers it appropriate to do so after having considered,
(a) the feasibility of visiting the foster home in a way that is consistent with the most recent public health guidance; and
(b) whether the review can be adequately conducted through other means. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
(2) Without limiting the generality of clause (1) (b), the licensee or a person designated by the licensee shall conduct the required interviews over the phone or using other communications technology. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
(3) If any of the requirements referred to in subsection (1) are deviated from under this section, the foster care licensee or a person designated by the licensee shall visit the foster home in order to conduct the interviews required by clause 123 (3) (a) and in order to make the determination referred to in clause 123 (3) (e) as soon as reasonably possible after the licensee determines that these steps can be taken, taking into account the most recent public health guidance. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
Records
141.4 The following information shall be documented by a foster care licensee that deviates from a requirement in this Regulation under section 141.2 or 141.3:
1. The particular requirement in question, including when it is required to be met.
2. The last time the requirement was met or any previous occasions on which the requirement was deviated from, if applicable.
3. Any attempts made to meet the requirement, the rationale for deviating from the requirement and any alternative means used to supervise and support foster parents or conduct annual reviews of the foster parents and foster home, as the case may be.
4. The moment at which the particular requirement is subsequently complied with without deviation. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
Maximum number of foster children
141.5 (1) Despite paragraph 1 of subsection 125 (1), until the emergency is terminated, a foster care licensee may place a child in a foster home even if four foster children are receiving foster care in the foster home at the time of placement if,
(a) the foster care licensee and the placing agency or other person placing the child have both determined that,
(i) there is no alternative placement available as a result of the circumstances giving rise to the emergency, and
(ii) the proposed placement would not pose a risk to the health, safety and welfare of the child and any other children receiving foster care in the foster home;
(b) the foster care licensee has indicated to the Director that there is no alternative placement available for the child as a result of the circumstances giving rise to the emergency and provided to the Director documentation that the licensee and the placing agency or other person placing the child have made the determination referred to in clause (a); and
(c) the Director has provided the foster care licensee with written approval of the placement. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
(2) Once the emergency is terminated, a foster care licensee that placed a child in a foster home as authorized by subsection (1) shall make reasonable efforts to reduce the number of children receiving foster care in the foster home such that the rules set out in section 125 respecting the number of children receiving foster care in a foster home are complied with. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
(3) A foster care licensee required to make reasonable efforts to reduce the number of children receiving foster care in a foster home under subsection (2) shall notify the Director once the number of children in the foster home has been reduced so as to comply with the rules set out in section 125. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
(4) If the foster care licensee is unable to reduce the number of children on or before the 30th day after the emergency is terminated, the licensee shall, on that day, notify the Director of the licensee’s efforts to do so. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
Annual review of policies and procedures
141.6 (1) Until the emergency is terminated, a licensee is not required to comply with clause 83 (1) (b) or subsection 120 (3) in respect of an annual review of the policies and procedures of a children’s residence by an employee or the provision of an annual orientation respecting policies and procedures to a person assigned to supervise or support a foster parent, as the case may be, if the licensee determines that it is not feasible to do so due to the circumstances giving rise to the emergency, in which case the licensee shall,
(a) document the reasons for which the licensee was unable to comply with the requirement in question, the name of the employee or person assigned to supervise or support a foster parent, as the case may be, and the date by which the employee or person should have reviewed the policies and procedures or been provided with the annual orientation; and
(b) ensure that, within three months after that date, the policies and procedures are reviewed by the employee or the annual orientation is provided to the person assigned to supervise or support a foster parent, as the case may be. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
(2) For greater certainty, subsection (1) only applies in respect of the annual orientation referred to in subsection 120 (3) and a person assigned by the licensee to supervise or support the foster parent or parents is still required to receive the orientation before beginning to supervise or support the foster parent or parents. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
Medical documentation
141.7 If, on or before the day section 2 of Ontario Regulation 506/20 made under the Act comes into force, a licensee is unable to obtain documentation that a person employed in the residence has received the immunizations and health assessment required by section 100 or is unable to obtain any of the written statements required by clause 121 (2) (e) or 123 (3) (c) due to the circumstances giving rise to the emergency, the licensee is not required to obtain them when otherwise required by this Regulation, but the licensee shall,
(a) adopt other measures that ensure the health, safety and welfare of children or young persons receiving residential care; and
(b) obtain the documentation or written statements, as the case may be, as soon as reasonably possible in the circumstances, taking into account the most recent public health guidance. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 506/20, s. 2.
Foster care service agreement
141.8 Until the emergency is terminated, a licensee is not required to review a foster care service agreement at least once in every year as required by subsection 131 (3) if the licensee is unable to do so due to the circumstances giving rise to the emergency, but the licensee shall,
(a) document the reasons for which the licensee was unable to review the foster care service agreement and the date by which the licensee should have reviewed the agreement; and
(b) ensure that the foster care service agreement is reviewed no later than three months after it was required to be reviewed. O. Reg. 208/20, s. 2.
Statement by physician
142. A written statement by a physician under subsection 294 (2) of the Act shall be in the form entitled “Statement by Physician” and dated 2018/03, available on a website of the Government of Ontario.
143. - 145. Omitted (provides for amendments to this Regulation).
146. Omitted (provides for coming into force of provisions of this Regulation).