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Child and Family Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11

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Child and Family Services Act

R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER C.11

Historical version for the period November 3, 2005 to January 2, 2006.

Amended by:  1992, c. 32, s. 3; 1993, c. 27, Sched.; 1994, c. 27, s. 43 (2); 1996, c. 2 s. 62; 1999, c. 2, ss. 1-35; 1999, c. 6, s. 6; 1999, c. 12, Sched. E, s. 1; 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16; 2001, c. 13, s. 5; 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table; 2002, c. 18, Sched. D, s. 1; 2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78; 2005, c. 5, s. 7; 2005, c. 25, ss. 14-33.

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CONTENTS

1.

Paramount purpose and other purposes

2.

Duties of service providers

Interpretation

3.

Definitions

Consents and Participation in Agreements

4.

Consents and agreements

PART I
FLEXIBLE SERVICES

Directors and Program Supervisors

5.

Directors and program supervisors

6.

Powers of program supervisor

Approvals and Funding

7.

Provision of services directly or by purchase

8.

Approval of agencies

9.

Approval of premises for provision of services

10.

Terms and conditions and services to adults

11.

Co-ordinating or advisory groups

12.

Security for payment of funds

13.

Approved agency

14.

Placements must comply with Act and regulations

Children’s Aid Societies

15.

Children’s Aid Society

16.

Appointment of local director

17.

Duties of Director with respect to societies

19.

Financial provisions

20.

Local board

20.1

Directives to societies

Agreements with other Governments

21.

Minister may make agreements with other governments

Revocation and Take-Over Powers

22.

Powers of Minister

23.

Minister’s order to cease activity

24.

Minister has powers of board

Offences

25.

Offence

PART II
VOLUNTARY ACCESS TO SERVICES

26.

Definitions

Consents

27.

Consent to service

28.

Counselling service: child twelve or older

Temporary Care Agreements

29.

Temporary care agreement

Special Needs Agreements

30.

Special needs agreements

31.

Sixteen and seventeen year olds

Expiry and Termination of Agreements

32.

Agreement expires at eighteen

33.

Notice of termination of agreement

Review by Residential Placement Advisory Committee

34.

Residential placement review

35.

Recommendations

36.

Review by Child and Family Services Review Board

PART III
CHILD PROTECTION

37.

Interpretation

Legal Representation

38.

Legal representation of child

Parties and Notice

39.

Parties

Commencing Child Protection Proceedings

40.

Warrants, orders, apprehension, etc.

Special Cases of Apprehension of Children

41.

Apprehension of children in care

42.

Apprehension of child under twelve

43.

Runaways

Power of Entry and Other Provisions for Special Cases of Apprehension

44.

Authority to enter, etc.

Hearings and Orders

45.

Rules re hearings

46.

Time of detention limited

47.

Child protection hearing

48.

Territorial jurisdiction

49.

Power of court

50.

Evidence

51.

Adjournments

52.

Delay: court to fix date

53.

Reasons, etc.

Assessments

54.

Order for assessment

55.

Consent order: special requirements

56.

Society’s plan for child

57.

Order where child in need of protection

Access

58.

Access order

59.

Access: where child removed from person in charge

Payment Orders

60.

Order for payment by parent

Society and Crown Wardship

61.

Placement of wards

62.

Society wards – medical treatment and marriage

63.

Custodianship of wards

Review

64.

Status review

65.

Court may vary, etc.

66.

Director’s annual review of Crown wards

67.

Investigation by judge

68.

Society review procedure

Appeals

69.

Appeal

Expiry of Orders

70.

Time limit

71.

Expiry of orders

Duty to Report

72.

Duty to report child in need of protection

72.1

Duty of society

Review Teams

73.

Review team

Court-Ordered Access to Records

74.

Record

74.1

Warrant for access to record

74.2

Telewarrant

Child Abuse Register

75.

Register

76.

Hearing re registered person

Powers of Director

77.

Director’s power to transfer

Homemakers

78.

Homemaker

Offences, Restraining Orders, Recovery on Child’s Behalf

79.

Abuse, failure to provide for reasonable care, etc.

80.

Restraining order

81.

Recovery because of abuse

82.

Prohibition

83.

Offence

84.

Offence

85.

Offences

Child’s Religious Faith

86.

How child’s religious faith determined

Injunctions

87.

Injunction

PART IV
YOUNG OFFENDERS

88.

Definitions

Programs and Officers

89.

Services and programs

90.

Appointments by Minister

91.

Approval of provincial director for provision of services to person over sixteen

92.

Reports and information

Temporary Detention

93.

Open and secure detention

Custody

94.

Medium and maximum security

95.

Young persons in open custody

Custody Review Board

96.

Custody Review Board

97.

Application to Board

Apprehension of Young Persons who are Absent from Custody without Permission

98.

Apprehension

PART V
RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

99.

Definition

Locking Up

100.

Locking up restricted

Corporal Punishment

101.

No corporal punishment

Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy

102.

Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy

Rights of Children in Care

103.

Rights of communication, etc.

104.

Personal liberties

105.

Plan of care

106.

Parental consent, etc.

107.

Right to be heard

108.

Right to be informed

Complaint and Review Procedures

109.

Internal complaints procedure

110.

Further review

111.

Minister to advise persons affected of any decision

PART VI
EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES

112.

Definitions

Secure Treatment Programs

113.

Minister may establish or approve programs

Commitment to Secure Treatment

114.

Application for order for child’s commitment

115.

Oral evidence

116.

Assessment

117.

Commitment to secure treatment: criteria

118.

Period of commitment

119.

Reasons, plans, etc.

Extension of Period of Commitment

120.

Extension

Release by Administrator

121.

Release

Review of Commitment

122.

Review of commitment

123.

ss. 120 (3-6), 121, 122 apply

Emergency Admission

124.

Emergency admission

Police Assistance

125.

Powers of peace officers, period of commitment

Secure Isolation

126.

Director’s approval

127.

Secure isolation

128.

Review of use of secure isolation

Review Teams

129.

Review team

Intrusive Procedures

130.

Approval by Minister

131.

Intrusive procedures restricted

Psychotropic Drugs

132.

Consents required for use of psychotropic drug

Additional Duty of Review Teams

133.

Review of certain recommended procedures

Professional Advisory Board

134.

Professional Advisory Board

135.

Request for review

PART VII
ADOPTION

136.

Interpretation

Consent to Adoption

137.

Consents

138.

Dispensing with consent

139.

Late withdrawal of consent

Placement for Adoption

140.

Duty of society

141.

Only societies and licensees may place children, etc.

142.

Adoption homestudy

143.

Access orders terminate

Director’s Review

144.

Review by Director

145.

Notice to Director

Adoption Orders

146.

Orders for adoption

147.

Where applicant a minor

148.

Where order not to be made

149.

Director’s statement

150.

Place of hearing

151.

Rules re applications

152.

Power of court

153.

Change of name

Interim Orders

154.

Interim order

155.

Successive adoption orders

Appeals

156.

Appeals

Effect of Adoption Order

157.

Order final

158.

Status of adopted child

159.

Effect of foreign adoption

160.

No order for access by birth parent, etc.

Records, Confidentiality and Disclosure

161.

Parent to be informed on request

162.

Court papers

162.1

Designation of custodians of information

162.2

Disclosure to designated custodian

162.3

Disclosure to others

162.4

Scope of application

Registrar of Adoption Information

163.

Registrar of Adoption Information

164.

Confidentiality rules apply

Confidentiality of Adoption Records

165.

Adoption information confidential

Disclosure of Non-Identifying Information

166.

Interpretation, information

Adoption Disclosure Register

167.

Disclosure of identifying information

Disclosure to Protect Health, Safety or Welfare

168.

Disclosure to protect health, safety or welfare

168.1

Transition: request for search

Searches

169.

Request for search by Registrar

Persons Adopted Outside Ontario

170.

Out of province adoption information

Refusal of Information

171.

Refusal to disclose information

Review

172.

Review by Child and Family Services Review Board

Information in Court File

173.

Information in court file

Fees and Expenses

174.

Fees and expenses

Offences

175.

No payments for adoption

176.

Offence

176.1

Unauthorized disclosure of information by designated custodian

Injunction

177.

Injunction

PART VIII
CONFIDENTIALITY OF AND ACCESS TO RECORDS

178.

Definitions

179.

Exceptions

Disclosure of Records

180.

Prohibition

181.

Consent to disclosure: child under sixteen

182.

Disclosure without consent

183.

Disclosure of records of mental disorders

Access to Records

184.

Right of access to personal records

185.

Where access may be refused

186.

Duty of service provider

187.

Right to have record corrected

Review

188.

Right to review: refusal of access or correction

General

189.

Access, etc., to be noted on record

190.

Protection from liability for disclosure

191.

Code of record-keeping procedures

PART IX
LICENSING

192.

Definitions

Where Licence Required

193.

Licences

Powers of Program Supervisor

194.

Powers of program supervisor

Refusal and Revocation

195.

Grounds for refusal

196.

Refusal to renew; revocation

Hearing by Tribunal

197.

Hearings arising out of s. 195 or 196

198.

Review of terms of licence by Tribunal

199.

Continuation of licence

200.

Provisional suspension of licence

201.

Rules re proceedings

Appeal

202.

Appeal

Delivery of Licence and Records

203.

Records and licence, removal of children

Occupation by Minister

204.

Order for Minister’s occupation

Injunctions

205.

Injunction

Offences

206.

Offence

Child and Family Services Review Board

207.

Child and Family Services Review Board

PART X
INDIAN AND NATIVE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

208.

Definition

209.

Designation of native communities

210.

Agreements with bands and native communities

211.

Designation of child and family service authority

212.

Subsidy for customary care

213.

Consultation with bands and native communities

PART XI
REGULATIONS

214.

Regulations: Part I (Flexible Services)

215.

Regulations: Part II (Voluntary Access to Services)

216.

Regulations: Part III (Child Protection)

217.

Regulations: Part IV (Young Offenders)

218.

Regulations: Part V (Rights of Children)

219.

Regulations: Part VI (Extraordinary Measures)

220.

Regulations: Part VII (Adoption)

221.

Regulations: Part VIII (Confidentiality of and Access to Records)

222.

Regulations: Part IX (Licensing)

223.

Regulations: Part X (Indian and Native Child and Family Services)

PART XII
MISCELLANEOUS

224.

Review of Act

225.

Review re disclosure of adoption information

Paramount purpose and other purposes

Paramount purpose

1. (1) The paramount purpose of this Act is to promote the best interests, protection and well being of children.

Other purposes

(2) The additional purposes of this Act, so long as they are consistent with the best interests, protection and well being of children, are:

1. To recognize that while parents may need help in caring for their children, that help should give support to the autonomy and integrity of the family unit and, wherever possible, be provided on the basis of mutual consent.

2. To recognize that the least disruptive course of action that is available and is appropriate in a particular case to help a child should be considered.

3. To recognize that children’s services should be provided in a manner that,

i. respects children’s needs for continuity of care and for stable family relationships, and

ii. takes into account physical and mental developmental differences among children.

4. To recognize that, wherever possible, services to children and their families should be provided in a manner that respects cultural, religious and regional differences.

5. To recognize that Indian and native people should be entitled to provide, wherever possible, their own child and family services, and that all services to Indian and native children and families should be provided in a manner that recognizes their culture, heritage and traditions and the concept of the extended family.  1999, c. 2, s. 1.

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 1, section 1 of this Act, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See:  1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Duties of service providers

French language services

2. (1) Service providers shall, where appropriate, make services to children and their families available in the French language.

Duties of service providers

(2) Service providers shall ensure,

(a) that children and their parents have an opportunity where appropriate to be heard and represented when decisions affecting their interests are made and to be heard when they have concerns about the services they are receiving; and

(b) that decisions affecting the interests and rights of children and their parents are made according to clear, consistent criteria and are subject to procedural safeguards.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 2.

Interpretation

Definitions

3. (1) In this Act,

“agency” means a corporation; (“agence”)

“approved agency” means an agency that is approved under subsection 8 (1) of Part I (Flexible Services); (“agence agréée”)

“approved service” means a service provided,

(a) under subsection 7 (1) of Part I or with the support of a grant or contribution made under subsection 7 (2) of that Part,

(b) by an approved agency, or

(c) under the authority of a licence; (“service agréé”)

“band” has the same meaning as in the Indian Act (Canada); (“bande”)

“Board” means the Child and Family Services Review Board continued under Part IX (Licensing); (“Commission”)

child” means a person under the age of eighteen years; (“enfant”)

child development service” means a service for a child with a developmental disability or physical disability, for the family of a child with a developmental disability or physical disability, or for the child and the family; (“service de développement de l’enfant”)

child treatment service” means a service for a child with a mental or psychiatric disorder, for the family of a child with a mental or psychiatric disorder, or for the child and the family; (“service de traitement de l’enfant”)

child welfare service” means,

(a) a residential or non-residential service, including a prevention service,

(b) a service provided under Part III (Child Protection),

(c) a service provided under Part VII (Adoption), or

(d) individual or family counselling; (“service de bien-être de l’enfance”)

“community support service” means a support service or prevention service provided in the community for children and their families; (“service communautaire d’appoint”)

“court” means the Ontario Court of Justice or the Family Court of the Superior Court of Justice; (“tribunal”)

“developmental disability” means a condition of mental impairment present or occurring in a person’s formative years that is associated with limitations in adaptive behaviour; (“déficience intellectuelle”)

“Director” means a Director appointed under subsection 5 (1) of Part I (Flexible Services); (“directeur”)

“foster care” means the provision of residential care to a child, by and in the home of a person who,

(a) receives compensation for caring for the child, except under the Ontario Works Act, 1997, the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997 or the Family Benefits Act, and

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 2 (3) and the following substituted:

(a) receives compensation for caring for the child, except under the Ontario Works Act, 1997 or the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997, and

See:  1999, c. 2, ss. 2 (3), 38.

(b) is not the child’s parent or a person with whom the child has been placed for adoption under Part VII,

and “foster home” and “foster parent” have corresponding meanings; (“soins fournis par une famille d’accueil”, “famille d’accueil”, “père de famille d’accueil”, “mère de famille d’accueil”)

“Indian” has the same meaning as in the Indian Act (Canada); (“Indien”)

“licence” means a licence issued under Part IX (Licensing), and “licensed” and “licensee” have corresponding meanings; (“permis”, “autorisé en vertu d’un permis”, “titulaire de permis”)

“local director” means a local director appointed under section 16 of Part I (Flexible Services); (“directeur local”)

“Minister” means the Minister of Community and Social Services; (“ministre”)

“municipality” does not include a lower-tier municipality that is situated within a regional municipality; (“municipalité”)

“native community” means a community designated by the Minister under section 209 of Part X (Indian and Native Child and Family Services); (“communauté autochtone”)

“native person” means a person who is a member of a native community but is not a member of a band, and “native child” has a corresponding meaning; (“autochtone”, “enfant autochtone”)

“order” includes a refusal to make an order; (“arrêté, ordre et ordonnance”)

“prescribed” means prescribed by the regulations; (“prescrit”)

“program supervisor” means a program supervisor appointed under subsection 5 (2) of Part I (Flexible Services); (“superviseur de programme”)

“regulations” means the regulations made under this Act; (“règlements”)

“residential service” means boarding, lodging and associated supervisory, sheltered or group care provided for a child away from the home of the child’s parent, and “residential care” and “residential placement” have corresponding meanings; (“service en établissement”, “soins en établissement”, “placement en établissement”)

service” means,

(a) a child development service,

(b) a child treatment service,

(c) a child welfare service,

(d) a community support service, or

(e) a young offenders service; (“service”)

service provider” means,

(a) the Minister,

(b) an approved agency,

(c) a society,

(d) a licensee, or

(e) a person who provides an approved service or provides a service purchased by the Minister or an approved agency,

but does not include a foster parent; (“fournisseur de services”)

“society” means an approved agency designated as a children’s aid society under subsection 15 (2) of Part I (Flexible Services); (“société”)

“Tribunal” means the Licence Appeal Tribunal; (‘‘Tribunal”)

“young offenders service” means a service provided under Part IV (Young Offenders) or under a program established under that Part. (“service aux jeunes contrevenants”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 3 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 2 (1, 2); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (1); 2001, c. 13, s. 5 (1-3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Idem: “parent”

(2) In this Act, a reference to a child’s parent shall be deemed to be a reference to,

(a) both parents, where both have custody of the child;

(b) one parent, where that parent has lawful custody of the child or the other parent is unavailable or unable to act as the context requires; or

(c) another individual, where that individual has lawful custody of the child,

except where this Act provides otherwise.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 3 (2).

Consents and Participation in Agreements

Consents and agreements

4. (1) In this section,

“capacity” means the capacity to understand and appreciate the nature of a consent or agreement and the consequences of giving, withholding or revoking the consent or making, not making or terminating the agreement; (“jouit de toutes ses facultés mentales”)

“nearest relative”, when used in reference to a person who is less than 16 years old, means the person with lawful custody of him or her, and when used in reference to a person who is 16 years old or more, means the person who would be authorized to give or refuse consent to a treatment on his or her behalf under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996 if he or she were incapable with respect to the treatment under that Act. (“parent le plus proche”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 4 (1); 1996, c. 2, s. 62.

Elements of valid consent or agreement, etc.

(2) A person’s consent or revocation of a consent or participation in or termination of an agreement under this Act is valid if, at the time the consent is given or revoked or the agreement is made or terminated, the person,

(a) has capacity;

(b) is reasonably informed as to the nature and consequences of the consent or agreement, and of alternatives to it;

(c) gives or revokes the consent or executes the agreement or notice of termination voluntarily, without coercion or undue influence; and

(d) has had a reasonable opportunity to obtain independent advice.

Where person lacks capacity

(3) A person’s nearest relative may give or revoke a consent or participate in or terminate an agreement on the person’s behalf if it has been determined on the basis of an assessment, not more than one year before the nearest relative acts on the person’s behalf, that the person does not have capacity.

Exception

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a consent under section 137 (consents to adoption) of Part VII (Adoption) or to a parent’s consent referred to in clause 37 (2) (l) (child in need of protection) of Part III (Child Protection).

Consent, etc., of minor

(5) A person’s consent or revocation of a consent or participation in or termination of an agreement under this Act is not invalid by reason only that the person is less than eighteen years old.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 4 (2-5).

PART I
FLEXIBLE SERVICES

Directors and Program Supervisors

Directors and program supervisors

Appointment of Director

5. (1) The Minister may appoint any person as a Director to perform any or all of the duties and functions and exercise any or all of the powers of a Director under this Act and the regulations.

Appointment of program supervisor

(2) The Minister may appoint any person as a program supervisor to perform any or all of the duties and functions and exercise any or all of the powers of a program supervisor under this Act and the regulations.

Limitations, etc., on appointments

(3) The Minister may set out in an appointment made under this section any conditions or limitations to which it is subject.

Remuneration and expenses

(4) The remuneration and expenses of a person appointed under this section who is not a public servant under the Public Service Act shall be fixed by the Minister and shall be paid out of legislative appropriations.

Reports and information

(5) A service provider shall,

(a) make the prescribed reports and furnish the prescribed information to the Minister, in the prescribed form and at the prescribed intervals; and

(b) make a report to the Minister whenever the Minister requests it, in the form and containing the information specified by the Minister.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 5.

Powers of program supervisor

6. (1) For the purpose of ensuring compliance with this Act and the regulations a program supervisor may, at all reasonable times, upon producing proper identification, enter premises where an approved service is provided, inspect the facilities, the service provided, the books of account and the records relating to the service, and make copies of those books and records or remove them from the premises to copy them as may be reasonably required.

Offence

(2) No person shall hinder, obstruct or attempt to hinder or obstruct a program supervisor in the performance of the program supervisor’s duties or knowingly give false information about an approved service to a program supervisor.

Idem

(3) No service provider or person in charge of premises where an approved service is provided shall refuse to give a program supervisor access to the books and records referred to in subsection (1) or refuse to give a program supervisor information about the approved service that the program supervisor reasonably requires.

Regulations re exercise of power of entry

(4) A program supervisor shall exercise the power of entry set out in subsection (1) in accordance with the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 6.

Approvals and Funding

Provision of services directly or by purchase

7. (1) The Minister may,

(a) provide services and establish, operate and maintain facilities for the provision of services; and

(b) make agreements with persons, municipalities and agencies for the provision of services,

and may make payments for those services and facilities out of legislative appropriations.

Grants and contributions for services, consultation, etc.

(2) The Minister may make grants and contributions, out of legislative appropriations, to any person, organization or municipality for consultation, research and evaluation with respect to services and for the provision of services.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 7.

Approval of agencies

8. (1) Where the Minister is satisfied that an agency is, with financial assistance under this Part and the regulations, financially capable of establishing, maintaining and operating a service and that its affairs are carried on under competent management in good faith, the Minister may approve the agency to provide that service.

Funding for establishment of services

(2) Where the Minister intends to approve an agency to provide a service under subsection (1), the Minister may enter into an agreement with the agency for the establishment of the service.

Financial assistance, etc.

(3) Where the Minister approves an agency to provide a service under subsection (1), the Minister may give the agency financial and other assistance, in accordance with the regulations.

Effective date

(4) The Minister’s approval under subsection (1) shall be deemed to have retroactive effect if the Minister so specifies.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 8.

Approval of premises for provision of services

9. (1) Where the Minister is satisfied that premises are suitable for providing a service, the Minister may approve all or any part of the premises for the provision of the service by an approved agency and may give the agency financial and other assistance in accordance with the regulations, for the maintenance and operation of the premises and the provision of the service.

Approval may relate to all or part of building, etc.

(2) The Minister’s approval under subsection (1) may specify a building, a group of buildings, part of a building or a location in a building as the approved premises.

Effective date

(3) The Minister’s approval of premises under subsection (1) shall be deemed to have retroactive effect if the Minister so specifies, but it shall not be deemed to take effect on a day before the Minister’s approval of the agency concerned becomes effective under section 8.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 9.

Terms and conditions and services to adults

Terms and conditions

10. (1) The Minister may impose terms and conditions on an approval given under subsection 8 (1) or 9 (1) and, upon reasonable written notice to the approved agency, may vary, remove or amend the terms and conditions or impose new terms and conditions.

Duty of Director

(2) A Director shall review any objections from an approved agency which has received notice under subsection (1).

Transfer of assets

(3) An approved agency shall not transfer or assign any of its assets acquired with financial assistance from the Province of Ontario, except in accordance with the regulations.

Services to persons over eighteen

(4) The Minister may,

(a) provide services under clause 7 (1) (a);

(b) make agreements for the provision of services under clause 7 (1) (b);

(c) make grants and contributions for the provision of services under subsection 7 (2);

(d) approve agencies for the provision of services under subsection 8 (1);

(e) approve premises for the provision of services under subsection 9 (1),

to persons who are not children, and to their families, as if those persons were children.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 10.

Co-ordinating or advisory groups

11. The Minister may make agreements with persons, organizations or municipalities for the establishment, support and operation of co-ordinating or advisory groups or committees, may make payments for the purpose out of legislative appropriations and may give other assistance for the purpose.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 11.

Security for payment of funds

12. The Minister may, as a condition of making a payment under this Part or the regulations, require the recipient of the funds to secure them by way of mortgage, lien, registration of agreement or in such other manner as the Minister determines.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 12.

Approved agency

13. (1) An approved agency shall file a certified copy of its by-laws and of any amendment to them with the Minister forthwith after they are made.

Idem

(2) The by-laws of an approved agency shall contain the prescribed provisions.

Band or native community representatives

(3) An approved agency that provides services to Indian or native children and families shall have the prescribed number of band or native community representatives on its board of directors, appointed in the prescribed manner and for the prescribed terms.

Employee may not sit on board

(4) An employee of an approved agency shall not be a member of the agency’s board of directors.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 13.

Placements must comply with Act and regulations

14. No approved agency shall place a child in a residential placement except in accordance with this Act and the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 14.

Children’s Aid Societies

Children’s Aid Society

15. (1) In this section,

“prescribed” means prescribed in a regulation made by the Minister under subsection 214 (4) of Part XI (Regulations).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 15 (1).

Designation of children’s aid society

(2) The Minister may designate an approved agency as a children’s aid society for a specified territorial jurisdiction and for any or all of the functions set out in subsection (3), may impose terms and conditions on a designation and may vary, remove or amend the terms and conditions or impose new terms and conditions at any time, and may at any time amend a designation to provide that the society is no longer designated for a particular function set out in subsection (3) or to alter the society’s territorial jurisdiction.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 15 (2).

Functions of society

(3) The functions of a children’s aid society are to,

(a) investigate allegations or evidence that children who are under the age of sixteen years or are in the society’s care or under its supervision may be in need of protection;

(b) protect, where necessary, children who are under the age of sixteen years or are in the society’s care or under its supervision;

(c) provide guidance, counselling and other services to families for protecting children or for the prevention of circumstances requiring the protection of children;

(d) provide care for children assigned or committed to its care under this Act;

(e) supervise children assigned to its supervision under this Act;

(f) place children for adoption under Part VII; and

(g) perform any other duties given to it by this or any other Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 15 (3).

Prescribed standards, etc.

(4) A society shall,

(a) provide the prescribed standard of services in its performance of its functions; and

(b) follow the prescribed procedures and practices.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 15 (4).

(5) Repealed:  2002, c. 18, Sched. D, s. 1.

Protection from personal liability

(6) No action shall be instituted against an officer or employee of a society for an act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of the person’s duty or for an alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of the person’s duty.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 15 (6).

Appointment of local director

16. Every society shall appoint a local director with the prescribed qualifications, powers and duties.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 16.

Duties of Director with respect to societies

17. (1) A Director,

(a) shall advise and supervise societies;

(b) shall inspect or direct and supervise the inspection of the operation and records of societies;

(c) shall exercise the powers and duties of a society in any area in which no society is functioning;

(d) shall inspect or direct and supervise the inspection of places in which children in the care of societies are placed; and

(e) shall ensure that societies provide the standard of services and follow the procedures and practices required by subsection 15 (4).

Director may designate places of safety

(2) A Director may designate a place as a place of safety, and may designate a class of places as places of safety, for the purposes of Part III (Child Protection).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 17.

18.Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 3.

Financial provisions

19. (1) Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 4 (1).

Payments by Minister

(2) The Minister shall pay to every society out of legislative appropriations an amount determined in accordance with the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 19 (2).

(3) Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 4 (1).

How society’s estimates determined

(4) A society’s estimated expenditures shall be determined and shall be approved by the Minister in accordance with the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 19 (4).

(5) Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 4 (1).

Manner of payment

(6) An amount payable to a society under subsection (2), including advances on expenditures before they are incurred, shall be paid at the times and in the manner determined by the Minister.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 19 (6); 1999, c. 2, s. 4 (2).

Local board

20. (1) Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 5.

Society deemed to be a local board

(2) A society shall be deemed to be a local board of each municipality in which it has jurisdiction for the purposes of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 20 (2).

Directives to societies

20.1 A Director may issue directives to one or more societies, including directives respecting their provision of services under this Act.  1999, c. 2, s. 6.

Agreements with other Governments

Minister may make agreements with other governments

21. The Minister may, with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, make agreements on behalf of the Government of Ontario with the Crown in right of Canada and with the Crown in right of any other province of Canada respecting services under this Act or the care or protection of children.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 21.

Revocation and Take-Over Powers

Powers of Minister

22. (1) Where the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that,

(a) an approved agency is not providing services in accordance with this Act or the regulations or in accordance with any term or condition imposed on the approval under subsection 8 (1) or 9 (1) or, in the case of a society, on the designation under subsection 15 (2);

(b) a director, officer or employee of an approved agency has contravened or knowingly permitted any person under his or her control and direction to contravene any provision of this Act or the regulations or any term or condition imposed on the approval under subsection 8 (1) or 9 (1) or, in the case of a society, on the designation under subsection 15 (2);

(c) approval of the agency under subsection 8 (1) or of the premises under subsection 9 (1) would be refused if it were being applied for in the first instance; or

(d) in the case of a society, the society,

(i) is not able to or fails to perform any or all of its functions under section 15,

(ii) fails to perform any or all of its functions in any part of its territorial jurisdiction, or

(iii) fails to follow a directive issued under section 20.1,

the Minister may,

(e) revoke or suspend the approval; or

(f) in the case of a society,

(i) revoke or suspend the designation under subsection 15 (2),

(ii) remove any or all of the members of the board of directors and appoint others in their place, or

(iii) operate and manage the society in the place of the board of directors.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 22 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 7.

Notice of proposal

(2) Where the Minister proposes to act under clause (1) (e) or (f), the Minister shall serve notice of the proposal and written reasons for it on the approved agency, unless the agency has requested that the Minister so act or has consented to the Minister’s proposal.

Request for hearing

(3) A notice under subsection (2) shall inform the agency that it is entitled to a hearing under this section if the agency mails or delivers to the Minister, within sixty days after the notice under subsection (2) is served, a written request for a hearing.

Where agency does not request hearing

(4) Where the agency does not require a hearing under subsection (3), the Minister may carry out the proposal stated in the Minister’s notice under subsection (2) without a hearing.

Hearing

(5) Where the agency requires a hearing under subsection (3),

(a) if the Minister proposes to act under clause (1) (e) only, the Minister; and

(b) in all other cases, the Lieutenant Governor in Council,

shall appoint one or more persons not employed by the Ministry to hear the matter and recommend whether the Minister should carry out the proposal.

Procedure

(6) Sections 17, 18, 19 and 20 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act do not apply to a hearing under this section.

Report to Minister

(7) The person or persons appointed under subsection (5) shall hold a hearing and make a report to the Minister setting out,

(a) recommendations as to the carrying out of the proposal; and

(b) the findings of fact, any information or knowledge used in making the recommendations and any conclusions of law arrived at that are relevant to the recommendations,

and shall provide a copy of the report to the agency.

Minister’s decision

(8) After considering a report made under this section, the Minister may carry out the proposal and shall give notice of the Minister’s decision to the agency with reasons.

Provisional suspension

(9) Despite subsection (2), the Minister, by notice to the agency and without a hearing, may provisionally exercise any of the powers set out in clauses (1) (e) and (f) where it is necessary to do so, in the Minister’s opinion, to avert an immediate threat to the public interest or to a person’s health, safety or welfare and the Minister so states in the notice, with reasons, and thereafter the Minister shall cause a hearing to be held and subsections (3) to (8) apply with necessary modifications.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 22 (2-9).

Minister’s order to cease activity

23. (1) Where the Minister is of the opinion, upon reasonable grounds, that an activity carried on, or the manner of carrying on an activity, in the course of the provision of an approved service is causing or is likely to cause harm to a person’s health, safety or welfare, the Minister may by order require the service provider to suspend or cease the activity and may take such other action as the Minister deems to be in the best interests of the persons receiving the approved service.

Notice of proposal

(2) Where the Minister proposes to make an order requiring the suspension or cessation of an activity under subsection (1), the Minister shall serve notice of the proposal and written reasons for it on the service provider, and subsections 22 (3) to (8), except clause (5) (b), apply with necessary modifications.

Where order may be made immediately

(3) Despite subsection (2), the Minister, by notice to the service provider and without a hearing, may require that the service provider immediately suspend or cease the activity where the continuation of the activity is, in the Minister’s opinion, an immediate threat to the public interest or to a person’s health, safety or welfare and the Minister so states in the notice, with reasons, and thereafter the Minister shall cause a hearing to be held and subsections 22 (3) to (8), except clause (5) (b), apply with necessary modifications.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 23.

Minister has powers of board

24. (1) Where the Minister operates and manages a society under subclause 22 (1) (f) (iii), the Minister has all the powers of its board of directors.

Idem

(2) Without restricting the generality of subsection (1), where the Minister operates and manages a society under subclause 22 (1) (f) (iii), the Minister may,

(a) carry on the society’s business;

(b) enter into contracts on the society’s behalf;

(c) arrange for bank accounts to be opened in the society’s name, and authorize persons to sign cheques and other documents on the society’s behalf;

(d) appoint or dismiss employees of the society; and

(e) make by-laws.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 24 (1, 2).

Occupation and operation of premises

(3) Without restricting the generality of subsection (1), where the Minister operates and manages a society under subclause 22 (1) (f) (iii), the Minister may,

(a) despite sections 25 and 41 of the Expropriations Act, immediately occupy and operate, or arrange for the occupation and operation by a person or organization designated by the Minister, of any premises occupied or used by the society for the provision of approved services; or

(b) apply without notice to the Superior Court of Justice for an order directing the sheriff to assist the Minister as may be necessary in occupying the premises.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 24 (3); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Maximum period

(4) The Minister shall not occupy and operate premises under subsection (3) for a period exceeding one year without the society’s consent, but the Lieutenant Governor in Council may extend the period from time to time.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 24 (4).

Offences

Offence

25. A person who knowingly,

(a) fails to furnish a report required by the Minister under subsection 5 (5);

(b) contravenes subsection 6 (2) or (3) (obstructing program supervisor, etc.); or

(c) furnishes false information in an application under this Part or in a report or return required under this Part or the regulations,

and a director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in such a contravention or furnishing by the corporation, is guilty of an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine of not more than $2,000.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 25.

PART II
VOLUNTARY ACCESS TO SERVICES

Definitions

26. In this Part,

“advisory committee” means a Residential Placement Advisory Committee established under subsection 34 (2); (“comité consultatif”)

“institution” means,

(a) a children’s residence, other than a maternity home, operated by the Minister or under the authority of a licence issued under Part IX (Licensing) with the capacity of providing residential services to ten or more children at a time, or

(b) premises designated by a Director under subsection 34 (5); (“foyer”)

“record”, when used in reference to a person, has the same meaning as in Part VIII (Confidentiality of and Access to Records); (“dossier”)

“special need” means a need that is related to or caused by a developmental disability or a behavioural, emotional, physical, mental or other disability. (“besoin particulier”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 26; 2001, c. 13, s. 5 (4).

Consents

Consent to service

Consent to service: person over sixteen

27. (1) A service provider may provide a service to a person who is sixteen years of age or older only with the person’s consent, except where the court orders under this Act that the service be provided to the person.

Consent to residential service: child under sixteen

(2) A service provider may provide a residential service to a child who is less than sixteen years of age only with the consent of the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society’s consent, except where this Act provides otherwise.

Exception

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply where a service is provided to a child under Part IV (Young Offenders).

Discharge from residential placement

(4) A child who is placed in a residential placement with the consent referred to in subsection (2) may only be discharged from the placement,

(a) with the consent that would be required for a new residential placement; or

(b) where the placement is made under the authority of an agreement made under subsection 29 (1) (temporary care agreements) or subsection 30 (1) or (2) (special needs agreements), in accordance with section 33 (termination by notice).

Transfer to another placement

(5) A child who is placed in a residential placement with the consent referred to in subsection (2) shall not be transferred from one placement to another unless the consent that would be required for a new residential placement is given.

Child’s wishes

(6) Before a child is placed in or discharged from a residential placement or transferred from one residential placement to another with the consent referred to in subsection (2), the service provider shall take the child’s wishes into account, if they can be reasonably ascertained.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 27.

Counselling service: child twelve or older

28. A service provider may provide a counselling service to a child who is twelve years of age or older with the child’s consent, and no other person’s consent is required, but if the child is less than sixteen years of age the service provider shall discuss with the child at the earliest appropriate opportunity the desirability of involving the child’s parent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 28.

Temporary Care Agreements

Temporary care agreement

29. (1) A person who is temporarily unable to care adequately for a child in his or her custody, and the society having jurisdiction where the person resides, may make a written agreement for the society’s care and custody of the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 29 (1).

Child’s age

(2) No temporary care agreement shall be made in respect of a child,

(a) who is sixteen years of age or older; or

(b) who is twelve years of age or older, unless the child is a party to the agreement.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 29 (2).

Exception: developmental disability

(3) Clause (2) (b) does not apply where it has been determined on the basis of an assessment, not more than one year before the agreement is made, that the child does not have capacity to participate in the agreement because of a developmental disability.  2001, c. 13, s. 5 (5).

Duty of society

(4) A society shall not make a temporary care agreement unless the society,

(a) has determined that an appropriate residential placement that is likely to benefit the child is available; and

(b) is satisfied that no less disruptive course of action, such as care in the child’s own home, is appropriate for the child in the circumstances.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 29 (4); 1999, c. 2, s. 8 (1).

Term of agreement limited

(5) No temporary care agreement shall be made for a term exceeding six months, but the parties to a temporary care agreement may, with a Director’s written approval, agree to extend it for a further period or periods if the total term of the agreement, as extended, does not exceed an aggregate of twelve months.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 29 (5).

Time limit

(6) No temporary care agreement shall be made or extended so as to result in a child being in a society’s care and custody, for a period exceeding,

(a) 12 months, if the child is less than 6 years of age on the day the agreement is entered into or extended; or

(b) 24 months, if the child is 6 years of age or older on the day the agreement is entered into or extended.  1999, c. 2, s. 8 (2).

Note:  For the purposes of subsection (6), as re-enacted by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 8 (2), no period that a child was in a society’s care and custody before March 31, 2000 shall be counted.  See: 1999, c. 2, s. 37 (1).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 8 (2), subsection (6) of this section, as it read before March 31, 2000, shall continue to apply with respect to a child who is in the care and custody of a society on March 31, 2000 so long as that child continues to be in the care and custody of a society.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (2), 38.

Same

(6.1) In calculating the period referred to in subsection (6), time during which a child has been in a society’s care and custody,

(a) as a society ward under paragraph 2 of subsection 57 (1);

(b) under a temporary care agreement under subsection 29 (1); or

(c) under a temporary order made under clause 51 (2) (d),

shall be counted.  1999, c. 2, s. 8 (2).

Previous periods to be counted

(6.2) The period referred to in subsection (6) shall include any previous periods that the child was in a society’s care and custody as described in subsection (6.1) other than periods that precede a continuous period of five or more years that the child was not in a society’s care and custody.  1999, c. 2, s. 8 (2).

Note:  For the purposes of subsections (6.1) and (6.2), as enacted by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 8 (2), no period that a child was in a society’s care and custody before March 31, 2000 shall be counted.  See: 1999, c. 2, s. 37 (1).

Authority to consent to medical treatment may be transferred

(7) A temporary care agreement may provide that the society is entitled to consent to medical treatment for the child where a parent’s consent would otherwise be required.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 29 (7).

Contents of temporary care agreement

(8) A temporary care agreement shall include:

1. A statement by all the parties to the agreement that the child’s care and custody are transferred to the society.

2. A statement by all the parties to the agreement that the child’s placement is voluntary.

3. A statement, by the person referred to in subsection (1), that he or she is temporarily unable to care for the child adequately and has discussed with the society alternatives to residential placement of the child.

4. An undertaking by the person referred to in subsection (1) to maintain contact with the child and be involved in the child’s care.

5. If it is not possible for the person referred to in subsection (1) to maintain contact with the child and be involved in the child’s care, the person’s designation of another named person who is willing to do so.

6. The name of the individual who is the primary contact between the society and the person referred to in subsection (1).

7. Such other provisions as are prescribed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 29 (8).

Designation by advisory committee

(9) Where the person referred to in subsection (1) does not give an undertaking under paragraph 4 or designate another person under paragraph 5 of subsection (8), an advisory committee that has jurisdiction may, in consultation with the society, name a suitable person who is willing to maintain contact with the child and be involved in the child’s care.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 29 (9).

Variation of agreement

(10) The parties to a temporary care agreement may vary the agreement from time to time in a manner that is consistent with this Part and the regulations made under it.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 29 (10).

Special Needs Agreements

Special needs agreements

Special needs agreement with society

30. (1) A person who is unable to provide the services required by a child in his or her custody because the child has a special need, and a society having jurisdiction where the person resides, may with a Director’s written approval make a written agreement for,

(a) the society’s provision of services to meet the child’s special need; and

(b) the society’s supervision or care and custody of the child.

Special needs agreement with Minister

(2) A person who is unable to provide the services required by a child in his or her custody because the child has a special need, and the Minister, may make a written agreement for,

(a) the Minister’s provision of services to meet the child’s special need; and

(b) the Minister’s supervision or care and custody of the child.

Term to be specified

(3) A special needs agreement shall only be made for a specific period, but may be extended, with a Director’s written approval in the case of an agreement with a society, for a further period or periods.

s. 29 (7-10) apply

(4) Where a special needs agreement provides for a child’s residential placement, subsections 29 (7), (8), (9) and (10) (authority to consent to medical treatment, contents of agreement, variation) apply with necessary modifications, and subsection 29 (4) (duty of society) applies to the society or the Minister, as the case may be, with necessary modifications.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 30.

Sixteen and seventeen year olds

Society agreements with sixteen and seventeen year olds

31. (1) A child who is sixteen years of age or older and is not in the care of his or her parent and has a special need, and the society having jurisdiction where the child resides, may with a Director’s written approval make a written agreement for the society’s provision of services to meet the child’s special need.

Idem: special needs agreement with Minister

(2) A child who is sixteen years of age or older and is not in the care of his or her parent and has a special need, and the Minister, may make a written agreement for the Minister’s provision of services to meet the person’s special need.

Contents of agreements

(3) An agreement made under subsection (1) or (2) shall contain the prescribed provisions.

s. 29 (10) applies

(4) Subsection 29 (10) (variation) applies to an agreement made under subsection (1) or (2).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 31.

Expiry and Termination of Agreements

Agreement expires at eighteen

32. No agreement made under section 29, 30 or 31 shall continue beyond the eighteenth birthday of the person who is its subject.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 32.

Notice of termination of agreement

33. (1) A party to an agreement made under section 29, 30 or 31 may terminate the agreement at any time by giving every other party written notice that the party wishes to terminate the agreement.

When notice takes effect

(2) Where notice is given under subsection (1), the agreement terminates on the expiry of five days, or such longer period not exceeding twenty-one days as the agreement specifies, after the day on which every other party has actually received the notice.

Return of child, etc., by society

(3) Where notice of a wish to terminate an agreement for care and custody made under subsection 29 (1) or 30 (1) is given by or to a society under subsection (1), the society shall as soon as possible, and in any event before the agreement terminates under subsection (2),

(a) cause the child to be returned to the person who made the agreement, or to a person who has obtained an order for the child’s custody since the agreement was made; or

(b) where the society is of the opinion that the child would be in need of protection within the meaning of subsection 37 (2) of Part III (Child Protection) if returned to the person referred to in clause (a), bring the child before the court under that Part to determine whether the child would be in need of protection in that case, and thereafter Part III applies to the child, with necessary modifications.

Idem: Minister

(4) Where notice of a wish to terminate an agreement for care and custody made under subsection 30 (2) is given by or to the Minister under subsection (1), subsection (3) applies to the Minister, with necessary modifications.

Idem: expiry of agreement

(5) Where a temporary care agreement expires or is about to expire under subsection 29 (6), and where a temporary care agreement or a special needs agreement that provides for care and custody expires or is about to expire according to its own terms and is not extended, the society or the Minister, as the case may be, shall before the agreement expires or as soon as practicable thereafter, but in any event within twenty-one days after the agreement expires,

(a) cause the child to be returned to the person who made the agreement, or to a person who has obtained an order for the child’s custody since the agreement was made; or

(b) where the society or the Minister, as the case may be, is of the opinion that the child would be in need of protection within the meaning of subsection 37 (2) of Part III (Child Protection) if returned to the person referred to in clause (a), bring the child before the court under that Part to determine whether the child would be in need of protection in that case, and thereafter Part III applies to the child, with necessary modifications.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 33.

Review by Residential Placement Advisory Committee

Residential placement review

34. (1) In this section,

“residential placement” does not include,

(a) a placement made under the Young Offenders Act (Canada) or under Part IV (Young Offenders),

(b) commitment to a secure treatment program under Part VI (Extraordinary Measures), or

(c) a placement with a person who is neither a service provider nor a foster parent.

Residential placement advisory committees

(2) The Minister may establish residential placement advisory committees each consisting of,

(a) persons engaged in providing services;

(b) other persons who have demonstrated an informed concern for the welfare of children;

(c) one representative of the Ministry; and

(d) if the Minister wishes, another person or persons, including a representative of a band or native community, whom the Minister considers appropriate,

and shall specify the territorial jurisdiction of each advisory committee.

Payments, etc., to members

(3) The Minister may pay allowances and reasonable travelling expenses to any or all of the members of an advisory committee, and may authorize an advisory committee to hire support staff.

Duties of committee

(4) An advisory committee has a duty to advise, inform and assist parents, children and service providers with respect to the availability and appropriateness of residential services and alternatives to residential services, to conduct reviews under this section, and to name persons for the purpose of subsection 29 (9) (contact with child under temporary care agreement), and has such further duties as are prescribed.

Designation by Director

(5) A Director may designate a building, group of buildings or part of a building in which residential services can be provided to ten or more children at a time as an institution for the purposes of this section.

Mandatory review by committee

(6) An advisory committee shall review,

(a) every residential placement in an institution of a child who resides within the advisory committee’s jurisdiction, if the placement is intended to last or actually lasts ninety days or more,

(i) as soon as possible, but in any event within forty-five days of the day on which the child is placed in the institution,

(ii) unless the placement is reviewed under subclause (i), within twelve months of the establishment of the committee or within such longer period as the Minister allows, and

(iii) while the placement continues, at least once during each nine month period succeeding the review under subclause (i) or (ii);

(b) every residential placement of a child twelve years of age or older who objects to the placement and resides within the advisory committee’s jurisdiction,

(i) within the week immediately following the day that is fourteen days after the child is placed, and

(ii) while the placement continues, at least once during each nine month period succeeding the review under subclause (i); and

(c) an existing or proposed residential placement of a child that the Minister refers to the advisory committee, within thirty days of the referral.

Discretionary review

(7) An advisory committee may at any time review or re-review, on a person’s request or on its own initiative, an existing or proposed residential placement of a child who resides within the advisory committee’s jurisdiction.

Review to be informal, etc.

(8) An advisory committee shall conduct a review under this section in an informal manner, in the absence of the public, and in the course of the review may,

(a) interview the child, members of the child’s family and any representatives of the child and family;

(b) interview persons engaged in providing services and other persons who may have an interest in the matter or may have information that would assist the advisory committee;

(c) examine documents and reports that are presented to the committee; and

(d) examine records of the child and of members of the child’s family, as defined in Part VIII (Confidentiality of and Access to Records), that are disclosed to the committee in accordance with that Part.

Service providers to assist advisory committee

(9) At an advisory committee’s request, a service provider shall assist and co-operate with the advisory committee in its conduct of a review.

What committee shall consider

(10) In conducting a review, an advisory committee shall,

(a) determine whether the child has a special need;

(b) consider what programs are available for the child in the residential placement or proposed residential placement, and whether a program available to the child is likely to benefit the child;

(c) consider whether the residential placement or proposed residential placement is appropriate for the child in the circumstances;

(d) if it considers that a less restrictive alternative to the placement would be more appropriate for the child in the circumstances, specify that alternative;

(e) consider the importance of continuity in the child’s care and the possible effect on the child of disruption of that continuity; and

(f) where the child is an Indian or native person, consider the importance, in recognition of the uniqueness of Indian and native culture, heritage and traditions, of preserving the child’s cultural identity.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 34.

Recommendations

35. (1) An advisory committee that conducts a review shall advise,

(a) the service provider;

(b) any representative of the child;

(c) the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society;

(d) the child, where it is reasonable to expect him or her to understand; and

(e) where the child is an Indian or native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community,

of its recommendations as soon as the review has been completed, and shall advise the child of his or her rights under section 36 if the child is twelve years of age or older.

Report of review to Minister

(2) An advisory committee that conducts a review shall, within thirty days of completing the review, make a report of its findings and recommendations to the Minister.

Recommendation for less restrictive service

(3) Where an advisory committee considers that the provision of a less restrictive service to a child would be more appropriate for the child than the residential placement, the advisory committee shall recommend in its report under subsection (2) that the less restrictive service be provided to the child.

Additional reports at Minister’s request

(4) An advisory committee shall make a report of its activities to the Minister whenever the Minister requests it, in addition to making the reports required by subsection (2).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 35.

Review by Child and Family Services Review Board

36. (1) A child who is twelve years of age or older and is in a residential placement to which he or she objects may, if the placement has been reviewed by an advisory committee under section 34 and,

(a) the child is dissatisfied with the advisory committee’s recommendation; or

(b) the advisory committee’s recommendation is not followed,

apply to the Board for a determination of where he or she should remain or be placed.

Duty of Board

(2) The Board shall conduct a review with respect to an application made under subsection (1) and may do so by holding a hearing.

Idem

(3) The Board shall advise the child whether it intends to hold a hearing or not within ten days of receiving the child’s application.

Parties

(4) The parties to a hearing under this section are,

(a) the child;

(b) the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society;

(c) where the child is an Indian or native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community; and

(d) any other persons that the Board specifies.

Time for determination

(5) The Board shall complete its review and make a determination within thirty days of receiving a child’s application, unless,

(a) the Board holds a hearing with respect to the application; and

(b) the parties consent to a longer period for the Board’s determination.

Board’s recommendation

(6) After conducting a review under subsection (2), the Board may,

(a) order that the child be transferred to another residential placement, if the Board is satisfied that the other residential placement is available;

(b) order that the child be discharged from the residential placement; or

(c) confirm the existing placement.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 36.

PART III
CHILD PROTECTION

Interpretation

37. (1) In this Part,

child” does not include a child as defined in subsection 3 (1) who is actually or apparently sixteen years of age or older, unless the child is the subject of an order under this Part; (“enfant”)

child protection worker” means a Director, a local director or a person authorized by a Director or local director for the purposes of section 40 (commencing child protection proceedings); (“préposé à la protection de l’enfance”)

“extended family”, when used in reference to a child, means the persons to whom the child is related by blood, marriage or adoption; (“famille élargie”)

“parent”, when used in reference to a child, means each of,

(a) the child’s mother,

(b) an individual described in one of paragraphs 1 to 6 of subsection 8 (1) of the Children’s Law Reform Act, unless it is proved on a balance of probabilities that he is not the child’s natural father,

(c) the individual having lawful custody of the child,

(d) an individual who, during the twelve months before intervention under this Part, has demonstrated a settled intention to treat the child as a child of his or her family, or has acknowledged parentage of the child and provided for the child’s support,

(e) an individual who, under a written agreement or a court order, is required to provide for the child, has custody of the child or has a right of access to the child, and

(f) an individual who has acknowledged parentage of the child in writing under section 12 of the Children’s Law Reform Act,

but does not include a foster parent; (“père ou mère”)

“place of safety” means a foster home, a hospital, and a place or one of a class of places designated as such by a Director under subsection 17 (2) of Part I (Flexible Services), but does not include,

(a) a place of secure custody as defined in Part IV (Young Offenders), or

(b) a place of secure temporary detention as defined in Part IV. (“lieu sûr”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 37 (1).

Child in need of protection

(2) A child is in need of protection where,

(a) the child has suffered physical harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child or caused by or resulting from that person’s,

(i) failure to adequately care for, provide for, supervise or protect the child, or

(ii) pattern of neglect in caring for, providing for, supervising or protecting the child;

(b) there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer physical harm inflicted by the person having charge of the child or caused by or resulting from that person’s,

(i) failure to adequately care for, provide for, supervise or protect the child, or

(ii) pattern of neglect in caring for, providing for, supervising or protecting the child;

(c) the child has been sexually molested or sexually exploited, by the person having charge of the child or by another person where the person having charge of the child knows or should know of the possibility of sexual molestation or sexual exploitation and fails to protect the child;

(d) there is a risk that the child is likely to be sexually molested or sexually exploited as described in clause (c);

(e) the child requires medical treatment to cure, prevent or alleviate physical harm or suffering and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, the treatment;

(f) the child has suffered emotional harm, demonstrated by serious,

(i) anxiety,

(ii) depression,

(iii) withdrawal,

(iv) self-destructive or aggressive behaviour, or

(v) delayed development,

and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the emotional harm suffered by the child results from the actions, failure to act or pattern of neglect on the part of the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child;

  (f.1) the child has suffered emotional harm of the kind described in subclause (f) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, services or treatment to remedy or alleviate the harm;

(g) there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer emotional harm of the kind described in subclause (f) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) resulting from the actions, failure to act or pattern of neglect on the part of the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child;

(g.1) there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer emotional harm of the kind described in subclause (f) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) and that the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, services or treatment to prevent the harm;

(h) the child suffers from a mental, emotional or developmental condition that, if not remedied, could seriously impair the child’s development and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, treatment to remedy or alleviate the condition;

(i) the child has been abandoned, the child’s parent has died or is unavailable to exercise his or her custodial rights over the child and has not made adequate provision for the child’s care and custody, or the child is in a residential placement and the parent refuses or is unable or unwilling to resume the child’s care and custody;

(j) the child is less than twelve years old and has killed or seriously injured another person or caused serious damage to another person’s property, services or treatment are necessary to prevent a recurrence and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, those services or treatment;

(k) the child is less than twelve years old and has on more than one occasion injured another person or caused loss or damage to another person’s property, with the encouragement of the person having charge of the child or because of that person’s failure or inability to supervise the child adequately; or

(l) the child’s parent is unable to care for the child and the child is brought before the court with the parent’s consent and, where the child is twelve years of age or older, with the child’s consent, to be dealt with under this Part.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 37 (2); 1999, c. 2, s. 9.

Best interests of child

(3) Where a person is directed in this Part to make an order or determination in the best interests of a child, the person shall take into consideration those of the following circumstances of the case that he or she considers relevant:

1. The child’s physical, mental and emotional needs, and the appropriate care or treatment to meet those needs.

2. The child’s physical, mental and emotional level of development.

3. The child’s cultural background.

4. The religious faith, if any, in which the child is being raised.

5. The importance for the child’s development of a positive relationship with a parent and a secure place as a member of a family.

6. The child’s relationships by blood or through an adoption order.

7. The importance of continuity in the child’s care and the possible effect on the child of disruption of that continuity.

8. The merits of a plan for the child’s care proposed by a society, including a proposal that the child be placed for adoption or adopted, compared with the merits of the child remaining with or returning to a parent.

9. The child’s views and wishes, if they can be reasonably ascertained.

10. The effects on the child of delay in the disposition of the case.

11. The risk that the child may suffer harm through being removed from, kept away from, returned to or allowed to remain in the care of a parent.

12. The degree of risk, if any, that justified the finding that the child is in need of protection.

13. Any other relevant circumstance.

Where child an Indian or native person

(4) Where a person is directed in this Part to make an order or determination in the best interests of a child and the child is an Indian or native person, the person shall take into consideration the importance, in recognition of the uniqueness of Indian and native culture, heritage and traditions, of preserving the child’s cultural identity.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 37 (3, 4).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 9, section 37 of this Act, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Legal Representation

Legal representation of child

38. (1) A child may have legal representation at any stage in a proceeding under this Part.

Court to consider issue

(2) Where a child does not have legal representation in a proceeding under this Part, the court,

(a) shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement of the proceeding; and

(b) may, at any later stage in the proceeding,

determine whether legal representation is desirable to protect the child’s interests.

Direction for legal representation

(3) Where the court determines that legal representation is desirable to protect a child’s interests, the court shall direct that legal representation be provided for the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 38 (1-3).

Criteria

(4) Where,

(a) the court is of the opinion that there is a difference of views between the child and a parent or a society, and the society proposes that the child be removed from a person’s care or be made a society or Crown ward under paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection 57 (1);

(b) the child is in the society’s care and,

(i) no parent appears before the court, or

(ii) it is alleged that the child is in need of protection within the meaning of clause 37 (2) (a), (c), (f), (f.1) or (h); or

(c) the child is not permitted to be present at the hearing,

legal representation shall be deemed to be desirable to protect the child’s interests, unless the court is satisfied, taking into account the child’s views and wishes if they can be reasonably ascertained, that the child’s interests are otherwise adequately protected.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 38 (4); 1999, c. 2, s. 10.

Where parent a minor

(5) Where a child’s parent is less than eighteen years of age, the Children’s Lawyer shall represent the parent in a proceeding under this Part unless the court orders otherwise.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 38 (5); 1994, c. 27, s. 43 (2).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 10, section 38 of this Act, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Parties and Notice

Parties

39. (1) The following are parties to a proceeding under this Part:

1. The applicant.

2. The society having jurisdiction in the matter.

3. The child’s parent.

4. Where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community.

Director to be added

(2) At any stage in a proceeding under this Part, the court shall add a Director as a party on his or her motion.

Right to participate

(3) Any person, including a foster parent, who has cared for the child continuously during the six months immediately before the hearing,

(a) is entitled to the same notice of the proceeding as a party;

(b) may be present at the hearing;

(c) may be represented by a solicitor; and

(d) may make submissions to the court,

but shall take no further part in the hearing without leave of the court.

Child twelve or older

(4) A child twelve years of age or more who is the subject of a proceeding under this Part is entitled to receive notice of the proceeding and to be present at the hearing, unless the court is satisfied that being present at the hearing would cause the child emotional harm and orders that the child not receive notice of the proceeding and not be permitted to be present at the hearing.

Child under twelve

(5) A child less than twelve years of age who is the subject of a proceeding under this Part is not entitled to receive notice of the proceeding or to be present at the hearing unless the court is satisfied that the child,

(a) is capable of understanding the hearing; and

(b) will not suffer emotional harm by being present at the hearing,

and orders that the child receive notice of the proceeding and be permitted to be present at the hearing.

Child’s participation

(6) A child who is the applicant under subsection 64 (4) (status review), receives notice of a proceeding under this Part or has legal representation in a proceeding is entitled to participate in the proceeding and to appeal under section 69 as if he or she were a party.

Dispensing with notice

(7) Where the court is satisfied that the time required for notice to a person might endanger the child’s health or safety, the court may dispense with notice to that person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 39.

Commencing Child Protection Proceedings

Warrants, orders, apprehension, etc.

Application

40. (1) A society may apply to the court to determine whether a child is in need of protection.

Warrant to apprehend child

(2) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorizing a child protection worker to bring a child to a place of safety if the justice of the peace is satisfied on the basis of a child protection worker’s sworn information that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that,

(a) the child is in need of protection; and

(b) a less restrictive course of action is not available or will not protect the child adequately.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 40 (1, 2).

Idem

(3) A justice of the peace shall not refuse to issue a warrant under subsection (2) by reason only that the child protection worker may bring the child to a place of safety under subsection (7).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 40 (3); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Order to produce or apprehend child

(4) Where the court is satisfied, on a person’s application upon notice to a society, that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that,

(a) a child is in need of protection, the matter has been reported to the society, the society has not made an application under subsection (1), and no child protection worker has sought a warrant under subsection (2) or apprehended the child under subsection (7); and

(b) the child cannot be protected adequately otherwise than by being brought before the court,

the court may order,

(c) that the person having charge of the child produce him or her before the court at the time and place named in the order for a hearing under subsection 47 (1) to determine whether he or she is in need of protection; or

(d) where the court is satisfied that an order under clause (c) would not protect the child adequately, that a child protection worker employed by the society bring the child to a place of safety.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 40 (4); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Child’s name, location not required

(5) It is not necessary, in an application under subsection (1), a warrant under subsection (2) or an order made under subsection (4), to describe the child by name or to specify the premises where the child is located.

Authority to enter, etc.

(6) A child protection worker authorized to bring a child to a place of safety by a warrant issued under subsection (2) or an order made under clause (4) (d) may at any time enter any premises specified in the warrant or order, by force if necessary, and may search for and remove the child.

Apprehension without warrant

(7) A child protection worker who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that,

(a) a child is in need of protection; and

(b) there would be a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety during the time necessary to bring the matter on for a hearing under subsection 47 (1) or obtain a warrant under subsection (2),

may without a warrant bring the child to a place of safety.

Police assistance

(8) A child protection worker acting under this section may call for the assistance of a peace officer.

Consent to examine child

(9) A child protection worker acting under subsection (7) or under a warrant issued under subsection (2) or an order made under clause (4) (d) may authorize the child’s medical examination where a parent’s consent would otherwise be required.

Place of open temporary detention

(10) Where a child protection worker who brings a child to a place of safety under this section believes on reasonable and probable grounds that no less restrictive course of action is feasible, the child may be detained in a place of safety that is a place of open temporary detention as defined in Part IV (Young Offenders).

Right of entry, etc.

(11) A child protection worker who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a child referred to in subsection (7) is on any premises may without a warrant enter the premises, by force, if necessary, and search for and remove the child.

Regulations re power of entry

(12) A child protection worker authorized to enter premises under subsection (6) or (11) shall exercise the power of entry in accordance with the regulations.

Peace officer has powers of child protection worker

(13) Subsections (2), (6), (7), (10), (11) and (12) apply to a peace officer as if the peace officer were a child protection worker.

Protection from personal liability

(14) No action shall be instituted against a peace officer or child protection worker for any act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of that person’s duty under this section or for an alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of that duty.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 40 (5-14).

Special Cases of Apprehension of Children

Apprehension of children in care

Warrant to apprehend child in care

41. (1) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer or child protection worker to bring a child to a place of safety if the justice of the peace is satisfied on the basis of a peace officer’s or child protection worker’s sworn information that,

(a) the child is actually or apparently under the age of sixteen years and has left or been removed from a society’s lawful care and custody without its consent; and

(b) there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that there is no course of action available other than bringing the child to a place of safety that would adequately protect the child.

Idem

(2) A justice of the peace shall not refuse to issue a warrant to a person under subsection (1) by reason only that the person may bring the child to a place of safety under subsection (4).

No need to specify premises

(3) It is not necessary in a warrant under subsection (1) to specify the premises where the child is located.

Apprehension of child in care without warrant

(4) A peace officer or child protection worker who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that,

(a) a child is actually or apparently under the age of sixteen years and has left or been removed from a society’s lawful care and custody without its consent; and

(b) there would be a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety during the time necessary to obtain a warrant under subsection (1),

may without a warrant bring the child to a place of safety.

Apprehension of child absent from place of open temporary detention

(5) Where a child is detained under this Part in a place of safety that has been designated as a place of open temporary detention as defined in Part IV (Young Offenders) and leaves the place without the consent of,

(a) the society having care, custody and control of the child; or

(b) the person in charge of the place of safety,

a peace officer, the person in charge of the place of safety or that person’s delegate may apprehend the child without a warrant.

Idem

(6) A person who apprehends a child under subsection (5) shall,

(a) take the child to a place of safety to be detained until the child can be returned to the place of safety the child left; or

(b) return the child or arrange for the child to be returned to the place of safety the child left.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 41.

Apprehension of child under twelve

42. (1) A peace officer who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a child actually or apparently under twelve years of age has committed an act in respect of which a person twelve years of age or older could be found guilty of an offence may apprehend the child without a warrant and on doing so,

(a) shall return the child to the child’s parent or other person having charge of the child as soon as practicable; or

(b) where it is not possible to return the child to the parent or other person within a reasonable time, shall take the child to a place of safety to be detained there until the child can be returned to the parent or other person.

Notice to parent, etc.

(2) The person in charge of a place of safety in which a child is detained under subsection (1) shall make reasonable efforts to notify the child’s parent or other person having charge of the child of the child’s detention so that the child may be returned to the parent or other person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 42 (1, 2).

Where child not returned to parent, etc., within twelve hours

(3) Where a child detained in a place of safety under subsection (1) cannot be returned to the child’s parent or other person having charge of the child within twelve hours of being taken to the place of safety, the child shall be dealt with as if the child had been taken to a place of safety under subsection 40 (7) and not apprehended under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 42 (3); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Runaways

43. (1) In this section,

“parent” includes,

(a) an approved agency that has custody of the child,

(b) a person who has care and control of the child.

Warrant to apprehend runaway child

(2) A justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer or child protection worker to apprehend a child if the justice of the peace is satisfied on the basis of the sworn information of a parent of the child that,

(a) the child is under the age of sixteen years;

(b) the child has withdrawn from the parent’s care and control without the parent’s consent; and

(c) the parent believes on reasonable and probable grounds that the child’s health or safety may be at risk if the child is not apprehended.

Idem

(3) A person who apprehends a child under subsection (2) shall return the child to the child’s parent as soon as practicable and where it is not possible to return the child to the parent within a reasonable time, take the child to a place of safety.

Notice to parent, etc.

(4) The person in charge of a place of safety to which a child is taken under subsection (3) shall make reasonable efforts to notify the child’s parent that the child is in the place of safety so that the child may be returned to the parent.

Where child not returned to parent within twelve hours

(5) Where a child taken to a place of safety under subsection (3) cannot be returned to the child’s parent within twelve hours of being taken to the place of safety, the child shall be dealt with as if the child had been taken to a place of safety under subsection 40 (2) and not apprehended under subsection (2).

Where custody enforcement proceedings more appropriate

(6) A justice of the peace shall not issue a warrant under subsection (2) where a child has withdrawn from the care and control of one parent with the consent of another parent under circumstances where a proceeding under section 36 of the Children’s Law Reform Act would be more appropriate.

No need to specify premises

(7) It is not necessary in a warrant under subsection (2) to specify the premises where the child is located.

Child protection proceedings

(8) Where a peace officer or child protection worker believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a child apprehended under this section is in need of protection and there may be a substantial risk to the health or safety of the child if the child were returned to the parent,

(a) the peace officer or child protection worker may take the child to a place of safety under subsection 40 (7); or

(b) where the child has been taken to a place of safety under subsection (5), the child shall be dealt with as if the child had been taken there under subsection 40 (7).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 43.

Power of Entry and Other Provisions for Special Cases of Apprehension

Authority to enter, etc.

44. (1) A person authorized to bring a child to a place of safety by a warrant issued under subsection 41 (1) or 43 (2) may at any time enter any premises specified in the warrant, by force, if necessary, and may search for and remove the child.

Right of entry, etc.

(2) A person authorized under subsection 41 (4) or (5) or 42 (1) who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a child referred to in the relevant subsection is on any premises may without a warrant enter the premises, by force, if necessary, and search for and remove the child.

Regulations re power of entry

(3) A person authorized to enter premises under this section shall exercise the power of entry in accordance with the regulations.

Police assistance

(4) A child protection worker acting under section 41 or 43 may call for the assistance of a peace officer.

Consent to examine child

(5) A child protection worker who deals with a child under subsection 42 (3) or 43 (5) as if the child had been taken to a place of safety may authorize the child’s medical examination where a parent’s consent would otherwise be required.

Place of open temporary detention

(6) Where a person who brings a child to a place of safety under section 41 or 42 believes on reasonable and probable grounds that no less restrictive course of action is feasible, the child may be detained in a place of safety that is a place of open temporary detention as defined in Part IV (Young Offenders).

Protection from personal liability

(7) No action shall be instituted against a peace officer or child protection worker for any act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of that person’s duty under this section or section 41, 42 or 43 or for an alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of that duty.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 44.

Hearings and Orders

Rules re hearings

45. (1) In this section,

“media” means the press, radio and television media.

Application

(2) This section applies to hearings held under this Part, except hearings under section 76 (child abuse register).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 11 and the following substituted:

Application

(2) This section applies to hearings held under this Part.

See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 11, 38.

Hearings separate from criminal proceedings

(3) A hearing shall be held separately from hearings in criminal proceedings.

Hearings private unless court orders otherwise

(4) A hearing shall be held in the absence of the public, subject to subsection (5), unless the court, after considering,

(a) the wishes and interests of the parties; and

(b) whether the presence of the public would cause emotional harm to a child who is a witness at or a participant in the hearing or is the subject of the proceeding,

orders that the hearing be held in public.

Media representatives

(5) Media representatives chosen in accordance with subsection (6) may be present at a hearing that is held in the absence of the public, unless the court makes an order excluding them under subsection (7).

Idem

(6) The media representatives who may be present at a hearing that is held in the absence of the public shall be chosen as follows:

1. The media representatives in attendance shall choose not more than two persons from among themselves.

2. Where the media representatives in attendance are unable to agree on a choice of persons, the court may choose not more than two media representatives who may be present at the hearing.

3. The court may permit additional media representatives to be present at the hearing.

Order excluding media representatives or prohibiting publication

(7) The court may make an order,

(a) excluding a particular media representative from all or part of a hearing;

(b) excluding all media representatives from all or a part of a hearing; or

(c) prohibiting the publication of a report of the hearing or a specified part of the hearing,

where the court is of the opinion that the presence of the media representative or representatives or the publication of the report, as the case may be, would cause emotional harm to a child who is a witness at or a participant in the hearing or is the subject of the proceeding.

Prohibition: identifying child

(8) No person shall publish or make public information that has the effect of identifying a child who is a witness at or a participant in a hearing or the subject of a proceeding, or the child’s parent or foster parent or a member of the child’s family.

Idem: order re adult

(9) The court may make an order prohibiting the publication of information that has the effect of identifying a person charged with an offence under this Part.

Transcript

(10) No person except a party or a party’s solicitor shall be given a copy of a transcript of the hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 45.

Time of detention limited

46. (1) As soon as practicable, but in any event within five days after a child is brought to a place of safety under section 40 or subsection 79 (6) or a homemaker remains or is placed on premises under subsection 78 (2),

(a) the matter shall be brought before a court for a hearing under subsection 47 (1) (child protection hearing);

(b) the child shall be returned to the person who last had charge of the child or, where there is an order for the child’s custody that is enforceable in Ontario, to the person entitled to custody under the order; or

(c) a temporary care agreement shall be made under subsection 29 (1) of Part II (Voluntary Access to Services).

Idem: place of open temporary detention

(2) Within twenty-four hours after a child is brought to a place of safety that is a place of open temporary detention, or as soon thereafter as is practicable, the matter shall be brought before a court for a hearing and the court shall,

(a) where it is satisfied that no less restrictive course of action is feasible, order that the child remain in the place of open temporary detention for a period or periods not exceeding an aggregate of thirty days and then be returned to the care and custody of the society;

(b) order that the child be discharged from the place of open temporary detention and returned to the care and custody of the society; or

(c) make an order under subsection 51 (2) (temporary care and custody).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 46.

Child protection hearing

47. (1) Where an application is made under subsection 40 (1) or a matter is brought before the court to determine whether the child is in need of protection, the court shall hold a hearing to determine the issue and make an order under section 57.

Child’s name, age, etc.

(2) As soon as practicable, and in any event before determining whether a child is in need of protection, the court shall determine,

(a) the child’s name and age;

(b) the religious faith, if any, in which the child is being raised;

(c) whether the child is an Indian or a native person and, if so, the child’s band or native community; and

(d) where the child was brought to a place of safety before the hearing, the location of the place from which the child was removed.

Where sixteenth birthday intervenes

(3) Despite anything else in this Part, where the child was under the age of sixteen years when the proceeding was commenced or when the child was apprehended, the court may hear and determine the matter and make an order under this Part as if the child were still under the age of sixteen years.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 47.

Territorial jurisdiction

48. (1) In this section,

“territorial jurisdiction” means a society’s territorial jurisdiction under subsection 15 (2).

Place of hearing

(2) A hearing under this Part with respect to a child shall be held in the territorial jurisdiction in which the child ordinarily resides, except that,

(a) where the child is brought to a place of safety before the hearing, the hearing shall be held in the territorial jurisdiction in which the place from which the child was removed is located;

(b) where the child is in a society’s care under an order for society or Crown wardship under section 57, the hearing shall be held in the society’s territorial jurisdiction; and

(c) where the child is the subject of an order for society supervision under section 57, the hearing may be held in the society’s territorial jurisdiction or in the territorial jurisdiction in which the parent or other person with whom the child is placed resides.

Transfer of proceeding

(3) Where the court is satisfied at any stage of a proceeding under this Part that there is a preponderance of convenience in favour of conducting it in another territorial jurisdiction, the court may order that the proceeding be transferred to that other territorial jurisdiction and be continued as if it had been commenced there.

Orders affecting society

(4) The court shall not make an order placing a child in the care or under the supervision of a society unless the place where the court sits is within the society’s territorial jurisdiction.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 48.

Power of court

49. The court may, on its own initiative, summon a person to attend before it, testify and produce any document or thing, and may enforce obedience to the summons as if it had been made in a proceeding under the Family Law Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 49; 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Evidence

Past conduct toward children

50. (1) Despite anything in the Evidence Act, in any proceeding under this Part,

(a) the court may consider the past conduct of a person toward any child if that person is caring for or has access to or may care for or have access to a child who is the subject of the proceeding; and

(b) any oral or written statement or report that the court considers relevant to the proceeding, including a transcript, exhibit or finding or the reasons for a decision in an earlier civil or criminal proceeding, is admissible into evidence.  1999, c. 2, s. 12.

Evidence re disposition not admissible before finding

(2) In a hearing under subsection 47 (1), evidence relating only to the disposition of the matter shall not be admitted before the court has determined that the child is in need of protection.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 50 (2).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 12, section 50 of this Act, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Adjournments

51. (1) The court shall not adjourn a hearing for more than thirty days,

(a) unless all the parties present and the person who will be caring for the child during the adjournment consent; or

(b) if the court is aware that a party who is not present at the hearing objects to the longer adjournment.

Custody during adjournment

(2) Where a hearing is adjourned, the court shall make a temporary order for care and custody providing that the child,

(a) remain in or be returned to the care and custody of the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part;

(b) remain in or be returned to the care and custody of the person referred to in clause (a), subject to the society’s supervision and on such reasonable terms and conditions relating to the child’s supervision as the court considers appropriate;

(c) be placed in the care and custody of a person other than the person referred to in clause (a), with the consent of that other person, subject to the society’s supervision and on such reasonable terms and conditions relating to the child’s supervision as the court considers appropriate; or

(d) remain or be placed in the care and custody of the society, but not be placed in,

(i) a place of secure custody as defined in Part IV (Young Offenders), or

(ii) a place of open temporary detention as defined in that Part that has not been designated as a place of safety.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 51 (1, 2).

Criteria

(3) The court shall not make an order under clause (2) (c) or (d) unless the court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is a risk that the child is likely to suffer harm and that the child cannot be protected adequately by an order under clause (2) (a) or (b).  1999, c. 2, s. 13.

Application of s. 62

(4) Where the court makes an order under clause (2) (d), section 62 (parental consents) applies with necessary modifications.

Access

(5) An order made under clause (2) (c) or (d) may contain provisions regarding any person’s right of access to the child on such terms and conditions as the court considers appropriate.

Power to vary

(6) The court may at any time vary or terminate an order made under subsection (2).

Evidence on adjournments

(7) For the purpose of this section, the court may admit and act on evidence that the court considers credible and trustworthy in the circumstances.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 51 (4-7).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 13, section 51 of this Act, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Delay: court to fix date

52. Where an application is made under subsection 40 (1) or a matter is brought before the court to determine whether a child is in need of protection and the determination has not been made within three months after the commencement of the proceeding, the court,

(a) shall by order fix a date for the hearing of the application, and the date may be the earliest date that is compatible with the just disposition of the application; and

(b) may give such directions and make such orders with respect to the proceeding as are just.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 52.

Reasons, etc.

53. (1) Where the court makes an order under this Part, the court shall give,

(a) a statement of any terms or conditions imposed on the order;

(b) a statement of every plan for the child’s care proposed to the court;

(c) a statement of the plan for the child’s care that the court is applying in its decision; and

(d) reasons for its decision, including,

(i) a brief statement of the evidence on which the court bases its decision, and

(ii) where the order has the effect of removing or keeping the child from the care of the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part, a statement of the reasons why the child cannot be adequately protected while in the person’s care.

Idem

(2) Clause (1) (b) does not require the court to identify a person with whom or a place where it is proposed that a child be placed for care and supervision.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 53.

Assessments

Order for assessment

54. (1) Where a child has been found to be in need of protection, the court may order that within a specified time,

(a) the child; or

(b) a parent or a person, except a foster parent, in whose charge the child has been or may be,

attend before and undergo an assessment by a specified person who is qualified, in the court’s opinion, to perform medical, emotional, developmental, psychological, educational or social assessments and has consented to perform the assessment.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 54 (1).

Report

(2) The person performing an assessment under subsection (1) shall make a written report of the assessment to the court within the time specified in the order, which shall not be more than thirty days unless the court is of the opinion that a longer assessment period is necessary.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 54 (2).

Copies of report

(3) At least seven days before the court considers the report at a hearing, the court or, where the assessment was requested by a party, that party, shall provide a copy of the report to,

(a) the person assessed, subject to subsections (4) and (5);

(b) the child’s solicitor or agent of record;

(c) a parent appearing at the hearing, or the parent’s solicitor of record;

(d) the society caring for or supervising the child;

(e) a Director, where he or she requests a copy;

(f) where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community; and

(g) any other person who, in the opinion of the court, should receive a copy of the report for the purposes of the case.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 54 (3).

Child under twelve

(4) Where the person assessed is a child less than twelve years of age, the child shall not receive a copy of the report unless the court considers it desirable that the child receive a copy of the report.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 54 (4).

Child twelve or older

(5) Where the person assessed is a child twelve years of age or more, the child shall receive a copy of the report, except that where the court is satisfied that disclosure of all or part of the report to the child would cause the child emotional harm, the court may withhold all or part of the report from the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 54 (5).

Conflict

(5.1) Subsections (4) and (5) prevail despite anything in the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004.  2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78 (1).

Assessment is evidence

(6) The report of an assessment ordered under subsection (1) is evidence and is part of the court record of the proceeding.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 54 (6).

Inference from refusal

(7) The court may draw any inference it considers reasonable from a person’s refusal to undergo an assessment ordered under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 54 (7).

Report inadmissible

(8) The report of an assessment ordered under subsection (1) is not admissible into evidence in any other proceeding except,

(a) a proceeding under this Part, including an appeal under section 69;

(b) a proceeding referred to in section 81; or

(c) a proceeding under the Coroners Act,

without the consent of the person or persons assessed.  1999, c. 2, s. 14.

Note: Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 14, section 54 of this Act, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Consent order: special requirements

55. Where a child is brought before the court on consent as described in clause 37 (2) (l), the court shall, before making an order under section 57 that would remove the child from the parent’s care and custody,

(a) ask whether,

(i) the society has offered the parent and child services that would enable the child to remain with the parent, and

(ii) the parent and, where the child is twelve years of age or older, the child has consulted independent legal counsel in connection with the consent; and

(b) be satisfied that,

(i) the parent and, where the child is twelve years of age or older, the child understands the nature and consequences of the consent,

(ii) every consent is voluntary, and

(iii) the parent and, where the child is twelve years of age or older, the child consents to the order being sought.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 55.

Society’s plan for child

56. The court shall, before making an order under section 57 or 65, obtain and consider a plan for the child’s care prepared in writing by the society and including,

(a) a description of the services to be provided to remedy the condition or situation on the basis of which the child was found to be in need of protection;

(b) a statement of the criteria by which the society will determine when its wardship or supervision is no longer required;

(c) an estimate of the time required to achieve the purpose of the society’s intervention;

(d) where the society proposes to remove or has removed the child from a person’s care,

(i) an explanation of why the child cannot be adequately protected while in the person’s care, and a description of any past efforts to do so, and

(ii) a statement of what efforts, if any, are planned to maintain the child’s contact with the person; and

(e) where the society proposes to remove or has removed the child from a person’s care permanently, a description of the arrangements made or being made for the child’s long-term stable placement.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 56.

Order where child in need of protection

57. (1) Where the court finds that a child is in need of protection and is satisfied that intervention through a court order is necessary to protect the child in the future, the court shall make one of the following orders, in the child’s best interests:

Supervision order

1. That the child be placed with or returned to a parent or another person, subject to the supervision of the society, for a specified period of at least three and not more than twelve months.

Society wardship

2. That the child be made a ward of the society and be placed in its care and custody for a specified period not exceeding twelve months.

Crown wardship

3. That the child be made a ward of the Crown, until the wardship is terminated under section 65 or expires under subsection 71 (1), and be placed in the care of the society.

Consecutive orders of society wardship and supervision

4. That the child be made a ward of the society under paragraph 2 for a specified period and then be returned to a parent or another person under paragraph 1, for a period or periods not exceeding an aggregate of twelve months.

Court to inquire

(2) In determining which order to make under subsection (1), the court shall ask the parties what efforts the society or another agency or person made to assist the child before intervention under this Part.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 57 (1, 2).

Less disruptive alternatives preferred

(3) The court shall not make an order removing the child from the care of the person who had charge of him or her immediately before intervention under this Part unless the court is satisfied that alternatives that are less disruptive to the child, including non-residential services and the assistance referred to in subsection (2), would be inadequate to protect the child.  1999, c. 2, s. 15 (1).

Community placement to be considered

(4) Where the court decides that it is necessary to remove the child from the care of the person who had charge of him or her immediately before intervention under this Part, the court shall, before making an order for society or Crown wardship under paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection (1), consider whether it is possible to place the child with a relative, neighbour or other member of the child’s community or extended family under paragraph 1 of subsection (1) with the consent of the relative or other person.

Idem: where child an Indian or a native person

(5) Where the child referred to in subsection (4) is an Indian or a native person, unless there is a substantial reason for placing the child elsewhere, the court shall place the child with,

(a) a member of the child’s extended family;

(b) a member of the child’s band or native community; or

(c) another Indian or native family.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 57 (4, 5).

(6) Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 15 (2).

Idem

(7) When the court has dispensed with notice to a person under subsection 39 (7), the court shall not make an order for Crown wardship under paragraph 3 of subsection (1), or an order for society wardship under paragraph 2 of subsection (1) for a period exceeding thirty days, until a further hearing under subsection 47 (1) has been held upon notice to that person.

Terms and conditions of supervision order

(8) Where the court makes a supervision order under paragraph 1 of subsection (1), the court may impose reasonable terms and conditions relating to the child’s care and supervision on,

(a) the person with whom the child is placed or to whom the child is returned;

(b) the supervising society;

(c) the child; and

(d) any other person who participated in the hearing.

Where no court order necessary

(9) Where the court finds that a child is in need of protection but is not satisfied that a court order is necessary to protect the child in the future, the court shall order that the child remain with or be returned to the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 57 (7-9).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 15, section 57 of this Act, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Access

Access order

58. (1) The court may, in the child’s best interests,

(a) when making an order under this Part; or

(b) upon an application under subsection (2),

make, vary or terminate an order respecting a person’s access to the child or the child’s access to a person, and may impose such terms and conditions on the order as the court considers appropriate.

Who may apply

(2) Where a child is in a society’s care and custody or supervision,

(a) the child;

(b) any other person, including, where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community; or

(c) the society,

may apply to the court at any time for an order under subsection (1).

Notice

(3) An applicant referred to in clause (2) (b) shall give notice of the application to the society.

Idem

(4) A society making or receiving an application under subsection (2) shall give notice of the application to,

(a) the child, subject to subsections 39 (4) and (5) (notice to child);

(b) the child’s parent;

(c) the person caring for the child at the time of the application; and

(d) where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community.

Child over sixteen

(5) No order respecting access to a person sixteen years of age or more shall be made under subsection (1) without the person’s consent.

Six-month period

(6) No application shall be made under subsection (2) by a person other than a society within six months of,

(a) the making of an order under section 57;

(b) the disposition of a previous application by the same person under subsection (2);

(c) the disposition of an application under section 64 (review); or

(d) the final disposition or abandonment of an appeal from an order referred to in clause (a), (b) or (c),

whichever is later.

No application where child placed for adoption

(7) No person or society shall make an application under subsection (2) where the child,

(a) is a Crown ward;

(b) has been placed in a person’s home by the society or by a Director for the purpose of adoption under Part VII (Adoption); and

(c) still resides in that person’s home.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 58.

Access: where child removed from person in charge

59. (1) Where an order is made under paragraph 1 or 2 of subsection 57 (1) removing a child from the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part, the court shall make an order for access by the person unless the court is satisfied that continued contact with him or her would not be in the child’s best interests.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 59 (1).

Access: Crown ward

(2) The court shall not make or vary an access order with respect to a Crown ward under section 58 (access) or section 65 (status review) unless the court is satisfied that,

(a) the relationship between the person and the child is beneficial and meaningful to the child; and

(b) the ordered access will not impair the child’s future opportunities for a permanent or stable placement.

Termination of access: Crown ward

(3) The court shall terminate an access order with respect to a Crown ward if,

(a) the order is no longer in the best interests of the child; or

(b) the court is no longer satisfied that clauses (2) (a) and (b) apply with respect to that access.  1999, c. 2, s. 16.

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 16, section 59 of this Act, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Payment Orders

Order for payment by parent

60. (1) Where the court places a child in the care of,

(a) a society; or

(b) a person other than the child’s parent, subject to a society’s supervision,

the court may order a parent or a parent’s estate to pay the society a specified amount at specified intervals for each day the child is in the society’s care or supervision.

Criteria

(2) In making an order under subsection (1), the court shall consider those of the following circumstances of the case that the court considers relevant:

1. The assets and means of the child and of the parent or the parent’s estate.

2. The child’s capacity to provide for his or her own support.

3. The capacity of the parent or the parent’s estate to provide support.

4. The child’s and the parent’s age and physical and mental health.

5. The child’s mental, emotional and physical needs.

6. Any legal obligation of the parent or the parent’s estate to provide support for another person.

7. The child’s aptitude for and reasonable prospects of obtaining an education.

8. Any legal right of the child to support from another source, other than out of public money.

Order ends at eighteen

(3) No order made under subsection (1) shall extend beyond the day on which the child attains the age of eighteen years.

Power to vary

(4) The court may vary, suspend or terminate an order made under subsection (1) where the court is satisfied that the circumstances of the child or parent have changed.

Collection by municipality

(5) The council of a municipality may enter into an agreement with the board of directors of a society providing for the collection by the municipality, on the society’s behalf, of the amounts ordered to be paid by a parent under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 60 (1-5).

Enforcement

(6) An order made against a parent under subsection (1) may be enforced as if it were an order for support made under Part III of the Family Law Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 60 (6); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Society and Crown Wardship

Placement of wards

61. (1) This section applies where a child is made a society or Crown ward under paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection 57 (1).

Placement

(2) The society having care of a child shall choose a residential placement for the child that,

(a) represents the least restrictive alternative for the child;

(b) where possible, respects the religious faith, if any, in which the child is being raised;

(c) where possible, respects the child’s linguistic and cultural heritage;

(d) where the child is an Indian or a native person, is with a member of the child’s extended family, a member of the child’s band or native community or another Indian or native family, if possible; and

(e) takes into account the child’s wishes, if they can be reasonably ascertained, and the wishes of any parent who is entitled to access to the child.

Education

(3) The society having care of a child shall ensure that the child receives an education that corresponds to his or her aptitudes and abilities.

Placement outside or removal from Ontario

(4) The society having care of a child shall not place the child outside Ontario or permit a person to remove the child from Ontario permanently unless a Director is satisfied that extraordinary circumstances justify the placement or removal.

Rights of child, parent and foster parent

(5) The society having care of a child shall ensure that,

(a) the child is afforded all the rights referred to in Part V (Rights of Children); and

(b) the wishes of any parent who is entitled to access to the child and, where the child is a Crown ward, of any foster parent with whom the child has lived continuously for two years are taken into account in the society’s major decisions concerning the child.

Change of placement

(6) The society having care of a child may remove the child from a foster home or other residential placement where, in the opinion of a Director or local director, it is in the child’s best interests to do so.

Rights of foster parents in certain cases

(7) Where a child is a Crown ward and has lived with a foster parent continuously for two years, the society shall not remove the child under subsection (6) without first giving the foster parent ten days notice of the proposed removal and of his or her right to a review under section 68.

Time for review

(8) Where a foster parent requests a review under section 68 within ten days of receiving a notice under subsection (7), the society shall not remove the child until the review and any further review by a Director have been completed and unless the society’s board of directors or the Director, as the case may be, recommend that the child be removed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 61 (1-8).

Exception where child at risk

(9) Subsections (7) and (8) do not apply where, in the opinion of a Director or local director, there would be a risk that the child is likely to suffer harm during the time necessary for notice to the foster parent and a review under section 68.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 61 (9); 1999, c. 2, s. 17.

Review of certain placements

(10) Sections 34, 35 and 36 (review by Residential Placement Advisory Committee, further review by Children’s Services Review Board) of Part II (Voluntary Access to Services) apply to a residential placement made by a society.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 61 (10).

Society wards – medical treatment and marriage

Society ward: consent to medical treatment

62. (1) Where a child is made a society ward under paragraph 2 of subsection 57 (1), the society may consent to and authorize medical treatment for the child where a parent’s consent would otherwise be required, unless the court orders that the parent shall retain any right that he or she may have to give or refuse consent to medical treatment for the child.

Idem

(2) The court shall not make an order under subsection (1) where failure to consent to necessary medical treatment was a ground for finding that the child was in need of protection.

Court order

(3) Where a parent referred to in an order made under subsection (1) refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to medical treatment for the child and the court is satisfied that the treatment would be in the child’s best interests, the court may authorize the society to consent to the treatment.

Consent to child’s marriage

(4) Where a child is made a society ward under paragraph 2 of subsection 57 (1), the child’s parent retains any right that he or she may have under the Marriage Act to give or refuse consent to the child’s marriage.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 62.

Custodianship of wards

Crown custodian of Crown wards

63. (1) Where a child is made a Crown ward under paragraph 3 of subsection 57 (1), the Crown has the rights and responsibilities of a parent for the purpose of the child’s care, custody and control and has the right to give or refuse consent to medical treatment for the child where a parent’s consent would otherwise be required, and the Crown’s powers, duties and obligations in respect of the child, except those assigned to a Director by this Act or the regulations, shall be exercised and performed by the society caring for the child.

Society custodian of society wards

(2) Where a child is made a society ward under paragraph 2 of subsection 57 (1), the society has the rights and responsibilities of a parent for the purpose of the child’s care, custody and control.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 63.

Review

Status review

64. (1) This section applies where a child is the subject of an order for society supervision, society wardship or Crown wardship under subsection 57 (1).

Society to seek status review

(2) The society having care, custody or supervision of a child,

(a) may apply to the court at any time, subject to subsection (9);

(b) where the order is for society supervision or society wardship, shall apply to the court before the expiry of the order, except under subsection 71 (1) (age of eighteen); and

(c) where the society has removed the child from the care of a person with whom the child was placed under an order for society supervision, shall apply to the court within five days of the child’s removal,

for review of the child’s status.

Application of subs. (2) (a, c)

(3) Where a child is the subject of an order for society supervision under subsection 57 (1), clauses (2) (a) and (c) also apply to the society that has jurisdiction in the county or district in which the parent or other person with whom the child is placed resides.

Others may seek status review

(4) An application for review of a child’s status may be made on notice to the society by,

(a) the child, where the child is at least twelve years of age;

(b) any parent of the child, subject to subsection (5);

(c) the person with whom the child was placed under an order for society supervision; or

(d) where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community.

Leave required in certain cases

(5) Where the child is a Crown ward and has lived with the same foster parent continuously during the two years immediately before the application, an application under subsection (4) shall not be made by any parent of the child without the court’s leave.

Notice

(6) A society making an application under subsection (2) or receiving notice of an application under subsection (4) shall give notice of the application to,

(a) the child, subject to subsections 39 (4) and (5) (notice to child);

(b) the child’s parent, unless the child is a Crown ward and is sixteen years of age or older;

(c) the person with whom the child was placed under an order for society supervision;

(d) a foster parent who has cared for the child continuously during the six months immediately before the application;

(e) where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community; and

(f) a Director, if the child is a Crown ward.

Six-month period

(7) No application shall be made under subsection (4) within six months of,

(a) the making of the original order under subsection 57 (1);

(b) the disposition of a previous application by any person under subsection (4); or

(c) the final disposition or abandonment of an appeal from an order referred to in clause (a) or (b),

whichever is the latest.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 64 (1-7).

Exception

(8) Subsection (7) does not apply where,

(a) the child is a society ward or the subject of an order for society supervision, or the child is a Crown ward and an order for access has been made under section 58; and

(b) the court is satisfied that a major element of the plan for the child’s care that the court applied in its decision is not being carried out.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 64 (8); 1999, c. 2, s. 18.

No review where child placed for adoption

(9) No person or society shall make an application under this section where the child,

(a) is a Crown ward;

(b) has been placed in a person’s home by the society or by a Director for the purpose of adoption under Part VII; and

(c) still resides in that person’s home.

Interim care and custody

(10) Where an application is made under this section, the child shall remain in the care and custody of the person or society having charge of the child, until the application is disposed of, unless the court is satisfied that the child’s best interests require a change in the child’s care and custody.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 64 (9, 10).

Court may vary, etc.

65. (1) Where an application for review of a child’s status is made under section 64, the court may, in the child’s best interests,

(a) vary or terminate the original order made under subsection 57 (1), including a term or condition or a provision for access that is part of the order;

(b) order that the original order terminate on a specified future date; or

(c) make a further order or orders under section 57.

Restriction

(2) Where a child has been made a Crown ward under paragraph 3 of subsection 57 (1), the court shall not make an order for society wardship under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 65 (1, 2).

(3) Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 19.

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 19, subsection (3) of this section, as it read before March 31, 2000, continues to apply with respect to any proceeding under Part III, including a status review proceeding, that was commenced before March 31, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (5), 38.

Director’s annual review of Crown wards

66. (1) A Director or a person authorized by a Director shall, at least once during each calendar year, review the status of every child,

(a) who is a Crown ward;

(b) who was a Crown ward throughout the immediately preceding twenty-four months; and

(c) whose status has not been reviewed under this section or under section 65 during that time.

Idem

(2) After a review under subsection (1), the Director may direct the society to make an application for review of the child’s status under subsection 64 (2) or give any other direction that, in the Director’s opinion, is in the child’s best interests.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 66.

Investigation by judge

67. (1) The Minister may appoint a judge of the Court of Ontario to investigate a matter relating to a child in a society’s care or the proper administration of this Part, and a judge who is appointed shall conduct the investigation and make a written report to the Minister.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 67 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 20.

Powers of judge

(2) For the purposes of an investigation under subsection (1), the judge has the powers of a commission under Part II of the Public Inquiries Act, and that Part applies to the investigation as if it were an inquiry under that Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 67 (2).

Society review procedure

68. (1) A society shall establish a written review procedure, which shall be approved by a Director, for hearing and dealing with complaints by any person regarding services sought or received from the society, and shall make the review procedure available to any person on request.

Idem

(2) A review procedure established under subsection (1), shall include an opportunity for the person making the complaint to be heard by the society’s board of directors.

Further review by Director

(3) A person who makes a complaint and is not satisfied with the response of the society’s board of directors may have the matter reviewed by a Director.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 68.

Appeals

Appeal

69. (1) An appeal from a court’s order under this Part may be made to the Superior Court of Justice by,

(a) the child, if the child is entitled to participate in the proceeding under subsection 39 (6) (child’s participation);

(b) any parent of the child;

(c) the person who had charge of the child immediately before intervention under this Part;

(d) a Director or local director; or

(e) where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 69 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Exception

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an order for an assessment under section 54.

Care and custody pending appeal

(3) Where a decision regarding the care and custody of a child is appealed under subsection (1), execution of the decision shall be stayed for the ten days immediately following service of the notice of appeal on the court that made the decision, and where the child is in the society’s custody at the time the decision is made, the child shall remain in the care and custody of the society until,

(a) the ten-day period of the stay has expired; or

(b) an order is made under subsection (4),

whichever is earlier.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 69 (2, 3).

Temporary order

(4) The Superior Court of Justice may, in the child’s best interests, make a temporary order for the child’s care and custody pending final disposition of the appeal, except an order placing the child in a place of secure custody as defined in Part IV (Young Offenders) or a place of secure temporary detention as defined in that Part that has not been designated as a place of safety, and the court may, on any party’s motion before the final disposition of the appeal, vary or terminate the order or make a further order.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 69 (4); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

No extension where child placed for adoption

(5) No extension of the time for an appeal shall be granted where the child has been placed for adoption under Part VII (Adoption).

Further evidence

(6) The court may receive further evidence relating to events after the appealed decision.

Place of hearing

(7) An appeal under this section shall be heard in the county or district in which the order appealed from was made.

s. 45 applies

(8) Section 45 (hearings private, etc.) applies with necessary modifications to an appeal under this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 69 (5-8).

Expiry of Orders

Time limit

70. (1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the court shall not make an order for society wardship under this Part that results in a child being a society ward for a period exceeding,

(a) 12 months, if the child is less than 6 years of age on the day the court makes an order for society wardship; or

(b) 24 months, if the child is 6 years of age or older on the day the court makes an order for society wardship.

Note:  For the purposes of subsection (1), as re-enacted by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 21 (1), no period that a child was in a society’s care and custody before March 31, 2000 shall be counted.  See: 1999, c. 2, s. 37 (3).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 21 (1), subsection (1) of this section, as it read before March 31, 2000, shall continue to apply with respect to a child who is in the care and custody of a society on March 31, 2000 so long as that child continues to be in the care and custody of a society.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (4), 38.

Same

(2) In calculating the period referred to in subsection (1), time during which a child has been in a society’s care and custody under,

(a) an agreement made under subsection 29 (1) or 30 (1) (temporary care or special needs agreement); or

(b) a temporary order made under clause 51 (2) (d),

shall be counted.

Note:  For the purposes of subsection (2), as re-enacted by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 21 (1), no period that a child was in a society’s care and custody before March 31, 2000 shall be counted.  See: 1999, c. 2, s. 37 (3).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 21 (1), subsection (2) of this section, as it read before March 31, 2000, shall continue to apply with respect to a child who is in the care and custody of a society on March 31, 2000 so long as that child continues to be in the care and custody of a society.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (4), 38.

Previous periods to be counted

(2.1) The period referred to in subsection (1) shall include any previous periods that the child was in a society’s care and custody as a society ward or as described in subsection (2) other than periods that precede a continuous period of five or more years that the child was not in a society’s care and custody.  1999, c. 2, s. 21 (1).

Note:  For the purposes of subsection (2.1), as enacted by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 21 (1), no period that a child was in a society’s care and custody before March 31, 2000 shall be counted.  See: 1999, c. 2, s. 37 (3).

Idem

(3) Where the period referred to in subsection (1) or (4) expires and,

(a) an appeal of an order made under subsection 57 (1) has been commenced and is not yet finally disposed of; or

(b) the court has adjourned a hearing under section 65 (status review),

the period shall be deemed to be extended until the appeal has been finally disposed of and any new hearing ordered on appeal has been completed or an order has been made under section 65, as the case may be.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 70 (3); 1999, c. 2, s. 21 (2).

Note:  Despite the proclamation of the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 21 (2), subsection (3) of this section, as it read before March 31, 2000, shall continue to apply with respect to a child who is in the care and custody of a society on March 31, 2000 so long as that child continues to be in the care and custody of a society.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 37 (4), 38.

Six-month extension

(4) Subject to paragraphs 2 and 4 of subsection 57 (1), the court may by order extend the period permitted under subsection (1) by a period not to exceed six months if it is in the child’s best interests to do so.  1999, c. 2, s. 21 (3).

Expiry of orders

71. (1) An order under this Part expires when the child who is the subject of the order,

(a) attains the age of eighteen years; or

(b) marries,

whichever comes first.

Crown ward: continuing care

(2) Where an order for Crown wardship expires under subsection (1), the society may, with a Director’s approval, continue to provide care and maintenance for the former Crown ward in accordance with the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 71.

Duty to Report

Duty to report child in need of protection

72. (1) Despite the provisions of any other Act, if a person, including a person who performs professional or official duties with respect to children, has reasonable grounds to suspect one of the following, the person shall forthwith report the suspicion and the information on which it is based to a society:

1. The child has suffered physical harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child or caused by or resulting from that person’s,

i. failure to adequately care for, provide for, supervise or protect the child, or

ii. pattern of neglect in caring for, providing for, supervising or protecting the child.

2. There is a risk that the child is likely to suffer physical harm inflicted by the person having charge of the child or caused by or resulting from that person’s,

i. failure to adequately care for, provide for, supervise or protect the child, or

ii. pattern of neglect in caring for, providing for, supervising or protecting the child.

3. The child has been sexually molested or sexually exploited, by the person having charge of the child or by another person where the person having charge of the child knows or should know of the possibility of sexual molestation or sexual exploitation and fails to protect the child.

4. There is a risk that the child is likely to be sexually molested or sexually exploited as described in paragraph 3.

5. The child requires medical treatment to cure, prevent or alleviate physical harm or suffering and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, the treatment.

6. The child has suffered emotional harm, demonstrated by serious,

i. anxiety,

ii. depression,

iii. withdrawal,

iv. self-destructive or aggressive behaviour, or

v. delayed development,

and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the emotional harm suffered by the child results from the actions, failure to act or pattern of neglect on the part of the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child.

7. The child has suffered emotional harm of the kind described in subparagraph i, ii, iii, iv or v of paragraph 6 and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, services or treatment to remedy or alleviate the harm.

8. There is a risk that the child is likely to suffer emotional harm of the kind described in subparagraph i, ii, iii, iv or v of paragraph 6 resulting from the actions, failure to act or pattern of neglect on the part of the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child.

9. There is a risk that the child is likely to suffer emotional harm of the kind described in subparagraph i, ii, iii, iv or v of paragraph 6 and that the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, services or treatment to prevent the harm.

10. The child suffers from a mental, emotional or developmental condition that, if not remedied, could seriously impair the child’s development and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, treatment to remedy or alleviate the condition.

11. The child has been abandoned, the child’s parent has died or is unavailable to exercise his or her custodial rights over the child and has not made adequate provision for the child’s care and custody, or the child is in a residential placement and the parent refuses or is unable or unwilling to resume the child’s care and custody.

12. The child is less than 12 years old and has killed or seriously injured another person or caused serious damage to another person’s property, services or treatment are necessary to prevent a recurrence and the child’s parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, those services or treatment.

13. The child is less than 12 years old and has on more than one occasion injured another person or caused loss or damage to another person’s property, with the encouragement of the person having charge of the child or because of that person’s failure or inability to supervise the child adequately.  1999, c. 2, s. 22 (1).

Ongoing duty to report

(2) A person who has additional reasonable grounds to suspect one of the matters set out in subsection (1) shall make a further report under subsection (1) even if he or she has made previous reports with respect to the same child.  1999, c. 2, s. 22 (1).

Person must report directly

(3) A person who has a duty to report a matter under subsection (1) or (2) shall make the report directly to the society and shall not rely on any other person to report on his or her behalf.  1999, c. 2, s. 22 (1).

Offence

(4) A person referred to in subsection (5) is guilty of an offence if,

(a) he or she contravenes subsection (1) or (2) by not reporting a suspicion; and

(b) the information on which it was based was obtained in the course of his or her professional or official duties.  1999, c. 2, s. 22 (2).

Same

(5) Subsection (4) applies to every person who performs professional or official duties with respect to children including,

(a) a health care professional, including a physician, nurse, dentist, pharmacist and psychologist;

(b) a teacher, school principal, social worker, family counsellor, priest, rabbi, member of the clergy, operator or employee of a day nursery and youth and recreation worker;

(c) a peace officer and a coroner;

(d) a solicitor; and

(e) a service provider and an employee of a service provider.  1999, c. 2, s. 22 (3).

Same

(6) In clause (5) (b),

“youth and recreation worker” does not include a volunteer.  1999, c. 2, s. 22 (3).

Same

(6.1) A director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in a contravention of an offence under subsection (4) by an employee of the corporation is guilty of an offence.  1999, c. 2, s. 22 (3).

Same

(6.2) A person convicted of an offence under subsection (4) or (6.1) is liable to a fine of not more than $1,000.  1999, c. 2, s. 22 (3).

Section overrides privilege

(7) This section applies although the information reported may be confidential or privileged, and no action for making the report shall be instituted against a person who acts in accordance with this section unless the person acts maliciously or without reasonable grounds for the suspicion.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 72 (7); 1999, c. 2, s. 22 (4).

Exception: solicitor client privilege

(8) Nothing in this section abrogates any privilege that may exist between a solicitor and his or her client.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 72 (8).

Conflict

(9) This section prevails despite anything in the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004.  2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78 (2).

Duty of society

72.1 (1) A society that obtains information that a child in its care and custody is or may be suffering or may have suffered abuse shall forthwith report the information to a Director.

Definition

(2) In this section and sections 73 and 75,

“to suffer abuse”, when used in reference to a child, means to be in need of protection within the meaning of clause 37 (2) (a), (c), (e), (f), (f.1) or (h).  1999, c. 2, s. 23 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 72.1 (2) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 23 (2) by striking out “sections 73 and 75” and substituting “section 73”.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 23 (2), 38.

Review Teams

Review team

73. (1) In this section,

“review team” means a team established by a society under subsection (2).

Same

(2) Every society shall establish a review team that includes,

(a) persons who are professionally qualified to perform medical, psychological, developmental, educational or social assessments; and

(b) at least one legally qualified medical practitioner.

Chair

(3) The members of a review team shall choose a chair from among themselves.

Duty of team

(4) Whenever a society refers the case of a child who may be suffering or may have suffered abuse to its review team, the review team or a panel of at least three of its members, designated by the chair, shall,

(a) review the case; and

(b) recommend to the society how the child may be protected.

Disclosure to team permitted

(5) Despite the provisions of any other Act, a person may disclose to a review team or to any of its members information reasonably required for a review under subsection (4).

Subsection overrides privilege

(6) Subsection (5) applies although the information disclosed may be confidential or privileged and no action for disclosing the information shall be instituted against a person who acts in accordance with subsection (5), unless the person acts maliciously or without reasonable grounds.

Where child not to be returned without review or hearing

(7) Where a society with a review team has information that a child placed in its care under subsection 51 (2) (temporary care and custody) or subsection 57 (1) (order where child in need of protection) may have suffered abuse, the society shall not return the child to the care of the person who had charge of the child at the time of the possible abuse unless,

(a) the society has,

(i) referred the case to its review team, and

(ii) obtained and considered the review team’s recommendations; or

(b) the court has terminated the order placing the child in the society’s care.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 73.

Court-Ordered Access to Records

Record

74. (1) In this section and sections 74.1 and 74.2,

“record” means recorded information, regardless of physical form or characteristics; (“dossier”)

“record of personal health information” has the same meaning as in the Mental Health Act. (“dossier de renseignements personnels sur la santé”)  1999, c. 2, s. 24 (1); 2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78 (3).

Motion or application, production of record

(2) A Director or a society may at any time make a motion or an application for an order under subsection (3) or (3.1) for the production of a record or part of a record.  1999, c. 2, s. 24 (1).

Order

(3) Where the court is satisfied that a record or part of a record that is the subject of a motion referred to in subsection (2) contains information that may be relevant to a proceeding under this Part and that the person in possession or control of the record has refused to permit a Director or the society to inspect it, the court may order that the person in possession or control of the record produce it or a specified part of it for inspection and copying by the Director, by the society or by the court.  1999, c. 2, s. 24 (1).

Same

(3.1) Where the court is satisfied that a record or part of a record that is the subject of an application referred to in subsection (2) may be relevant to assessing compliance with one of the following and that the person in possession or control of the record has refused to permit a Director or the society to inspect it, the court may order that the person in possession or control of the record produce it or a specified part of it for inspection and copying by the Director, by the society or by the court:

1. An order under clause 51 (2) (b) or (c) that is subject to supervision.

2. An order under clause 51 (2) (c) or (d) with respect to access.

3. A supervision order under section 57.

4. An access order under section 58.

5. An order under section 65 with respect to access or supervision.

6. A restraining order under section 80.  1999, c. 2, s. 24 (1).

Court may examine record

(4) In considering whether to make an order under subsection (3) or (3.1), the court may examine the record.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 74 (4); 1999, c. 2, s. 24 (2).

Information confidential

(5) No person who obtains information by means of an order made under subsection (3) or (3.1) shall disclose the information except,

(a) as specified in the order; and

(b) in testimony in a proceeding under this Part.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 74 (5); 1999, c. 2, s. 24 (3).

Conflict

(5.1) Subsection (5) prevails despite anything in the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004.  2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78 (4).

Application: solicitor client privilege excepted

(6) Subject to subsection (7), this section applies despite any other Act, but nothing in this section abrogates any privilege that may exist between a solicitor and his or her client.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 74 (6).

Matters to be considered by court

(7) Where a motion or an application under subsection (2) concerns a record of personal health information, subsection 35 (6) (attending physician’s statement, hearing) of the Mental Health Act applies and the court shall give equal consideration to,

(a) the matters to be considered under subsection 35 (7) of that Act; and

(b) the need to protect the child.  1999, c. 2, s. 24 (4); 2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78 (5).

Same

(8) Where a motion or an application under subsection (2) concerns a record that is a record of a mental disorder within the meaning of section 183, that section applies and the court shall give equal consideration to,

(a) the matters to be considered under subsection 183 (6); and

(b) the need to protect the child.  1999, c. 2, s. 24 (4).

Warrant for access to record

74.1 (1) The court or a justice of the peace may issue a warrant for access to a record or a specified part of it if the court or justice of the peace is satisfied on the basis of information on oath from a Director or a person designated by a society that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the record or part of the record is relevant to investigate an allegation that a child is or may be in need of protection.  1999, c. 2, s. 25.

Authority conferred by warrant

(2) The warrant authorizes the Director or the person designated by the society to,

(a) inspect the record specified in the warrant during normal business hours or during the hours specified in the warrant;

(b) make copies from the record in any manner that does not damage the record; and

(c) remove the record for the purpose of making copies.  1999, c. 2, s. 25.

Return of record

(3) A person who removes a record under clause (2) (c) shall promptly return it after copying it.  1999, c. 2, s. 25.

Admissibility of copies

(4) A copy of a record that is the subject of a warrant under this section and that is certified as being a true copy of the original by the person who made the copy is admissible in evidence to the same extent as and has the same evidentiary value as the record.  1999, c. 2, s. 25.

Duration of warrant

(5) The warrant is valid for seven days.  1999, c. 2, s. 25.

Execution

(6) The Director or the person designated by the society may call on a peace officer for assistance in executing the warrant.  1999, c. 2, s. 25.

Solicitor-client privilege

(7) This section applies despite any other Act, but nothing in this section abrogates any privilege that may exist between a solicitor and his or her client.  1999, c. 2, s. 25.

Matters to be considered

(8) If a warrant issued under this section concerns a record of personal health information and the warrant is challenged under subsection 35 (6) (attending physician’s statement, hearing) of the Mental Health Act, equal consideration shall be given to,

(a) the matters set out in subsection 35 (7) of that Act; and

(b) the need to protect the child.  1999, c. 2, s. 25; 2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78 (6).

Same

(9) If a warrant issued under this section concerns a record of a mental disorder within the meaning of section 183 and the warrant is challenged under section 183, equal consideration shall be given to,

(a) the matters set out in subsection 183 (6); and

(b) the need to protect the child.  1999, c. 2, s. 25.

Telewarrant

74.2 (1) Where a Director or a person designated by a society believes that there are reasonable grounds for the issuance of a warrant under section 74.1 and that it would be impracticable to appear personally before the court or a justice of the peace to make application for a warrant in accordance with section 74.1, the Director or person designated by the society may submit an information on oath by telephone or other means of telecommunication to a justice designated for the purpose by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice.

Same

(2) The information shall,

(a) include a statement of the grounds to believe that the record or part of the record is relevant to investigate an allegation that a child is or may be in need of protection; and

(b) set out the circumstances that make it impracticable for the Director or person designated by the society to appear personally before a court or justice of the peace.

Warrant to be issued

(3) The justice may issue a warrant for access to the record or the specified part of it if the justice is satisfied that the application discloses,

(a) reasonable grounds to believe that the record or the part of a record is relevant to investigate an allegation that a child is or may be in need of protection; and

(b) reasonable grounds to dispense with personal appearance for the purpose of an application under section 74.1.

Validity of warrant

(4) A warrant issued under this section is not subject to challenge by reason only that there were not reasonable grounds to dispense with personal appearance for the purpose of an application under section 74.1.

Application of provisions

(5) Subsections 74.1 (2) to (9) apply with necessary modifications with respect to a warrant issued under this section.

Definition

(6) In this section,

“justice” means justice of the peace, a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice or a judge of the Family Court of the Superior Court of Justice.  1999, c. 2, s. 26.

Child Abuse Register

Register

75. (1) In this section and in section 76,

“Director” means the person appointed under subsection (2); (“directeur”)

“register” means the register maintained under subsection (5); (“registre”)

“registered person” means a person identified in the register, but does not include,

(a) a person who reports to a society under subsection 72 (2) or (3) and is not the subject of the report, or

(b) the child who is the subject of a report. (“personne inscrite”)

Director

(2) The Minister may appoint an employee of the Ministry as Director for the purposes of this section.

Duty of society

(3) A society that receives a report under section 72 that a child, including a child in the society’s care, is or may be suffering or may have suffered abuse shall forthwith verify the reported information, or ensure that the information is verified by another society, in the manner determined by the Director, and if the information is verified, the society that verified it shall forthwith report it to the Director in the prescribed form.

Protection from liability

(4) No action or other proceeding for damages shall be instituted against an officer or employee of a society, acting in good faith, for an act done in the execution or intended execution of the duty imposed on the society by subsection (3) or for an alleged neglect or default of that duty.

Child abuse register

(5) The Director shall maintain a register in the manner prescribed by the regulations for the purpose of recording information reported to the Director under subsection (3), but the register shall not contain information that has the effect of identifying a person who reports to a society under subsection 72 (2) or (3) and is not the subject of the report.

Register confidential

(6) Despite any other Act, no person shall inspect, remove, alter or permit the inspection, removal or alteration of information maintained in the register, or disclose or permit the disclosure of information that the person obtained from the register, except as this section authorizes.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C. 11, s. 75 (1-6).

Coroner’s inquest, etc.

(7) A person who is,

(a) a coroner, or a legally qualified medical practitioner or peace officer authorized in writing by a coroner, acting in connection with an investigation or inquest under the Coroners Act; or

(b) the Children’s Lawyer or the Children’s Lawyer’s authorized agent,

may inspect, remove and disclose information in the register in accordance with his or her authority.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C. 11, s. 75 (7); 1994, c. 27, s. 43 (2).

Minister or Director may permit access to register

(8) The Minister or the Director may permit,

(a) a person who is employed by,

(i) the Ministry,

(ii) a society, or

(iii) a recognized child protection agency outside Ontario; or

(b) a person who is providing or proposes to provide counselling or treatment to a registered person,

to inspect and remove information in the register and to disclose the information to a person referred to in subsection (7) or to another person referred to in this subsection, subject to such terms and conditions as the Director may impose.

Director may disclose information

(9) The Minister or the Director may disclose information in the register to a person referred to in subsection (7) or (8).

Research

(10) A person who is engaged in research may, with the Director’s written approval, inspect and use the information in the register, but shall not,

(a) use or communicate the information for any purpose except research, academic pursuits or the compilation of statistical data; or

(b) communicate any information that may have the effect of identifying a person named in the register.

Registered person

(11) A child, a registered person or the child’s or registered person’s solicitor or agent may inspect only the information in the register that refers to the child or registered person.

Physician

(12) A legally qualified medical practitioner may, with the Director’s written approval, inspect the information in the register that is specified by the Director.

Amendment of register

(13) The Director or an employee of the Ministry acting under the Director’s authority,

(a) shall remove a name from or otherwise amend the register where the regulations require the removal or amendment; and

(b) may amend the register to correct an error.

Register inadmissible: exceptions

(14) The register shall not be admitted into evidence in a proceeding except,

(a) to prove compliance or non-compliance with this section;

(b) in a hearing or appeal under section 76;

(c) in a proceeding under the Coroners Act; or

(d) in a proceeding referred to in section 81 (recovery on child’s behalf).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 75 (8-14).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 75 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 27.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 27, 38.

Hearing re registered person

76. (1) In this section,

“hearing” means a hearing held under clause (4) (b).

Notice to registered person

(2) Where an entry is made in the register, the Director shall forthwith give written notice to each registered person referred to in the entry indicating that,

(a) the person is identified in the register;

(b) the person or the person’s solicitor or agent is entitled to inspect the information in the register that refers to or identifies the person; and

(c) the person is entitled to request that the Director remove the person’s name from or otherwise amend the register.

Request to amend register

(3) A registered person who receives notice under subsection (2) may request that the Director remove the person’s name from or otherwise amend the register.

Director’s response

(4) On receiving a request under subsection (3), the Director may,

(a) grant the request; or

(b) hold a hearing, on ten days written notice to the parties, to determine whether to grant or refuse the request.

Delegation

(5) The Director may authorize another person to hold a hearing and exercise the Director’s powers and duties under subsection (8).

Procedure

(6) The Statutory Powers Procedure Act applies to a hearing and a hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the prescribed practices and procedures.

Hearing

(7) The parties to a hearing are,

(a) the registered person;

(b) the society that verified the information referring to or identifying the registered person; and

(c) any other person specified by the Director.

Director’s decision

(8) Where the Director determines, after holding a hearing, that the information in the register with respect to a registered person is in error or should not be in the register, the Director shall remove the registered person’s name from or otherwise amend the register, and may order that the society’s records be amended to reflect the Director’s decision.

Appeal to Divisional Court

(9) A party to a hearing may appeal the Director’s decision to the Divisional Court.

Hearing private

(10) A hearing or appeal under this section shall be held in the absence of the public and no media representative shall be permitted to attend.

Publication

(11) No person shall publish or make public information that has the effect of identifying a witness at or a participant in a hearing, or a party to a hearing other than a society.

Record inadmissible: exception

(12) The record of a hearing or appeal under this section shall not be admitted into evidence in any other proceeding except a proceeding under clause 85 (1) (d) (confidentiality of register) or clause 85 (1) (e) (amendment of society’s records).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 76.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 76 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 28.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 28, 38.

Powers of Director

Director’s power to transfer

77. (1) A Director may direct, in the best interests of a child in the care or supervision of a society, that the child,

(a) be transferred to the care or supervision of another society; or

(b) be transferred from one placement to another placement designated by the Director.

Criteria

(2) In determining whether to direct a transfer under clause (1) (b), the Director shall take into account,

(a) the length of time the child has spent in the existing placement;

(b) the views of the foster parents; and

(c) the views and preferences of the child, where they are reasonably ascertainable.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 77.

Homemakers

Homemaker

78. (1) In this section,

“homemaker” means a person who is approved by a Director or local director for the purposes of this section.

Homemaker may remain on premises

(2) Where it appears to a person entering premises under section 40 or 44 that,

(a) a child who in the person’s opinion is unable to care for himself or herself has been left on the premises without competent care or supervision; and

(b) no person having charge of the child is available or able to consent to the placement of a homemaker on the premises,

the person may, instead of taking the child to a place of safety,

(c) remain on the premises; or

(d) arrange with a society for the placement of a homemaker on the premises.

Homemaker’s authority

(3) A homemaker who remains or is placed on premises under subsection (2) may enter and live there, carry on normal housekeeping activities that are reasonably necessary for the care of any child on the premises and exercise reasonable control and discipline over any such child.

Protection from personal liability

(4) No action shall be instituted against a homemaker who remains or is placed on premises under subsection (2) for,

(a) entering and living on the premises;

(b) anything done or omitted in connection with normal housekeeping activities on the premises;

(c) providing goods and services reasonably necessary for the care of any child on the premises; or

(d) the exercise of reasonable control and discipline over any child on the premises,

so long as the homemaker acts in good faith with reasonable care in the circumstances.

Notice to person having charge of child

(5) Where a homemaker remains or is placed on premises under subsection (2), the society shall forthwith notify or make reasonable efforts to notify the person last having charge of the child that a homemaker has been placed on the premises.

Court order, etc.

(6) Where a child with whom a homemaker has been placed under subsection (2),

(a) is found not to be in need of protection, the homemaker shall leave the premises; or

(b) is found to be in need of protection, the court may authorize the homemaker to remain on the premises until,

(i) a specified day not more than thirty days from the date of the order, or

(ii) a person who is entitled to custody of the child returns to care for the child,

whichever is sooner.

Extension

(7) Where no person returns to care for the child before the day specified in an order under clause (6) (b), the court may,

(a) extend the order; or

(b) hold a further hearing under section 47 and make an order under section 57.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 78.

Offences, Restraining Orders, Recovery on Child’s Behalf

Abuse, failure to provide for reasonable care, etc.

Definition

79. (1) In this section,

“abuse” means a state or condition of being physically harmed, sexually molested or sexually exploited.

Child abuse

(2) No person having charge of a child shall,

(a) inflict abuse on the child; or

(b) by failing to care and provide for or supervise and protect the child adequately,

(i) permit the child to suffer abuse, or

(ii) permit the child to suffer from a mental, emotional or developmental condition that, if not remedied, could seriously impair the child’s development.

Leaving child unattended

(3) No person having charge of a child less than sixteen years of age shall leave the child without making provision for his or her supervision and care that is reasonable in the circumstances.

Reverse onus

(4) Where a person is charged with contravening subsection (3) and the child is less than ten years of age, the onus of establishing that the person made provision for the child’s supervision and care that was reasonable in the circumstances rests with the person.

Allowing child to loiter, etc.

(5) No parent of a child less than sixteen years of age shall permit the child to,

(a) loiter in a public place between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.; or

(b) be in a place of public entertainment between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., unless the parent accompanies the child or authorizes a specified individual eighteen years of age or older to accompany the child.

Police may take child home or to place of safety

(6) Where a child who is actually or apparently less than sixteen years of age is in a place to which the public has access between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. and is not accompanied by a person described in clause (5) (b), a peace officer may apprehend the child without a warrant and proceed as if the child had been apprehended under subsection 42 (1).

Child protection hearing

(7) The court may, in connection with a case arising under subsection (2), (3) or (5), proceed under this Part as if an application had been made under subsection 40 (1) (child protection proceeding) in respect of the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 79.

Restraining order

80. (1) Where the court finds that a child is in need of protection, the court may, instead of or in addition to making an order under subsection 57 (1), make an order in the child’s best interests restraining or prohibiting a person’s access to or contact with the child, and may include in the order such directions as the court considers appropriate for implementing the order and protecting the child.

Idem: notice

(2) An order shall not be made under subsection (1) unless notice of the proceeding has been served personally on the person to be named in the order.

Six-month maximum

(3) An order made under subsection (1) shall be in force for a specified period not exceeding six months.

Extension, variation and termination

(4) An application for the extension, variation or termination of an order made under subsection (1) may be made by,

(a) the person who is the subject of the order;

(b) the child;

(c) the person having charge of the child;

(d) a society;

(e) a Director; or

(f) where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community.

Idem

(5) Where an application is made under subsection (4), the court may, in the child’s best interests,

(a) extend the order for a further period or periods of six months; or

(b) vary or terminate the order.

Child in society’s care not to be returned while order in force

(6) Where a society has care of a child and an order made under subsection (1) prohibiting a person’s access to the child is in force, the society shall not return the child to the care of,

(a) the person named in the order; or

(b) a person who may permit that person to have access to the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 80.

Recovery because of abuse

81. (1) In this section,

“to suffer abuse”, when used in reference to a child, means to be in need of protection within the meaning of clause 37 (2) (a), (c), (e), (f), (f.1) or (h).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 81 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 29.

Recovery on child’s behalf

(2) When the Children’s Lawyer is of the opinion that a child has a cause of action or other claim because the child has suffered abuse, the Children’s Lawyer may, if he or she considers it to be in the child’s best interests, institute and conduct proceedings on the child’s behalf for the recovery of damages or other compensation.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 81 (2); 1994, c. 27, s. 43 (2).

Idem: society

(3) Where a child is in a society’s care and custody, subsection (2) also applies to the society with necessary modifications.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 81 (3).

Prohibition

82. No person shall place a child in the care and custody of a society, and no society shall take a child into its care and custody, except,

(a) in accordance with this Part; or

(b) under an agreement made under subsection 29 (1) or 30 (1) (temporary care or special needs agreement) of Part II (Voluntary Access to Services).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 82.

Offence

83. Where a child is the subject of an order for society supervision, society wardship or Crown wardship under subsection 57 (1), no person shall,

(a) induce or attempt to induce the child to leave the care of the person with whom the child is placed by the court or by the society, as the case may be;

(b) detain or harbour the child after the person or society referred to in clause (a) requires that the child be returned;

(c) interfere with the child or remove or attempt to remove the child from any place; or

(d) for the purpose of interfering with the child, visit or communicate with the person referred to in clause (a).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 83.

Offence

84. No person shall,

(a) knowingly give false information in an application under this Part; or

(b) obstruct, interfere with or attempt to obstruct or interfere with a child protection worker or a peace officer who is acting under section 40, 41, 42, 43 or 44.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 84.

Offences

85. (1) A person who contravenes,

(a) an order for access made under subsection 58 (1);

(b) Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 30 (1).

(c) subsection 74 (5) (disclosure of information obtained by court order);

(d) subsection 75 (6) or (10) (confidentiality of child abuse register);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (d) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 30 (2).  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 30 (2), 38.

(e) an order made under subsection 76 (8) (amendment of society’s records);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (e) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 30 (3).  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 30 (3), 38.

(f) subsection 79 (3) or (5) (leaving child unattended, etc.);

(g) a restraining order made under subsection 80 (1);

(h) section 82 (unauthorized placement);

(i) any provision of section 83 (interference with child, etc.); or

(j) clause 84 (a) or (b),

and a director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in such a contravention by the corporation is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 85 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 30 (1, 4).

Idem

(2) A person who contravenes subsection 79 (2) (child abuse), and a director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in such a contravention by the corporation is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both.

Idem

(3) A person who contravenes subsection 45 (8) or 76 (11) (publication of identifying information) or an order prohibiting publication made under clause 45 (7) (c) or subsection 45 (9), and a director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in such a contravention by the corporation, is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than three years, or to both.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 85 (2, 3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 30 (5) by striking out “or 76 (11)”.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 30 (5), 38.

Child’s Religious Faith

How child’s religious faith determined

86. (1) For the purposes of this section, a child shall be deemed to have the religious faith agreed upon by the child’s parent, but where there is no agreement or the court cannot readily determine what the religious faith agreed upon is or whether any religious faith is agreed upon, the court may decide what the child’s religious faith is, if any, on the basis of the child’s circumstances.

Child’s wishes to be consulted

(2) The court shall consider the child’s views and wishes, if they can be reasonably ascertained, in determining what the child’s religious faith is, if any.

Religious faith of child

(3) A Protestant child shall not be committed under this Part to the care of a Roman Catholic society or institution and a Roman Catholic child shall not be committed under this Part to a Protestant society or institution, and a Protestant child shall not be placed in a foster home with a Roman Catholic family and a Roman Catholic child shall not be placed in a foster home with a Protestant family, and, where a child committed under this Part is other than Protestant or Roman Catholic, the child shall be placed where practicable with a family of his or her own religious faith, if any.

Where only one society

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to the commitment of a child to the care of a society in a municipality in which there is only one society.

Director’s discretion re foster placement

(5) Where a society,

(a) is unable to place a child in a suitable foster home within a reasonable time because of the operation of subsection (3); and

(b) would be able to place the child in a suitable foster home but for the operation of subsection (3),

the society may apply to a Director who may order that subsection (3) does not apply to the child in respect of the placement.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 86.

Injunctions

Injunction

87. (1) The Superior Court of Justice may grant an injunction to restrain a person from contravening section 83, on the society’s application.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 87 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Variation, etc.

(2) The court may vary or terminate an order made under subsection (1), on any person’s application.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 87 (2).

PART IV
YOUNG OFFENDERS

Definitions

88. In this Part,

“bailiff” means a bailiff appointed under clause 90 (1) (c); (“huissier”)

“Board” means the Custody Review Board established under subsection 96 (1); (“Commission”)

“federal Act” means the Young Offenders Act (Canada); (“loi fédérale”)

“maximum security place of custody” means a place of secure custody in which the Minister has established a maximum security custody program; (“lieu de garde à sécurité maximale”)

“medium security place of custody” means a place of secure custody in which the Minister has established a medium security custody program; (“lieu de garde à sécurité moyenne”)

“place of open custody” means a place or facility designated as a place of open custody under subsection 24.1 (1) of the federal Act and operated by or for the Minister; (“lieu de garde en milieu ouvert”)

“place of open temporary detention” means a place of temporary detention in which the Minister has established an open detention program; (“lieu de détention provisoire en milieu ouvert”)

“place of secure custody” means a place or facility designated for the secure containment or restraint of young persons under subsection 24.1 (1) of the federal Act and operated by or for the Minister; (“lieu de garde en milieu fermé”)

“place of secure temporary detention” means a place of temporary detention in which the Minister has established a secure detention program; (“lieu de détention provisoire en milieu fermé”)

“place of temporary detention” means a place or facility designated as a place of temporary detention under subsection 7 (1) of the federal Act and operated by or for the Minister; (“lieu de détention provisoire”)

“probation officer” means a probation officer appointed under clause 90 (1) (b); (“agent de probation”)

“provincial director” means a provincial director appointed under clause 90 (1) (a); (“directeur provincial”)

“services and programs” means,

(a) prevention programs,

(b) pre-trial detention and supervision programs,

(c) open and secure custody programs,

(d) probation services,

(e) programs for the administration and supervision of dispositions, and

(f) other related services and programs; (“services et programmes”)

“young person” means a child as defined in subsection 3 (1) who is, or, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, appears to be,

(a) twelve years of age, or more, but

(b) under sixteen years of age,

and includes a person sixteen years of age or more charged with having committed an offence while he or she was twelve years of age or more but under sixteen years of age. (“adolescent”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 88.

Programs and Officers

Services and programs

89. (1) The Minister may,

(a) establish, operate and maintain services and programs; and

(b) make agreements with persons for the provision of services and programs,

for or on behalf of young persons for the purposes of the federal Act and the Provincial Offences Act, and may make payments for those services and programs out of legislative appropriations.

Secure and open temporary detention programs

(2) The Minister may establish,

(a) secure temporary detention programs, in which restrictions are continuously imposed on the liberty of young persons by physical barriers, close staff supervision or limited access to the community; and

(b) open temporary detention programs, in which restrictions that are less stringent than in a secure temporary detention program are imposed on the liberty of young persons,

in places of temporary detention.

Maximum and medium security custody programs

(3) The Minister may establish,

(a) maximum security custody programs, in which restrictions are continuously imposed on the liberty of young persons by physical barriers, close staff supervision or limited access to the community; and

(b) medium security custody programs, in which restrictions that are less stringent than in a maximum security custody program are imposed on the liberty of young persons,

in places of secure custody.

Open custody programs

(4) The Minister may establish open custody programs in places of open custody.

Where locking up permitted

(5) A place of secure custody and a place of secure temporary detention may be locked for the detention of young persons.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 89.

Appointments by Minister

90. (1) The Minister may appoint any person as,

(a) a provincial director, to perform any or all of the duties and functions of a provincial director,

(i) under the federal Act, and

(ii) under the regulations;

(b) a probation officer, to perform any or all of the duties and functions,

(i) of a youth worker under the federal Act, and

(ii) of a probation officer for the purpose of dealing with young persons under the Provincial Offences Act, and

(iii) of a probation officer under the regulations; and

(c) a bailiff, to perform any or all of the duties and functions of a bailiff under the regulations.

Limitations, etc., on appointments

(2) The Minister may set out in an appointment made under subsection (1) any conditions or limitations to which it is subject.

Probation officer and bailiff have powers of peace officer

(3) While performing their duties and functions, a probation officer appointed under clause (1) (b) and a bailiff appointed under clause (1) (c) have the powers of a peace officer.

Remuneration and expenses

(4) The remuneration and expenses of a person appointed under subsection (1) who is not a public servant under the Public Service Act shall be fixed by the Minister and shall be paid out of legislative appropriations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 90.

Approval of provincial director for provision of services to person over sixteen

91. (1) With the approval of a provincial director, services may be provided under this Part to a person sixteen years of age or more who is a young person within the meaning of the federal Act but not within the meaning of young person as defined in section 88.

Person deemed to be young person

(2) A person who is the subject of an approval under subsection (1) shall be deemed to be a young person for the purposes of this Part.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 91.

Reports and information

92. A person in charge of a service or program provided under subsection 89 (1), a person in charge of a place of temporary detention, open custody or secure custody, a bailiff and a probation officer,

(a) shall make the prescribed reports and furnish the prescribed information to the Minister, in the prescribed form and at the prescribed intervals; and

(b) shall make a report to the Minister whenever the Minister requests it, in the form and containing the information specified by the Minister.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 92.

Temporary Detention

Open and secure detention

Open detention unless provincial director determines otherwise

93. (1) A young person who is detained under the federal Act in a place of temporary detention shall be detained in a place of open temporary detention unless a provincial director determines under subsection (2) that the young person is to be detained in a place of secure temporary detention.

Where secure detention available

(2) A provincial director may detain a young person in a place of secure temporary detention if the circumstances described in paragraph 1 or 2 apply to the young person and if the provincial director is satisfied that it is necessary to detain the young person in a place of secure temporary detention to ensure the young person’s attendance in court or to protect the public interest or safety:

1. The young person is charged with an offence for which an adult would be liable to imprisonment for five years or more and,

i. the offence includes causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to another person,

ii. the young person has, at any time, failed to appear in court when required to do so under the federal Act or escaped or attempted to escape from lawful detention, or

iii. the young person has, within the twelve months immediately preceding the offence on which the current charge is based, been convicted of an offence for which an adult would be liable to imprisonment for five years or more.

2. The young person is detained in a place of temporary detention and leaves or attempts to leave without the consent of the person in charge or is charged with having escaped or attempting to escape from lawful custody or being unlawfully at large under the Criminal Code (Canada).

Idem

(3) Despite subsection (1), a young person who is apprehended because he or she has left or has not returned to a medium security or maximum security place of custody may be detained in a place of secure temporary detention until he or she is returned to the first-named place of custody.

Idem

(4) Despite subsection (1), a young person who is detained under the federal Act in a place of temporary detention may be detained in a place of secure temporary detention for a period not exceeding twenty-four hours while a provincial director makes a determination in respect of the young person under subsection (2).

Review by youth court

(5) A young person who is being detained in a place of secure temporary detention and is brought before a youth court for a review under the Criminal Code (Canada) may request that the youth court review the level of his or her detention, and the youth court may confirm the provincial director’s decision under subsection (2) or may direct that the young person be transferred to a place of open temporary detention.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 93.

Custody

Medium and maximum security

Medium rather than maximum security custody unless provincial director determines otherwise

94. (1) A young person who is committed to secure custody under the federal Act shall be held in a medium security place of custody unless a provincial director determines under subsection (2) that the young person is to be held in a maximum security place of custody.

Where maximum security custody available

(2) A provincial director may place a young person in or transfer a young person to a maximum security place of custody if the young person is committed to secure custody under the federal Act for an offence for which an adult would be liable to imprisonment for five years or more and,

(a) the offence for which the young person is committed to secure custody includes causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to another person; or

(b) the young person has, within the twelve months immediately preceding the offence for which he or she is committed to secure custody,

(i) been held in a maximum security place of custody, or

(ii) been found guilty of an offence for which an adult would be liable to imprisonment for five years or more,

where the provincial director is satisfied that it would not be appropriate to hold the young person in a medium security place of custody, having regard to,

(c) the young person’s age and previous history;

(d) the circumstances of the commission of the offence for which the young person is committed to secure custody;

(e) the contents of a pre-disposition report;

(f) the needs of the young person; and

(g) the need to protect the public interest and safety.

Transfer from maximum to medium security custody

(3) A provincial director may transfer a young person from a maximum security place of custody to a medium security place of custody if the provincial director is satisfied that the transfer is justified because the young person has made sufficient progress or for some other appropriate reason.

Reasons

(4) A provincial director who makes a determination under this section shall give written reasons for the determination to the young person and to the persons in charge of the places of custody from and to which the young person is transferred.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 94.

Young persons in open custody

95. Where a young person is sentenced to a term of imprisonment for breach of probation under clause 75 (d) of the Provincial Offences Act, to be served in open custody as set out in section 103 of that Act,

(a) the young person shall be held in a place of open custody specified by a provincial director; and

(b) the provisions of section 35 (temporary release) of the federal Act apply with necessary modifications.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 95.

Custody Review Board

Custody Review Board

96. (1) The Custody Review Board is continued under the name Custody Review Board in English and Commission de révision des placements sous garde in French and shall have the powers and duties given to it by this Part and the regulations.

Members

(2) The Board shall be composed of the prescribed number of members who shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Chair and vice-chairs

(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint a member of the Board as chair and may appoint one or more other members as vice-chairs.

Term

(4) A member of the Board shall hold office for the prescribed term.

Quorum

(5) The prescribed number of members of the Board are a quorum.

Remuneration

(6) The chair and vice-chairs and the other members of the Board shall be paid the daily allowances determined by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and are entitled to their reasonable and necessary travelling and living expenses while attending meetings or otherwise engaged in the work of the Board.

Duties of Board

(7) The Board shall conduct reviews under section 97 and perform such other duties as are assigned to it by the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 96.

Application to Board

97. (1) A young person may apply to the Board for a review of,

(a) a provincial director’s decision to hold the young person in or transfer the young person to a maximum security place of custody;

(b) the particular place where the young person is held or to which the young person has been transferred;

(c) a provincial director’s refusal to authorize the young person’s temporary release under section 35 of the federal Act; or

(d) the young person’s transfer from a place of open custody to a place of secure custody under subsection 24.2 (9) of the federal Act,

within thirty days of the decision, placement or transfer, as the case may be.

Duty of Board

(2) The Board shall conduct a review with respect to an application made under subsection (1) and may do so by holding a hearing.

Idem

(3) The Board shall advise the young person whether it intends to hold a hearing or not within ten days of receiving the young person’s application.

Procedure

(4) The Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply to a hearing held under subsection (2).

Idem

(5) The Board shall complete its review and make a determination within thirty days of receiving a young person’s application, unless,

(a) the Board holds a hearing with respect to the application; and

(b) the young person and the provincial director whose decision is being reviewed consent to a longer period for the Board’s determination.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 97 (1-5).

Board’s recommendations

(6) After conducting a review under subsection (2), the Board may,

(a) recommend to the provincial director,

(i) that the young person be transferred to a medium security place of custody,

(ii) where the Board is of the opinion that the place where the young person is held or to which he or she has been transferred is not appropriate to meet the young person’s needs, that the young person be transferred to another place,

(iii) that the young person’s temporary release be authorized under section 35 of the federal Act, or

(iv) where the young person has been transferred under subsection 24.2 (9) of the federal Act, that the young person be returned to a place of open custody; or

(b) confirm the decision, placement or transfer.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 97 (6); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Apprehension of Young Persons who are Absent from Custody without Permission

Apprehension

Apprehension of young person absent from place of temporary detention

98. (1) A peace officer, the person in charge of a place of temporary detention or that person’s delegate, who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a young person detained under the federal Act or the Provincial Offences Act in a place of temporary detention has left the place without the consent of the person in charge and fails or refuses to return there may apprehend the young person with or without a warrant and take the young person or arrange for the young person to be taken to a place of temporary detention.

Idem: place of open custody

(2) A peace officer, the person in charge of a place of open custody or that person’s delegate, who believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a young person held in a place of open custody as described in section 95,

(a) has left the place without the consent of the person in charge and fails or refuses to return there; or

(b) fails or refuses to return to the place of open custody upon completion of a period of temporary release under clause 95 (b),

may apprehend the young person with or without a warrant and take the young person or arrange for the young person to be taken to a place of open custody or a place of temporary detention.

Young person to be returned within forty-eight hours

(3) A young person who is apprehended under this section shall be returned to the place from which he or she is absent within forty-eight hours after being apprehended unless the provincial director detains the young person in secure temporary detention under paragraph 2 of subsection 93 (2).

Warrant to apprehend young person

(4) A justice of the peace who is satisfied on the basis of a sworn information that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a young person held in a place of temporary detention or open custody,

(a) has left the place without the consent of the person in charge and fails or refuses to return there; or

(b) fails or refuses to return to a place of open custody upon completion of a period of temporary release under clause 95 (b),

may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer, the person in charge of the place of temporary detention or open custody or that person’s delegate to apprehend the young person.

Authority to enter, etc.

(5) Where a person authorized to apprehend a young person under subsection (1) or (2) believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a young person referred to in the relevant subsection is on any premises, the person may with or without a warrant enter the premises, by force, if necessary, and search for and remove the young person.

Regulations re exercise of power of entry

(6) A person authorized to enter premises under subsection (5) shall exercise the power of entry in accordance with the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 98.

PART V
RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

Definition

99. In this Part,

“child in care” means a child who is receiving residential services from a service provider and includes,

(a) a child who is in the care of a foster parent, and

(b) a child who is detained in a place of temporary detention, committed to secure or open custody under the Young Offenders Act (Canada), or held in a place of open custody under section 95 of Part IV (Young Offenders).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 99.

Locking Up

Locking up restricted

100. (1) No service provider shall detain a child or permit a child to be detained in locked premises in the course of the provision of a service to the child, except as Part IV (Young Offenders) and Part VI (Extraordinary Measures) authorize.

Application of subs. (1)

(2) Subsection (1) does not prohibit the routine locking of premises for security at night.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 100.

Corporal Punishment

No corporal punishment

101. No service provider or foster parent shall inflict corporal punishment on a child or permit corporal punishment to be inflicted on a child in the course of the provision of a service to the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 101.

Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy

Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy

102. The Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy is continued under the name Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy in English and Bureau d’assistance à l’enfance et à la famille in French, to,

(a) co-ordinate and administer a system of advocacy, except for advocacy before a court, on behalf of children and families who receive or seek approved services or services purchased by approved agencies;

(b) advise the Minister on matters and issues concerning the interests of those children and families; and

(c) perform any similar functions given to it by this Act or the regulations or another Act or the regulations made under another Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 102.

Rights of Children in Care

Rights of communication, etc.

103. (1) A child in care has a right,

(a) to speak in private with, visit and receive visits from members of his or her family regularly, subject to subsection (2);

(b) to speak in private with and receive visits from,

(i) the child’s solicitor,

(ii) another person representing the child, including an advocate appointed for the child by the Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy referred to in section 102,

(iii) the Ombudsman appointed under the Ombudsman Act and members of the Ombudsman’s staff, and

(iv) a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario or of the Parliament of Canada; and

(c) to send and receive mail that is not read, examined or censored by another person, subject to subsection (3).

When child a Crown ward

(2) A child in care who is a Crown ward is not entitled as of right to speak with, visit or receive visits from a member of his or her family, except under an order for access made under Part III (Child Protection).

Opening, etc., of mail to child

(3) Mail to a child in care,

(a) may be opened by the service provider or a member of the service provider’s staff in the child’s presence and may be inspected for articles prohibited by the service provider;

(b) where the service provider believes on reasonable grounds that the contents of the mail may cause the child physical or emotional harm, may be examined or read by the service provider or a member of the service provider’s staff in the child’s presence, subject to clause (c);

(c) shall not be examined or read by the service provider or a member of the service provider’s staff if it is to or from the child’s solicitor; and

(d) shall not be censored or withheld from the child, except that articles prohibited by the service provider may be removed from the mail and withheld from the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 103.

Personal liberties

104. A child in care has a right,

(a) to have reasonable privacy and possession of his or her own personal property; and

(b) to receive the religious instruction and participate in the religious activities of his or her choice, subject to section 106.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 104.

Plan of care

105. (1) A child in care has a right to a plan of care designed to meet the child’s particular needs, which shall be prepared within thirty days of the child’s admission to the residential placement.

Rights to care

(2) A child in care has a right,

(a) to participate in the development of the child’s individual plan of care and in any changes made to it;

(b) to receive meals that are well-balanced, of good quality and appropriate for the child;

(c) to be provided with clothing that is of good quality and appropriate for the child, given the child’s size and activities and prevailing weather conditions;

(d) to receive medical and dental care, subject to section 106, at regular intervals and whenever required, in a community setting whenever possible;

(e) to receive an education that corresponds to the child’s aptitudes and abilities, in a community setting whenever possible; and

(f) to participate in recreational and athletic activities that are appropriate for the child’s aptitudes and interests, in a community setting whenever possible.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 105.

Parental consent, etc.

106. Subject to subsection 51 (4) and sections 62 and 63 (temporary order, society and Crown wards) of Part III (Child Protection), the parent of a child in care retains any right that he or she may have,

(a) to direct the child’s education and religious upbringing; and

(b) to give or refuse consent to medical treatment for the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 106.

Right to be heard

107. A child in care has a right to be consulted and to express his or her views, to the extent that is practical given the child’s level of understanding, whenever significant decisions concerning the child are made, including decisions with respect to medical treatment, education and religion and decisions with respect to the child’s discharge from the placement or transfer to another residential placement.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 107.

Right to be informed

108. A child in care has a right to be informed, in a language suitable for the child’s level of understanding, of,

(a) the child’s rights under this Part;

(b) the internal complaints procedure established under subsection 109 (1) and the further review available under section 110;

(c) the existence of the Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy referred to in section 102;

(d) the review procedures available for children twelve years of age or older under sections 34, 35 and 36 of Part II (Voluntary Access to Services);

(e) the review procedures available under section 97 of Part IV (Young Offenders), in the case of a child who is detained in a place of temporary detention, committed to secure or open custody under the Young Offenders Act (Canada), or held in a place of open custody under section 95 of Part IV (Young Offenders);

(f) the child’s responsibilities while in the placement; and

(g) the rules governing day-to-day operation of the residential service, including disciplinary procedures,

upon admission to the residential placement, to the extent that is practical given the child’s level of understanding.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 108.

Complaint and Review Procedures

Internal complaints procedure

109. (1) A service provider who provides residential services to children or places children in residential placements shall establish a written procedure, in accordance with the regulations, for hearing and dealing with complaints regarding alleged violations of the rights under this Part of children in care.

Idem

(2) A service provider shall conduct a review or ensure that a review is conducted, in accordance with the procedure established under subsection (1), on the complaint of,

(a) a child in care;

(b) the child’s parent; or

(c) another person representing the child,

and shall seek to resolve the complaint.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 109.

Further review

110. (1) Where a person referred to in subsection 109 (2) who makes a complaint and is not satisfied with the result of the review conducted under that subsection requests in writing that the Minister appoint a person to conduct a further review of the complaint, the Minister shall appoint a person who is not employed by the service provider to do so.

Idem

(2) A person appointed under subsection (1) shall review the complaint in accordance with the regulations and may, but is not required to, do so by holding a hearing.

Procedure

(3) The Statutory Powers Procedure Act does not apply to a hearing held under subsection (2).

Powers of appointed person

(4) A person appointed under subsection (1) has, for the purposes of the review, all the powers of a program supervisor appointed under subsection 5 (2) of Part I (Flexible Services).

Review and report within thirty days

(5) A person appointed under subsection (1) shall, within thirty days after the day of the appointment, complete the review, set out in a report his or her findings and recommendations, including the reasons for not holding a hearing if none was held, and provide copies of the report to,

(a) the person who made the complaint;

(b) the service provider; and

(c) the Minister.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 110.

Minister to advise persons affected of any decision

111. (1) Where the Minister decides to take any action with respect to a complaint after receiving a report under subsection 110 (5), the Minister shall advise the person who made the complaint and the service provider of the decision.

Remedies preserved

(2) The Minister’s decision referred to in subsection (1) does not affect any other remedy that may be available.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 111.

PART VI
EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES

Definitions

112. In this Part,

“administrator” means the person in charge of a secure treatment program; (“administrateur”)

“intrusive procedure” means,

(a) a mechanical means of controlling behaviour,

(b) an aversive stimulation technique, or

(c) any other procedure that is prescribed as an intrusive procedure; (“technique d’ingérence”)

“mental disorder” means a substantial disorder of emotional processes, thought or cognition which grossly impairs a person’s capacity to make reasoned judgments; (“trouble mental”)

“psychotropic drug” means a drug or combination of drugs prescribed as a psychotropic drug; (“psychotrope”)

“review team” means an interdisciplinary review team established under subsection 129 (1); (“groupe d’étude”)

“secure isolation room” means a locked room approved under subsection 126 (1) for use for the secure isolation of children; (“pièce d’isolement sous clef”)

“secure treatment program” means a program established or approved by the Minister under subsection 113 (1). (“programme de traitement en milieu fermé”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 112.

Secure Treatment Programs

Minister may establish or approve programs

113. (1) The Minister may,

(a) establish, operate and maintain; or

(b) approve,

programs for the treatment of children with mental disorders, in which continuous restrictions are imposed on the liberty of the children.

Terms and conditions

(2) The Minister may impose terms and conditions on an approval given under subsection (1) and may vary or amend the terms and conditions or impose new terms and conditions at any time.

Admission of children

(3) No child shall be admitted to a secure treatment program except by a court order under section 117 (commitment to secure treatment program) or under section 124 (emergency admission).

Locking up permitted

(4) The premises of a secure treatment program may be locked for the detention of children.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 113.

Commitment to Secure Treatment

Application for order for child’s commitment

114. (1) Any one of the following persons may, with the administrator’s written consent, apply to the court for an order for the child’s commitment to a secure treatment program:

1. Where the child is less than sixteen years of age,

i. the child’s parent,

ii. a person other than an administrator who is caring for the child, if the child’s parent consents to the application, or

iii. a society that has custody of the child under an order made under Part III (Child Protection).

2. Where the child is sixteen years of age or more,

i. the child,

ii. the child’s parent, if the child consents to the application,

iii. a society that has custody of the child under an order made under Part III (Child Protection), if the child consents to the application, or

iv. a physician.

Time for hearing

(2) Where an application is made under subsection (1), the court shall deal with the matter within ten days of the making of an order under subsection (6) (legal representation) or, where no such order is made, within ten days of the making of the application.

Adjournments

(3) The court may adjourn the hearing of an application but shall not adjourn it for more than thirty days unless the applicant and the child consent to the longer adjournment.

Interim order

(4) Where a hearing is adjourned, the court may make a temporary order for the child’s commitment to a secure treatment program if the court is satisfied that the child meets the criteria for commitment set out in clauses 117 (1) (a) to (f) and, where the child is less than twelve years old, the Minister consents to the child’s admission.

Evidence on adjournments

(5) For the purpose of subsection (4), the court may admit and act on evidence that the court considers credible and trustworthy in the circumstances.

Legal representation of child

(6) Where an application is made under subsection (1) in respect of a child who does not have legal representation, the court shall, as soon as practicable and in any event before the hearing of the application, direct that legal representation be provided for the child.

Hearing private

(7) A hearing under this section shall be held in the absence of the public and no media representative shall be permitted to attend.

Child entitled to be present

(8) The child who is the subject of an application under subsection (1) is entitled to be present at the hearing unless,

(a) the court is satisfied that being present at the hearing would cause the child emotional harm; or

(b) the child, after obtaining legal advice, consents in writing to the holding of the hearing in his or her absence.

Court may require child’s presence

(9) The court may require a child who has consented to the holding of the hearing in his or her absence under clause (8) (b) to be present at all or part of the hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 114.

Oral evidence

115. (1) Where an application is made under subsection 114 (1), the court shall deal with the matter by holding a hearing and shall hear oral evidence unless the child, after obtaining legal advice, consents in writing to the making of an order under subsection 117 (1) without the hearing of oral evidence, and the consent is filed with the court.

Court may hear oral evidence despite consent

(2) The court may hear oral evidence although the child has given a consent under subsection (1).

Time limitation

(3) A child’s consent under subsection (1) is not effective for more than the period referred to in subsection 118 (1) (period of commitment).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 115.

Assessment

116. (1) The court may, at any time after an application is made under subsection 114 (1), order that the child attend within a specified time for an assessment before a specified person who is qualified, in the court’s opinion, to perform an assessment to assist the court to determine whether the child should be committed to a secure treatment program and has consented to perform the assessment.

Report

(2) The person performing an assessment under subsection (1) shall make a written report of the assessment to the court within the time specified in the order, which shall not be more than thirty days unless the court is of the opinion that a longer assessment period is necessary.

Who may not perform assessment

(3) The court shall not order an assessment to be performed by a person who provides services in the secure treatment program to which the application relates.

Copies of report

(4) The court shall provide a copy of the report to,

(a) the applicant;

(b) the child, subject to subsection (6);

(c) the child’s solicitor;

(d) a parent appearing at the hearing;

(e) a society that has custody of the child under an order made under Part III (Child Protection);

(f) the administrator of the secure treatment program; and

(g) where the child is an Indian or a native person, a representative chosen by the child’s band or native community.

Idem

(5) The court may cause a copy of the report to be given to a parent who does not attend the hearing but is, in the court’s opinion, actively interested in the proceedings.

Court may withhold report from child

(6) The court may withhold all or part of the report from the child where the court is satisfied that disclosure of all or part of the report to the child would cause the child emotional harm.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 116.

Commitment to secure treatment: criteria

117. (1) The court may order that a child be committed to a secure treatment program only where the court is satisfied that,

(a) the child has a mental disorder;

(b) the child has, as a result of the mental disorder, within the forty-five days immediately preceding,

(i) the application under subsection 114 (1),

(ii) the child’s detention or custody under the Young Offenders Act (Canada) or under the Provincial Offences Act, or

(iii) the child’s admission to a psychiatric facility under the Mental Health Act as an involuntary patient,

caused or attempted to cause serious bodily harm to himself, herself or another person;

(c) the child has,

(i) within the twelve months immediately preceding the application, but on another occasion than that referred to in clause (b), caused, attempted to cause or by words or conduct made a substantial threat to cause serious bodily harm to himself, herself or another person, or

(ii) in committing the act or attempt referred to in clause (b), caused or attempted to cause a person’s death;

(d) the secure treatment program would be effective to prevent the child from causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to himself, herself or another person;

(e) treatment appropriate for the child’s mental disorder is available at the place of secure treatment to which the application relates; and

(f) no less restrictive method of providing treatment appropriate for the child’s mental disorder is appropriate in the circumstances.

Where child under twelve

(2) Where the child is less than twelve years old, the court shall not make an order under subsection (1) unless the Minister consents to the child’s commitment.

Additional requirement where applicant is physician

(3) Where the applicant is a physician, the court shall not make an order under subsection (1) unless the court is satisfied that the applicant believes the criteria set out in that subsection are met.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 117.

Period of commitment

118. (1) The court shall specify in an order under subsection 117 (1) the period not exceeding 180 days for which the child shall be committed to the secure treatment program.

Where society is applicant

(2) Where a child is committed to a secure treatment program on a society’s application and the period specified in the court’s order is greater than sixty days, the child shall be released on a day sixty days after the child’s admission to the secure treatment program unless before that day,

(a) the child’s parent consents to the child’s commitment for a longer period; or

(b) the child is made a Crown or society ward under Part III (Child Protection),

but in no case shall the child be committed to the secure treatment program for longer than the period specified under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 118 (1, 2).

How time calculated

(3) In the calculation of a child’s period of commitment, time spent in the secure treatment program before an order has been made under section 117 (commitment) or pending an application under section 120 (extension) shall be counted.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 118 (3); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Where order expires after eighteenth birthday

(4) A person who is the subject of an order made under subsection 117 (1) or 120 (5) may be kept in the secure treatment program after attaining the age of eighteen years, until the order expires.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 118 (4).

Reasons, plans, etc.

119. (1) Where the court makes an order under subsection 117 (1) or 120 (5), the court shall give,

(a) reasons for its decision;

(b) a statement of the plan, if any, for the child’s care on release from the secure treatment program; and

(c) a statement of the less restrictive alternatives considered by the court, and the reasons for rejecting them.

Plan for care on release

(2) Where no plan for the child’s care on release from the secure treatment program is available at the time of the order, the administrator shall, within ninety days of the date of the order, prepare such a plan and file it with the court.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 119.

Extension of Period of Commitment

Extension

120. (1) Where a child is the subject of an order made under subsection 117 (1) (commitment) or subsection (5),

(a) a person referred to in subsection 114 (1), with the administrator’s written consent; or

(b) the administrator, with a parent’s written consent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society’s consent,

may, before the expiry of the period of commitment, apply for an order extending the child’s commitment to the secure treatment program.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 120 (1); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Idem

(2) Where a person is kept in the secure treatment program under subsection 118 (4) after attaining the age of eighteen years,

(a) the person, with the written consent of the administrator;

(b) the person’s parent, with the written consent of the person and the administrator;

(c) a physician, with the written consent of the administrator and the person; or

(d) the administrator, with the written consent of the person,

may, before the expiry of the period of commitment, apply for one further order extending the person’s commitment to the secure treatment program.

Child may be kept in program while application pending

(3) Where an application is made under subsection (1) or (2), the child may be kept in the secure treatment program until the application is disposed of.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 120 (2, 3).

ss. 114 (3), (6-9), 115, 116 apply

(4) Subsections 114 (3), (6), (7), (8) and (9) (hearing) and sections 115 (child’s waiver) and 116 (assessment) apply with necessary modifications to an application made under subsection (1) or (2).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 120 (4); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Criteria for extension

(5) The court may make an order extending a child’s commitment to a secure treatment program only where the court is satisfied that,

(a) the child has a mental disorder;

(b) the secure treatment program would be effective to prevent the child from causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to himself, herself or another person;

(c) no less restrictive method of providing treatment appropriate for the child’s mental disorder is appropriate in the circumstances;

(d) the child is receiving the treatment proposed at the time of the original order under subsection 117 (1), or other appropriate treatment; and

(e) there is an appropriate plan for the child’s care on release from the secure treatment program.

Period of extension

(6) The court shall specify in an order under subsection (5) the period not exceeding 180 days for which the child shall be committed to the secure treatment program.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 120 (5, 6).

Release by Administrator

Release

Unconditional release by administrator

121. (1) The administrator may release a child from a secure treatment program unconditionally where the administrator,

(a) has given the person with lawful custody of the child reasonable notice of the intention to release him or her; and

(b) is satisfied that,

(i) the child no longer requires the secure treatment program, and

(ii) there is an appropriate plan for the child’s care on release from the secure treatment program.

Conditional release

(2) The administrator may release a child from a secure treatment program temporarily for medical or compassionate reasons, or for a trial placement in an open setting, for such period and on such terms and conditions as the administrator determines.

Administrator may release despite court order

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply despite an order made under subsection 117 (1) (commitment) or 120 (5) (extension).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 121.

Review of Commitment

Review of commitment

122. (1) Any one of the following persons may apply to the court for an order terminating an order made under subsection 117 (1) (commitment) or 120 (5) (extension):

1. The child, where the child is twelve years of age or more.

2. The child’s parent.

3. The society having care, custody or supervision of the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 122 (1).

ss. 114 (3), (6-9), 115, 116 apply

(2) Subsections 114 (3), (6), (7), (8) and (9) (hearing) and sections 115 (child’s waiver) and 116 (assessment) apply with necessary modifications to an application made under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 122 (2); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Termination of order

(3) The court shall make an order terminating a child’s commitment unless the court is satisfied that,

(a) the child has a mental disorder;

(b) the secure treatment program would continue to be effective to prevent the child from causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to himself, herself or another person;

(c) no less restrictive method of providing treatment appropriate for the child’s mental disorder is appropriate in the circumstances; and

(d) the child is receiving the treatment proposed at the time of the most recent order under subsection 117 (1) or 120 (5), or other appropriate treatment.

Idem

(4) In making an order under subsection (3), the court shall consider whether there is an appropriate plan for the child’s care on release from the secure treatment program.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 122 (3, 4).

ss. 120 (3-6), 121, 122 apply

123. Subsections 120 (3), (4), (5) and (6) and sections 121 and 122 apply with necessary modifications to a person who is eighteen years of age or older and committed to a secure treatment program as if the person were a child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 123.

Emergency Admission

Emergency admission

124. (1) Any one of the following persons may apply to the administrator for the emergency admission of a child to a secure treatment program:

1. Where the child is less than sixteen years of age,

i. the child’s parent,

ii. a person who is caring for the child with a parent’s consent,

iii. a child protection worker who has apprehended the child under section 40 of Part III (Child Protection), or

iv. a society that has custody of the child under an order made under Part III.

2. Where the child is sixteen years of age or more,

i. the child,

ii. the child’s parent, if the child consents to the application,

iii. a society that has custody of the child under an order made under Part III (Child Protection), if the child consents to the application, or

iv. a physician.

Criteria for admission

(2) The administrator may admit a child to the secure treatment program on an application under subsection (1) for a period not to exceed thirty days where the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that,

(a) the child has a mental disorder;

(b) the child has, as a result of the mental disorder, caused, attempted to cause or by words or conduct made a substantial threat to cause serious bodily harm to himself, herself or another person;

(c) the secure treatment program would be effective to prevent the child from causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to himself, herself or another person;

(d) treatment appropriate for the child’s mental disorder is available at the place of secure treatment to which the application relates; and

(e) no less restrictive method of providing treatment appropriate for the child’s mental disorder is appropriate in the circumstances.

Admission on consent

(3) The administrator may admit the child under subsection (2) although the criterion set out in clause (2) (b) is not met, where,

(a) the other criteria set out in subsection (2) are met;

(b) the child, after obtaining legal advice, consents to his or her admission; and

(c) if the child is less than sixteen years of age, the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society consents to the child’s admission.

Where child under twelve

(4) Where the child is less than twelve years old, the administrator shall not admit the child under subsection (2) unless the Minister consents to the child’s admission.

Additional requirement where applicant is physician

(5) Where the applicant is a physician, the administrator shall not admit the child under subsection (2) unless the administrator is satisfied that the applicant believes the criteria set out in that subsection are met.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 124 (1-5).

Notices required

(6) The administrator shall ensure that within twenty-four hours after a child is admitted to a secure treatment program under subsection (2),

(a) the child is given written notice of his or her right to a review under subsection (9); and

(b) the Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy and the Children’s Lawyer are given notice of the child’s admission.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 124 (6); 1994, c. 27, s. 43 (2).

Mandatory advice

(7) The Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy shall ensure that forthwith after the notice is received a person who is not employed by the secure treatment facility explains to the child his or her right to a review in language suitable for the child’s level of understanding.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 124 (7).

Children’s Lawyer to ensure child represented

(8) The Children’s Lawyer shall represent the child at the earliest possible opportunity and in any event within five days after receiving a notice under subsection (6) unless the Children’s Lawyer is satisfied that another person will provide legal representation for the child within that time.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 124 (8); 1994, c. 27, s. 43 (2).

Application for review

(9) Where a child is admitted to a secure treatment program under this section, any person, including the child, may apply to the Board for an order releasing the child from the secure treatment program.

Child may be kept in program while application pending

(10) Where an application is made under subsection (9), the child may be kept in the secure treatment program until the application is disposed of.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 124 (9, 10).

Procedure

(11) Subsections 114 (7), (8) and (9) (hearing) and section 115 (waive oral evidence) apply with necessary modifications to an application made under subsection (9).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 124 (11); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Time for review

(12) Where an application is made under subsection (9), the Board shall dispose of the matter within five days of the making of the application.

Order

(13) The Board shall make an order releasing the child from the secure treatment program unless the Board is satisfied that the child meets the criteria for emergency admission set out in clauses 124 (2) (a) to (e).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 124 (12, 13).

Police Assistance

Powers of peace officers, period of commitment

Police may take child for secure treatment

125. (1) A peace officer may take a child to a place where there is a secure treatment program,

(a) for emergency admission, at the request of an applicant referred to in subsection 124 (1); or

(b) where an order for the child’s commitment to the secure treatment program has been made under section 117.

Apprehension of child who leaves

(2) Where a child who has been admitted to a secure treatment program leaves the facility in which the secure treatment program is located without the consent of the administrator, a peace officer may apprehend the child with or without a warrant and return the child to the facility.

Period of commitment

(3) Where a child is returned to a facility under subsection (2), the time that the child was absent from the facility shall not be taken into account in calculating the period of commitment.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 125.

Secure Isolation

Director’s approval

126. (1) A Director may approve a locked room that complies with the prescribed standards and is located in premises where an approved service or a service purchased by an approved agency is provided, for use for the secure isolation of children, on such terms and conditions as the Director determines.

Withdrawal of approval

(2) Where a Director is of the opinion that a secure isolation room is unnecessary or is being used in a manner that contravenes this Part or the regulations, the Director may withdraw the approval given under subsection (1) and shall give the affected service provider notice of the decision, with reasons.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 126.

Secure isolation

127. (1) No service provider or foster parent shall isolate in a locked place a child who is in his or her care or permit the child to be isolated in a locked place, except in accordance with this section and the regulations.

Secure treatment, secure custody and secure temporary detention

(2) Subsection (1) does not prohibit the routine locking at night of rooms in the premises of secure treatment programs or in places of secure custody and places of secure temporary detention under Part IV (Young Offenders).

Criteria for use of secure isolation

(3) A child may be placed in a secure isolation room where,

(a) in the service provider’s opinion,

(i) the child’s conduct indicates that the child is likely, in the immediate future, to cause serious property damage or to cause another person serious bodily harm, and

(ii) no less restrictive method of restraining the child is practicable; and

(b) where the child is less than twelve years of age, a Director gives permission for the child to be placed in a secure isolation room because of exceptional circumstances.

One hour limit

(4) A child who is placed in a secure isolation room shall be released within one hour unless the person in charge of the premises approves the child’s longer isolation in writing and records the reasons for not restraining the child by a less restrictive method.

Continuous observation of child

(5) The service provider shall ensure that a child who is placed in a secure isolation room is continuously observed by a responsible person.

Review

(6) Where a child is kept in a secure isolation room for more than one hour, the person in charge of the premises shall review the child’s isolation at prescribed intervals.

Release

(7) A child who is placed in a secure isolation room shall be released as soon as the person in charge is satisfied that the child is not likely to cause serious property damage or serious bodily harm in the immediate future.

Maximum periods

(8) In no event shall a child be kept in a secure isolation room for a period or periods that exceed an aggregate of eight hours in a given twenty-four hour period or an aggregate of twenty-four hours in a given week.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 127.

Review of use of secure isolation

128. A person in charge of premises containing a secure isolation room shall review,

(a) the need for the secure isolation room; and

(b) the prescribed matters,

every three months from the date on which the secure isolation room is approved under subsection 126 (1), shall make a written report of each review to a Director and shall make such additional reports as are prescribed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 128.

Review Teams

Review team

129. (1) A service provider who is approved under subsection 130 (1) shall establish an interdisciplinary review team with the duty of reviewing and approving or refusing the proposed use of intrusive procedures.

Idem

(2) A review team shall consist of,

(a) persons employed by the service provider; and

(b) one person who is not employed by the service provider and is approved by the Minister,

and may also include a legally qualified medical practitioner.

Panel

(3) Any three members of a review team may review and approve or refuse the proposed use of an intrusive procedure.

Report to service provider

(4) A review team shall make a report to the service provider concerning every review conducted under subsection (3) and subsection 133 (1) (review of certain recommended procedures).

Report to Minister

(5) A review team shall make reports of its activities to the Minister at the prescribed intervals.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 129.

Intrusive Procedures

Approval by Minister

130. (1) The Minister may approve a service provider for the use of the intrusive procedures specified in the approval and may set out in the approval any conditions and limitations to which it is subject.

Revocation, etc., of approval

(2) The Minister may at any time revoke, suspend or amend an approval given under subsection (1) and shall give the affected service provider notice, with reasons, of the Minister’s decision.

Proclamation

(3) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 130.

Intrusive procedures restricted

131. (1) No service provider shall use or permit the use of an intrusive procedure in respect of a child in the service provider’s care, except in accordance with this section.

Exception

(2) Subsection (1) does not prohibit the use of restraints that are reasonably necessary for the secure transportation or transfer of a child who has been admitted to a secure treatment program under this Part, who is detained or has been committed to custody under the Young Offenders Act (Canada) or to whom section 95 of Part IV (Young Offenders) (open custody) applies.

When service provider may use or permit intrusive procedure

(3) A service provider who is approved under subsection 130 (1) may use or permit the use of an intrusive procedure in respect of a child in the service provider’s care only,

(a) if the intrusive procedure is specified in the approval;

(b) in accordance with the conditions and limitations set out in the Minister’s approval; and

(c) with the approval, obtained in advance and not more than thirty days before the intrusive procedure is used, of the service provider’s review team.

Criteria

(4) A review team shall not approve the use of an intrusive procedure in respect of a child unless,

(a) if the child is sixteen years of age or more, the child consents to its use;

(b) if the child is less than sixteen years of age, the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society consents to its use;

(c) the child’s behaviour warrants its use;

(d) at least one less intrusive alternative has been attempted without success in improving the child’s behaviour;

(e) no other less intrusive alternative is practicable; and

(f) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the procedure would improve the child’s behaviour.

Idem

(5) A review team shall not approve the use of an intrusive procedure in respect of a child who is less than sixteen years of age or lacks capacity within the meaning of section 4 without first considering the child’s views and preferences, where they can be reasonably ascertained.

Emergency

(6) Where,

(a) a service provider who is approved under subsection 130 (1) believes on reasonable grounds that delay in the use of an intrusive procedure in respect of a child in the service provider’s care would cause the child or another person serious mental or physical harm;

(b) the intrusive procedure is specified in the Minister’s approval;

(c) if the child is sixteen years of age or more, the child consents to the use of the intrusive procedure or apparently does not have capacity; and

(d) if the child is less than sixteen years of age, the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society,

(i) consents to the use of the intrusive procedure, or

(ii) is not immediately available,

the service provider may use or permit the use of the intrusive procedure in respect of the child, in accordance with the conditions and limitations set out in the Minister’s approval, during a period not exceeding seventy-two hours, without the approval of the review team, despite clause (3) (c).

Idem

(7) Where a service provider uses or permits the use of an intrusive procedure under subsection (6), the service provider shall seek the review team’s approval as soon as possible, and in any event within seventy-two hours of the first use of the intrusive procedure, and shall not continue its use or permit its continued use in respect of the child unless the review team approves it.

Proclamation

(8) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 131.

Psychotropic Drugs

Consents required for use of psychotropic drug

132. (1) A service provider shall not administer or permit the administration of a psychotropic drug to a child in the service provider’s care without,

(a) if the child is sixteen years of age or more, the child’s consent; or

(b) if the child is less than sixteen years of age, the consent of the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society’s consent.

Idem

(2) A consent referred to in subsection (1) shall identify the psychotropic drug clearly and shall specify,

(a) what condition the psychotropic drug is intended to alleviate;

(b) the range of intended dosages;

(c) the risks and possible side effects associated with the psychotropic drug, and how they vary with different dosages; and

(d) the frequency with which and the period of time during which the psychotropic drug is to be administered.

Child’s views and preferences

(3) A service provider shall not administer or permit the administration of a psychotropic drug to a child in the service provider’s care who is less than sixteen years of age or lacks capacity within the meaning of section 4 without first considering the child’s views and preferences, where they can be reasonably ascertained, except under subsection (4).

Emergency

(4) Where,

(a) a service provider believes on reasonable grounds that,

(i) delay in the administration of a psychotropic drug to a child in the service provider’s care would cause the child or another person serious mental or physical harm, and

(ii) no less restrictive course of action would prevent the harm;

(b) if the child is sixteen years of age or more, the child apparently does not have capacity; and

(c) if the child is less than sixteen years of age, the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society, is not immediately available,

the service provider may administer or permit the administration of the psychotropic drug to the child during a period not exceeding seventy-two hours without the consent referred to in subsection (1).

Idem

(5) Where a service provider administers or permits the administration of a psychotropic drug under subsection (4), the service provider shall seek the consent referred to in subsection (1) as soon as possible, and in any event within seventy-two hours of the first administration of the psychotropic drug, and shall not continue its administration or permit its continued administration to the child unless the consent is given.

Proclamation

(6) Subsections (4) and (5) shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 132.

Additional Duty of Review Teams

Review of certain recommended procedures

133. (1) Where it is recommended that a child in the care of or regularly receiving services from a service provider who has established a review team undergo,

(a) non-therapeutic medical or chemical experimentation;

(b) psychosurgery;

(c) non-therapeutic sterilization; or

(d) electro-convulsive therapy,

three members of the review team shall review the matter and advise the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society, and the service provider of the review team’s opinion as to the appropriateness of the recommendation.

Panel to include medical practitioner

(2) One of the members of the review team acting under subsection (1) shall be a legally qualified medical practitioner.

Prohibition

(3) No procedure referred to in subsection (1) shall be carried out in premises where an approved service or a service purchased by an approved agency is provided.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 133.

Professional Advisory Board

Professional Advisory Board

134. (1) The Minister may establish a Professional Advisory Board, composed of physicians and other professionals who,

(a) have special knowledge in the use of intrusive procedures and psychotropic drugs;

(b) have demonstrated an informed concern for the welfare and interests of children; and

(c) are not employed by the Ministry.

Chair

(2) The Minister shall appoint one of the members of the Professional Advisory Board as its chair.

Duties of Board

(3) The Professional Advisory Board shall, at the Minister’s request,

(a) advise the Minister on,

(i) prescribing procedures as intrusive procedures, and

(ii) making, amending, suspending and revoking approvals under section 130;

(b) investigate and review the use of intrusive procedures and psychotropic drugs and make recommendations to the Minister; and

(c) review the practices and procedures of service providers with respect to,

(i) secure isolation,

(ii) intrusive procedures, and

(iii) psychotropic drugs,

and make recommendations to the Minister.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 134.

Request for review

135. Any person may request that the Minister refer the matter of the use of secure isolation or an intrusive procedure in respect of a child, or the administration of a psychotropic drug to a child, to the Professional Advisory Board for investigation and review.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 135.

PART VII
ADOPTION

Interpretation

136. (1) In this Part,

“licensee” means the holder of a licence issued under Part IX (Licensing) to place children for adoption; (“titulaire de permis”)

“relative”, when used in reference to a child, means the child’s grandparent, great-uncle, great-aunt, uncle or aunt, whether by blood, marriage or adoption; (“parent”)

“spouse” has the same meaning as in Parts I and II of the Human Rights Code. (“conjoint”)

Best interests of child

(2) Where a person is directed in this Part to make an order or determination in the best interests of a child, the person shall take into consideration those of the following circumstances of the case that he or she considers relevant:

1. The child’s physical, mental and emotional needs, and the appropriate care or treatment to meet those needs.

2. The child’s physical, mental and emotional level of development.

3. The child’s cultural background.

4. The religious faith, if any, in which the child is being raised.

5. The importance for the child’s development of a positive relationship with a parent and a secure place as a member of a family.

6. The child’s relationships by blood or through an adoption order.

7. The importance of continuity in the child’s care and the possible effect on the child of disruption of that continuity.

8. The child’s views and wishes, if they can be reasonably ascertained.

9. The effects on the child of delay in the disposition of the case.

10. Any other relevant circumstance.

Where child an Indian or native person

(3) Where a person is directed in this Part to make an order or determination in the best interests of a child and the child is an Indian or native person, the person shall take into consideration the importance, in recognition of the uniqueness of Indian and native culture, heritage and traditions, of preserving the child’s cultural identity.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 136.

Consent to Adoption

Consents

137. (1) In this section,

“parent”, when used in reference to a child, means each of,

(a) the child’s mother,

(b) an individual described in one of paragraphs 1 to 6 of subsection 8 (1) of the Children’s Law Reform Act, unless it is proved on a balance of probabilities that he is not the child’s natural father,

(c) the individual having lawful custody of the child,

(d) an individual who, during the twelve months before the child is placed for adoption under this Part, has demonstrated a settled intention to treat the child as a child of his or her family, or has acknowledged parentage of the child and provided for the child’s support,

(e) an individual who, under a written agreement or a court order, is required to provide for the child, has custody of the child or has a right of access to the child, and

(f) an individual who has acknowledged parentage of the child in writing under section 12 of the Children’s Law Reform Act,

but does not include a licensee or a foster parent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (1).

Consent of parent, etc.

(2) An order for the adoption of a child who is less than sixteen years of age, or is sixteen years of age or more but has not withdrawn from parental control, shall not be made without,

(a) the written consent of every parent; or

(b) where the child has been made a Crown ward under Part III (Child Protection), the written consent of a Director.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (2).

Idem

(3) A consent under clause (2) (a) shall not be given before the child is seven days old.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (3).

Idem

(4) Where a child is being placed for adoption by a society or licensee, a consent under clause (2) (a) shall not be given until,

(a) the society or licensee has advised the parent of his or her right,

(i) to withdraw the consent under subsection (8),

(ii) to be informed, on his or her request, whether an adoption order has been made in respect of the child, and

(iii) to obtain non-identifying information under section 166 and to participate in the adoption disclosure register maintained under clause 163 (2) (a); and

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 14 and the following substituted:

(a) the society or licensee has advised the parent of his or her right,

(i) to withdraw the consent under subsection (8), and

(ii) to be informed, on his or her request, whether an adoption order has been made in respect of the child;

(a.1) the society or licensee has advised the parent of such other matters as may be prescribed; and

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 14, 36 (2).

(b) the society or licensee has given the parent an opportunity to seek counselling and independent legal advice with respect to the consent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (4).

Custody of child

(5) Where,

(a) a child is being placed for adoption by a society or licensee;

(b) every consent required under subsection (2) has been given and has not been withdrawn under subsection (8); and

(c) the twenty-one day period referred to in subsection (8) has expired,

the rights and responsibilities of the child’s parents with respect to the child’s custody, care and control are transferred to the society or licensee, until the consent is withdrawn under subsection 139 (1) (late withdrawal with leave of court) or an order is made for the child’s adoption under section 146.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (5).

Consent of person to be adopted

(6) An order for the adoption of a person who is seven years of age or more shall not be made without the person’s written consent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (6).

Idem

(7) A consent under subsection (6) shall not be given until the person has had an opportunity to obtain counselling and independent legal advice with respect to the consent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (7).

Withdrawal of consent

(8) A person who gives a consent under subsection (2) or (6) may withdraw it in writing within twenty-one days after the consent is given and where that person had custody of the child immediately before giving the consent, the child shall be returned to him or her as soon as the consent is withdrawn.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (8).

Dispensing with person’s consent

(9) The court may dispense with a person’s consent required under subsection (6) where the court is satisfied that,

(a) obtaining the consent would cause the person emotional harm; or

(b) the person is not able to consent because of a developmental disability.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (9); 2001, c. 13, s. 5 (6).

Consent of applicant’s spouse

(10) An adoption order shall not be made on the application of a person who is a spouse without the written consent of the other spouse.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (10).

Consents by minors: role of Children’s Lawyer

(11) Where a person who gives a consent under clause (2) (a) is less than eighteen years of age, the consent is not valid unless the Children’s Lawyer is satisfied that the consent is fully informed and reflects the person’s true wishes.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (11); 1994, c. 27, s. 43 (2).

Affidavits of execution

(12) An affidavit of execution in the prescribed form shall be attached to a consent and a withdrawal of a consent under this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (12).

Form of foreign consents

(13) A consent required under this section that is given outside Ontario and whose form does not comply with the requirements of subsection (12) and the regulations is not invalid for that reason alone, if its form complies with the laws of the jurisdiction where it is given.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 137 (13).

Dispensing with consent

138. The court may dispense with a consent required under section 137 for the adoption of a child, except the consent of the child or of a Director, where the court is satisfied that,

(a) it is in the child’s best interests to do so; and

(b) the person whose consent is required has received notice of the proposed adoption and of the application to dispense with consent, or a reasonable effort to give the notice has been made.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 138.

Late withdrawal of consent

139. (1) The court may permit a person who gave a consent to the adoption of a child under section 137 to withdraw the consent after the twenty-one day period referred to in subsection 137 (8) where the court is satisfied that it is in the child’s best interests to do so, and where that person had custody of the child immediately before giving the consent, the child shall be returned to him or her as soon as the consent is withdrawn.

Exception: child placed for adoption

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply where the child has been placed with a person for adoption and remains in that person’s care.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 139.

Placement for Adoption

Duty of society

140. (1) A society shall make all reasonable efforts to secure the adoption of,

(a) every child who has been made a Crown ward under Part III (Child Protection) and is in the society’s care and custody; and

(b) at the request of a Director or of another society, any child who has been made a Crown ward and is in that society’s care and custody.

When society may place child for adoption

(2) No society shall place a child for adoption until,

(a) any outstanding order of access to the child made under subsection 58 (1) of Part III has been terminated;

(b) where the child is a Crown ward, the time for commencing an appeal of the order of Crown wardship or of an order under subsection 65 (1) of Part III (status review) has expired; or

(c) where the child is a Crown ward, any appeal of an order referred to in clause (b) has been finally disposed of or abandoned,

whichever is the latest.

Where child an Indian or native person

(3) Where a child to be placed for adoption is an Indian or a native person, the society shall give the child’s band or native community thirty days written notice of its intention to place the child for adoption.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 140.

Only societies and licensees may place children, etc.

141. (1) No person except a society or licensee shall,

(a) place a child with another person for adoption; or

(b) take, send or attempt to take or send a child who is a resident of Ontario out of Ontario to be placed for adoption.

Only societies, etc., may bring children into Ontario

(2) No person except a society or a licensee whose licence contains a term permitting the licensee to act under this subsection shall bring a child who is not a resident of Ontario into Ontario to be placed for adoption.

Licensee to notify Director of placement

(3) No licensee except a licensee exempted under subsection (5) shall,

(a) place a child with another person for adoption; or

(b) take, send or attempt to take or send a child who is a resident of Ontario out of Ontario to be placed for adoption,

without first notifying a Director of the proposed placement.

Director’s approval required

(4) No person shall receive a child for adoption, except from a society or from a licensee exempted under subsection (5), without first receiving a Director’s approval of the placement under clause 142 (2) (a).

Designation of licensee

(5) A Director may designate a licensee that is an agency as exempt from the requirements of subsections (3) and (4).

Placements to be registered

(6) A society or licensee who places a child with another person for adoption shall register the placement in the prescribed manner within thirty days of placing the child.

Idem: Director

(7) A Director who becomes aware of any placement for adoption of a child that has not been registered under subsection (6) shall forthwith register the placement in the prescribed manner.

Exception: family adoptions

(8) Subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), (6) and (7) do not apply to,

(a) the placement for adoption of a child with the child’s relative, the child’s parent or a spouse of the child’s parent; or

(b) the taking or sending of a child out of Ontario for adoption by the child’s relative, the child’s parent or a spouse of the child’s parent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 141.

Adoption homestudy

142. (1) A licensee who notifies a Director of a proposed placement under subsection 141 (3) shall at the same time provide the Director with a report of an adoption homestudy of the person with whom placement is proposed, prepared by a person who, in the opinion of the Director or a local director, is qualified to make an adoption homestudy.

Director’s approval

(2) A Director who receives a report under subsection (1) shall consider it and, as soon as possible,

(a) approve the proposed placement; or

(b) refuse to approve the placement and give notice of the refusal to the licensee and the person with whom placement is proposed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 142 (1, 2).

Right to hearing

(3) Where a Director gives notice under clause (2) (b), the licensee and the person with whom placement is proposed are entitled to a hearing before the Board.

Application of other sections

(3.1) Sections 197, 199, 201 and 202 of Part IX (Licensing) apply to the hearing with necessary modifications and for that purpose references to the Tribunal shall be deemed to be references to the Board.

Extension of time

(3.2) If the Board is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the licensee or the person with whom placement is proposed to apply for an extension of the time fixed for requiring the hearing and for the Board to grant relief, it may,

(a) extend the time either before or after the expiration of the time; and

(b) give the directions that it considers proper as a result of extending the time.

Recording of evidence

(3.3) The evidence taken before the Board at the hearing shall be recorded.  1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (2).

Placement outside Canada

(4) A Director shall not approve the proposed placement of a child outside Canada unless the Director is satisfied that a prescribed special circumstance justifies the placement.

Terms and conditions

(5) A Director may approve a proposed placement under clause (2) (a) subject to any terms and conditions that the Director considers appropriate, including supervision of the placement by,

(a) a specified society, licensee or person; or

(b) in the case of a placement outside Ontario, a specified child protection agency recognized in the jurisdiction of the placement.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 142 (4, 5).

Right to hearing

(6) Where a Director imposes a term or condition on an approval under subsection (5), the licensee and the person with whom placement is proposed are entitled to a hearing before the Board.

Application of other sections

(7) Sections 198, 199, 201 and 202 of Part IX (Licensing) apply to the hearing with necessary modifications and for that purpose references to the Tribunal shall be deemed to be references to the Board.  1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (3).

Access orders terminate

143. (1) Where a child is placed for adoption by a society or licensee, every order respecting access to the child is terminated, except an order made under Part III (Child Protection).

No interference, etc., with child in placement

(2) Where a child has been placed for adoption by a society or licensee and no adoption order has been made, no person shall,

(a) interfere with the child; or

(b) for the purpose of interfering with the child, visit or communicate with the child or with the person with whom the child has been placed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 143.

Director’s Review

Review by Director

144. (1) Where,

(a) a society makes a decision refusing to place a child with a person, including a foster parent who is caring for the child, for adoption; or

(b) a society or licensee makes a decision to remove a child who has been placed with a person for adoption,

a Director may review the decision of the society or licensee and may,

(c) confirm the decision, giving written reasons for doing so; or

(d) rescind the decision and do anything further that the society or licensee may do under this Part with respect to the child’s placement.

Idem

(2) A Director who reviews a decision under subsection (1) shall take into account the importance of continuity in the child’s care.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 144.

Notice to Director

145. (1) Where a child has been placed for adoption under this Part, no order for the child’s adoption has been made and,

(a) the person with whom the child is placed asks the society or licensee that placed the child to remove the child; or

(b) the society or licensee proposes to remove the child from the person with whom the child was placed,

the society or licensee shall notify a Director.

Idem

(2) Where no order for a child’s adoption has been made and a year has expired since,

(a) the earlier of the child’s placement for adoption or the giving of the most recent consent under clause 137 (2) (a); or

(b) the most recent review under subsection (3),

whichever is later, the society or licensee shall notify a Director, unless the child is a Crown ward.

Director’s review

(3) A Director who receives notice under subsection (1) or (2) shall review the child’s status and may, in the child’s best interests,

(a) where the child is in the care of the person with whom the child was placed for adoption, confirm the child’s placement or do anything the society or licensee that placed the child may do with respect to the child’s placement or further placement;

(b) where the child was placed for adoption by a licensee, direct the licensee to place the child in the care and custody of a specified society;

(c) where the child is in the care, custody and control of a society, direct the society to bring the child before the court under Part III to determine whether the child is in need of protection;

(d) where the child leaves or is removed from the care of the person with whom the child was placed for adoption, do anything the society or licensee that placed the child may do with respect to the child’s further placement; or

(e) where a parent who gave consent under clause 137 (2) (a) and had charge of the child at the time the consent was given agrees to resume the child’s care and custody, direct the society or licensee that placed the child to return the child to the parent.

Deemed withdrawal of consent

(4) Where a Director directs a society or licensee to return a child to a parent under clause (3) (e), the parent’s consent under clause 137 (2) (a) shall be deemed to be withdrawn.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 145.

Adoption Orders

Orders for adoption

Adoption of child

146. (1) The court may make an order for the adoption of a child who is less than sixteen years of age, or is sixteen years of age or more but has not withdrawn from parental control, and,

(a) has been placed for adoption by a society or licensee; or

(b) has been placed for adoption by a person other than a society or licensee and has resided with the applicant for at least two years,

in the child’s best interests, on the application of the person with whom the child is placed.

Family adoption

(2) The court may make an order for the adoption of a child, in the child’s best interests, on the application of,

(a) a relative of the child;

(b) the child’s parent; or

(c) the spouse of the child’s parent.

Adoption of adult, etc.

(3) The court may make an order for the adoption of,

(a) a person eighteen years of age or more; or

(b) a child who is sixteen years of age or more and has withdrawn from parental control,

on another person’s application.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 146 (1-3).

Who may apply

(4) An application under this section may only be made,

(a) by one individual; or

(b) jointly, by two individuals who are spouses of one another.

(c) Repealed:  2005, c. 5, s. 7 (1).

R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 146 (4); 1999, c. 6, s. 6; 2005, c. 5, s. 7 (1).

Residency requirement

(5) The court shall not make an order under this section for the adoption of, or on the application of, a person who is not a resident of Ontario.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 146 (5).

Where applicant a minor

147. The court shall not make an order under section 146 on the application of a person who is less than eighteen years of age unless the court is satisfied that special circumstances justify making the order.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 147.

Where order not to be made

148. Where the court has made an order,

(a) dispensing with a consent under section 138; or

(b) refusing to permit the late withdrawal of a consent under subsection 139 (1),

the court shall not make an order under section 146 until,

(c) the time for commencing an appeal of the order has expired; or

(d) any appeal of the order has been finally disposed of or abandoned,

whichever is later.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 148.

Director’s statement

149. (1) Where an application is made for an order for the adoption of a child under subsection 146 (1), a Director shall, before the hearing, file a written statement with the court indicating,

(a) that the child has resided with the applicant for at least six months or, in the case of an application under clause 146 (1) (b), for at least two years and, in the Director’s opinion, it would be in the child’s best interests to make the order;

(b) in the case of an application under clause 146 (1) (a), that for specified reasons it would be in the child’s best interests, in the Director’s opinion, to make the order although the child has resided with the applicant for less than six months; or

(c) that the child has resided with the applicant for at least six months or, in the case of an application under clause 146 (1) (b), for at least two years and, in the Director’s opinion, it would not be in the child’s best interests to make the order,

and referring to any additional circumstances that the Director wishes to bring to the court’s attention.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 149 (1); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Local director may make statement

(2) Where a child was placed by a society and has resided with the applicant for at least six months, the statement under subsection (1) may be made and filed by the local director.

Amendment of statement, etc.

(3) The Director or local director, as the case may be, may amend the statement referred to in subsection (1) at any time and may attend at the hearing and make submissions.

Where recommendation negative

(4) Where the statement under subsection (1) indicates that, in the Director’s or local director’s opinion, it would not be in the child’s best interests to make the order, a copy of the statement shall be filed with the court and served on the applicant at least thirty days before the hearing.

Report of child’s adjustment

(5) The statement under subsection (1) shall be based on a report of the child’s adjustment in the applicant’s home, prepared by,

(a) the society that placed the child or has jurisdiction where the child is placed; or

(b) a person approved by the Director or local director.

Family adoptions: court may require statement

(6) Where an application is made for an order for the adoption of a child under subsection 146 (2), the court may order that subsections (1), (3), (4) and (5) shall apply to the application.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 149 (2-6).

Place of hearing

150. (1) An application for an adoption order shall be heard and dealt with in the county or district in which,

(a) the applicant; or

(b) the person to be adopted,

resides at the time the application is filed.

Transfer of proceeding

(2) Where the court is satisfied at any stage of an application for an adoption order that there is a preponderance of convenience in favour of conducting it in another county or district, the court may order that it be transferred to that other county or district and be continued as if it had been commenced there.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 150.

Rules re applications

Hearing in private

151. (1) An application for an adoption order shall be heard and dealt with in the absence of the public.

Court files private

(2) No person shall have access to the court file concerning an application for an adoption order, except,

(a) the court and authorized court employees;

(b) the parties and their solicitors and agents; and

(c) a Director and a local director.

Stale applications

(3) Where an application for an adoption order is not heard within twelve months of the day on which the applicant signed it,

(a) the court shall not hear the application unless the court is satisfied that it is just to do so; and

(b) the applicant may make another application.

No right to notice

(4) No person,

(a) who has given a consent under clause 137 (2) (a) and has not withdrawn it;

(b) whose consent has been dispensed with under section 138; or

(c) who is a parent of a Crown ward who is placed for adoption,

is entitled to receive notice of an application under section 146.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 151.

Power of court

152. (1) The court may, on its own initiative, summon a person to attend before it, testify and produce any document or thing, and may enforce obedience to the summons as if it had been made in a proceeding under the Family Law Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 152 (1); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Duty of court

(2) The court shall not make an order for the adoption of a child under subsection 146 (1) or (2) unless the court is satisfied that,

(a) every person who has given a consent under section 137 understands the nature and effect of the adoption order; and

(b) every applicant understands and appreciates the special role of an adoptive parent.

Participation of child

(3) Where an application is made for an order for the adoption of a child under subsection 146 (1) or (2), the court shall,

(a) inquire into the child’s capacity to understand and appreciate the nature of the application; and

(b) consider the child’s views and wishes, if they can be reasonably ascertained,

and where it is practical to do so shall hear the child.

Participation of adult, etc.

(4) Where an application is made for an order for the adoption of a person under subsection 146 (3), the court shall consider the person’s views and wishes and, on request, hear the person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 152 (2-4).

Change of name

153. (1) Where the court makes an order under section 146, the court may, at the request of the applicant or applicants and, where the person adopted is twelve years of age or more, with the person’s written consent,

(a) change the person’s surname to a surname that the person could have been given if he or she had been born to the applicant or applicants; and

(b) change the person’s given name.

When child’s consent not required

(2) A child’s consent to a change of name under subsection (1) is not required where the child’s consent was dispensed with under subsection 137 (9).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 153.

Interim Orders

Interim order

154. (1) Where an application is made for an order for the adoption of a child under subsection 146 (1) or (2), the court, after considering the statement made under subsection 149 (1), may postpone the determination of the matter and make an interim order in the child’s best interests placing the child in the applicant’s care and custody for a specified period not exceeding one year.

Terms and conditions

(2) The court may make an order under subsection (1) subject to any terms and conditions that the court considers appropriate respecting,

(a) the child’s maintenance and education;

(b) supervision of the child; and

(c) any other matter the court considers advisable in the child’s best interests.

Not an adoption order

(3) An order under subsection (1) is not an adoption order.

Consents required

(4) Sections 137 and 138 (consents to adoption) apply to an order under subsection (1) with necessary modifications.

Departure from Ontario

(5) Where an applicant takes up residence outside Ontario after obtaining an order under subsection (1), the court may nevertheless make an adoption order under subsection 146 (1) or (2) where the statement made under subsection 149 (1) indicates that, in the Director’s or local director’s opinion, it would be in the child’s best interests to make the order.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 154.

Successive adoption orders

155. An adoption order under subsection 146 (1) or (2) or an interim custody order under subsection 154 (1) may be made in respect of a person who is the subject of an earlier adoption order.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 155.

Appeals

Appeals

Appeal: adoption order

156. (1) An appeal from a court’s order under section 146 may be made to the Superior Court of Justice by,

(a) the applicant for the adoption order; and

(b) the Director or local director who made the statement under subsection 149 (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 156 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Idem: dispensing with consent

(2) An appeal from a court’s order under section 138 dispensing with a consent may be made to the Superior Court of Justice by,

(a) the persons referred to in subsection (1); and

(b) the person whose consent was dispensed with.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 156 (2); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Idem: late withdrawal of consent

(3) An appeal from a court’s order under subsection 139 (1) permitting the late withdrawal of a consent may be made to the Superior Court of Justice by,

(a) the persons referred to in subsection (1); and

(b) the person who gave the consent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 156 (3); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

No extension of time for appeal

(4) No extension of the time for an appeal shall be granted.

Place of hearing

(5) An appeal under this section shall be heard in the county or district in which the order appealed from was made.

Hearing in private

(6) An appeal under this section shall be heard in the absence of the public.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 156 (4-6).

Effect of Adoption Order

Order final

157. An adoption order under section 146 is final and irrevocable, subject only to section 156 (appeals), and shall not be questioned or reviewed in any court by way of injunction, declaratory judgment, certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, habeas corpus or application for judicial review.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 157.

Status of adopted child

158. (1) In this section,

“adopted child” means a person who was adopted in Ontario.

Same

(2) For all purposes of law, as of the date of the making of an adoption order,

(a) the adopted child becomes the child of the adoptive parent and the adoptive parent becomes the parent of the adopted child; and

(b) the adopted child ceases to be the child of the person who was his or her parent before the adoption order was made and that person ceases to be the parent of the adopted child, except where the person is the spouse of the adoptive parent,

as if the adopted child had been born to the adoptive parent.

How relationships determined

(3) The relationship to one another of all persons, including the adopted child, the adoptive parent, the kindred of the adoptive parent, the parent before the adoption order was made and the kindred of that former parent shall for all purposes be determined in accordance with subsection (2).

Reference in will or other document

(4) In any will or other document made at any time before or after the 1st day of November, 1985, and whether the maker of the will or document is alive on that day or not, a reference to a person or group or class of persons described in terms of relationship by blood or marriage to another person shall be deemed to refer to or include, as the case may be, a person who comes within the description as a result of an adoption, unless the contrary is expressed.

Application of section

(5) This section applies and shall be deemed always to have applied with respect to any adoption made under any Act heretofore in force, but not so as to affect,

(a) any interest in property or right of the adopted child that has indefeasibly vested before the date of the making of an adoption order; and

(b) any interest in property or right that has indefeasibly vested before the 1st day of November, 1985.

Exception

(6) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply for the purposes of the laws relating to incest and the prohibited degrees of marriage to remove a person from a relationship that would have existed but for those subsections.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 158.

Effect of foreign adoption

159. An adoption effected according to the law of another jurisdiction, before or after the 1st day of November, 1985, has the same effect in Ontario as an adoption under this Part.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 159.

No order for access by birth parent, etc.

160. (1) Where an order for the adoption of a child has been made under this Part, no court shall make an order under this Part for access to the child by,

(a) a birth parent; or

(b) a member of a birth parent’s family.

Definition

(2) In this section,

“birth parent” has the same meaning as in section 166.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 160.

Records, Confidentiality and Disclosure

Parent to be informed on request

161. At the request of a person whose consent to an adoption was required under clause 137 (2) (a) or a predecessor of that provision and was given or was dispensed with, any society or the licensee that placed the child for adoption shall inform the person whether an order has been made for the child’s adoption.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 161.

Court papers

162. (1) In this section,

“court” includes the Superior Court of Justice.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 162 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Papers to be sealed up

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and 167 (6), the documents used upon an application for an adoption order under this Part or a predecessor of this Part shall be sealed up together with a certified copy of the original order and filed in the office of the court by the proper officer of the court, and shall not be open for inspection except upon an order of the court or the written direction of the Registrar of Adoption Information appointed under subsection 163 (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 162 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 15 (1) and the following substituted:

Requirement to seal documents

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the documents used on an application for an adoption order under this Part or a predecessor of this Part shall be sealed up together with a certified copy of the original order and filed in the court office by the appropriate court officer, and shall not be opened for inspection except by court order.  2005, c. 25, s. 15 (1).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 15 (1), 36 (2).

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 15 (2) by striking out “subsection (3)” and substituting “subsections (3) and 162.2 (2)”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 15 (2), 36 (2).

Transmission of order

(3) Within thirty days after an adoption order is made under this Part, the proper officer of the court shall cause a sufficient number of certified copies of it to be made, under the seal of the proper certifying authority, and shall transmit,

(a) the original order to the adoptive parent;

(b) one certified copy to the Registrar of Adoption Information;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (b) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 15 (3).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 15 (3), 36 (2).

(c) one certified copy to the Registrar General under the Vital Statistics Act, or, if the adopted child was born outside Ontario, two certified copies;

(d) if the adopted child is an Indian, one certified copy to the Registrar under the Indian Act (Canada).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 162 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 15 (4) by adding the following clause:

(e) one certified copy to such other persons as may be prescribed.

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 15 (4), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 162 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 15 (5) by adding the following subsections:

Other court files

(4) Unless the court orders otherwise, only the court may examine identifying information that comes from the records of any of the following persons that is contained in any court file respecting the judicial review of a decision made by any of them:

1. A designated custodian under section 162.1.

2. A person who, by virtue of a regulation made under clause 220 (1) (c.5), reviews or hears appeals of decisions concerning the disclosure of information under section 162.2 or 162.3.

3. A person referred to in subsection 162.2 (1) or 162.3 (1).  2005, c. 25, s. 15 (5).

Same

(5) No person shall, without the court’s permission, disclose identifying information described in subsection (4) that the person obtained from the court file.  2005, c. 25, s. 15 (5).

Definition

(6) In subsections (4) and (5),

“identifying information” means information whose disclosure, alone or in combination with other information, will in the circumstances reveal the identity of the person to whom it relates.  2005, c. 25, s. 15 (5).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 15 (5), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 16 by adding the following sections:

Designation of custodians of information

162.1 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may, by regulation, designate one or more persons to act as custodians of information that relates to adoptions and may impose such conditions and restrictions with respect to the designation as the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers appropriate.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

Powers and duties

(2) A designated custodian may exercise such powers and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed with respect to the information provided to the custodian under this Act.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

Same, disclosure of information

(3) A designated custodian may exercise such other powers and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed for a purpose relating to the disclosure of information that relates to adoptions, including performing searches upon request for such persons, and in such circumstances, as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

Same, Vital Statistics Act, s. 48.9

(4) One or more designated custodians who are specified by regulation may exercise such powers and shall perform such duties under section 48.9 of the Vital Statistics Act as may be prescribed in such circumstances as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

Agreements

(5) The Minister may enter into agreements with designated custodians concerning their powers and duties under this section and the agreements may provide for payments to be made to the designated custodians.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

Disclosure to designated custodian

162.2 (1) The Minister, the Registrar General under the Vital Statistics Act, a society, a licensee and such other persons as may be prescribed shall give a designated custodian under section 162.1 such information that relates to adoptions as may be prescribed in such circumstances as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

Same, adoption orders

(2) A court shall give a designated custodian a certified copy of an adoption order made under this Part together with such other documents as may be prescribed in such circumstances as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

Disclosure to others

By the Minister

162.3 (1) The Minister shall give such information that relates to adoptions as may be prescribed to such persons as may be prescribed in such circumstances as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

By a society

(2) A society shall give such information that relates to adoptions as may be prescribed to such persons as may be prescribed in such circumstances as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

By a licensee

(3) A licensee shall give such information that relates to adoptions as may be prescribed to such persons as may be prescribed in such circumstances as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

By a custodian

(4) A designated custodian under section 162.1 shall give such information that relates to adoptions as may be prescribed to such persons as may be prescribed in such circumstances as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

Scope of application

162.4 Sections 162.2 and 162.3 apply with respect to information that relates to an adoption regardless of when the adoption order was made.  2005, c. 25, s. 16.

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 16, 36 (2).

Registrar of Adoption Information

Registrar of Adoption Information

163. (1) The Minister may appoint an employee of the Ministry as Registrar of Adoption Information for the purposes of this section and sections 164 to 174.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 163 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 17 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 17 (1), 36 (2).

Duties of Registrar

(2) The Registrar shall,

(a) maintain a register for the purposes of section 167;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 17 (2).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 17 (2), 36 (2).

(b) ensure that counselling is provided to persons who receive identifying information from the Registrar;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (b) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 17 (3).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 17 (3), 36 (2).

(c) ensure that counselling is made available to persons who receive non-identifying information from the Registrar, who are or may wish to be named in the register, or who are concerned that they may be affected by the disclosure of identifying information;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (c) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 17 (4).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 17 (4), 36 (2).

(d) have searches conducted in accordance with subsection 169 (3).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 163 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (d) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 17 (5).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 17 (5), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 17 (6).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 17 (6), 36 (2).

Delegation of Registrar’s powers and duties

(3) The Registrar may, in writing, authorize other employees of the Ministry to exercise any or all of the Registrar’s powers and perform any or all of the Registrar’s duties.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 163 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 17 (7).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 17 (7), 36 (2).

Counselling

(4) The counselling referred to in this section and in sections 166 (disclosure of non-identifying information), 167 (adoption disclosure register) and 170 (persons adopted outside Ontario) shall be provided by persons who are, in the opinion of the Registrar or a local director, qualified to do so.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 163 (4).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 17 (8).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 17 (8), 36 (2).

Confidentiality rules apply

164. Sections 165 to 174 apply regardless of when the adoption order was made.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 164.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 164 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 18.  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 18, 36 (2).

Confidentiality of Adoption Records

Adoption information confidential

165. (1) Despite any other Act, after an adoption order is made, no person shall inspect, remove, alter or permit the inspection, removal or alteration of information that relates to the adoption and is kept,

(a) by the Ministry;

(b) by a society or licensee; or

(c) in the adoption disclosure register maintained under clause 163 (2) (a),

or disclose or permit the disclosure of such information that the person obtained from the records of the Ministry, including the register, or from the records of a society or licensee.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 165 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 19 and the following substituted:

Confidentiality of adoption information

(1) Despite any other Act, after an adoption order is made, no person shall inspect, remove, alter or disclose information that relates to the adoption and is kept by the Ministry, a society, a licensee or a designated custodian under section 162.1 and no person shall permit it to be inspected, removed, altered or disclosed except as authorized under this Act.  2005, c. 25, s. 19.

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 19, 36 (2).

Exceptions

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to,

(a) the disclosure of information by a person who obtained it before the adoption order was made, if the information was obtained in accordance with this Act and the regulations or with the consent of the person to whom the information relates;

(b) the disclosure of non-identifying information in accordance with section 166 or 170 (persons adopted outside Ontario);

(c) the disclosure of identifying information in accordance with section 167 (adoption disclosure register) or 170;

(d) the disclosure of identifying or non-identifying information in accordance with section 168 (disclosure to protect health, safety or welfare);

(e) the disclosure of information in accordance with an order of the Board under subsection 172 (10);

(f) the routine maintenance and updating of records by the Ministry or a society or licensee;

(g) the release by the Registrar of Adoption Information of a copy of an adoption order to,

(i) the adoptive parent,

(ii) the adopted person or any other person if, in the Registrar’s opinion, it is desirable that he or she receive a copy of the adoption order, or

(iii) a governmental authority that requires the copy to issue a birth certificate, passport or visa;

(h) the inspection, by a person named in subsection (3), of information kept by the Ministry or a society or licensee, or the disclosure of such information to such a person;

(i) the disclosure of information to a person who is engaged in research, in accordance with subsection (4).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 165 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 19 and the following substituted:

Application

(2) This section applies regardless of when the adoption order was made.  2005, c. 25, s. 19.

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 19, 36 (2).

Persons entitled to share information

(3) Clause (2) (h) applies in respect of:

1. The Minister.

2. The Registrar of Adoption Information.

3. A Director, or an employee of the Ministry who has a Director’s written authority.

4. A local director, or an employee of a society who has the local director’s written authority.

5. A licensee who is an individual, a director of a licensee that is a corporation, or an employee of a licensee who has the licensee’s written authority.

6. A child protection or child placement agency that is recognized in another jurisdiction.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 165 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 19.  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 19, 36 (2).

Research

(4) A person who is engaged in research may, with the written approval of the Registrar of Adoption Information or, in the case of information kept by a society, with the local director’s written approval, inspect and use information that relates to adoptions, but shall not,

(a) use or communicate the information for any purpose except research, academic pursuits or the compilation of statistical data; or

(b) communicate any identifying information.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 165 (4).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 19.  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 19, 36 (2).

Privacy

(5) The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act does not apply to information that relates to an adoption.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 165 (5).

Disclosure of Non-Identifying Information

Interpretation, information

Definition

166. (1) In this section and in sections 167 to 174,

“Registrar” means the Registrar of Adoption Information appointed under subsection 163 (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (1), 36 (2).

Idem

(2) In this section and in sections 163, 165 and 167 to 174,

“identifying information” means information whose disclosure, alone or in combination with other information, will in the circumstances reveal the identity of the person to whom it relates; (“renseignements identificatoires”)

“non-identifying information” means information that is not identifying information. (“renseignements non identificatoires”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (1), 36 (2).

Idem

(3) In this section and in sections 167, 168 and 169,

“adopted person” means a person who was adopted in Ontario; (“personne adoptée”)

“birth grandparent” means any parent of a birth parent; (“grand-père ou grand-mère de sang”)

“birth parent” means an adopted person’s biological mother or father, and includes a person whose consent to another person’s adoption was required under clause 137 (2) (a) or a predecessor of that provision and was given or was dispensed with; (“père ou mère de sang”)

“birth sibling” means a child of the same birth parent as an adopted person, and includes the birth parent’s adopted child and a person whom the birth parent has demonstrated a settled intention to treat as a child of his or her family; (“frère ou soeur de sang”)

“register” means the register maintained under clause 163 (2) (a). (“registre”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (1), 36 (2).

Who may request information

(4) Each of the following persons may make a request to the Registrar for non-identifying information that relates to an adoption:

1. The adopted person, if he or she has attained the age of eighteen years or has the written consent of an adoptive parent.

2. An adoptive parent.

3. A birth parent or birth grandparent.

4. A birth sibling who has attained the age of eighteen years.

5. A person who is a member of a prescribed class, if the person has the written consent of the adopted person and the adopted person would be entitled to make the request or, if not, the written consent of an adoptive parent.

6. Any other person if, in the Registrar’s opinion, it is desirable that the person be able to request non-identifying information as if he or she were a birth parent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (4).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (2).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (2), 36 (2).

Disclosure of information

(5) When a person makes a request under subsection (4), the Registrar shall do one of the following:

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (4) by striking out the portion before paragraph 1 and substituting the following:

Transition

(5) If a person has made a request to the Registrar under subsection (4), as it reads immediately before the day on which subsection 20 (2) of the Adoption Information Disclosure Act, 2005 comes into force, asking the Registrar for non-identifying information that relates to an adoption, the Registrar shall do one of the following:

See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (4), 36 (2).

1. Disclose to the person all the relevant non-identifying information in the Ministry’s possession that relates to the adoption.

2. Forward that information to a society or licensee for disclosure to the person in accordance with subsection (7).

3. If the person lives outside Ontario, disclose that information to a child protection or child placement agency that is recognized in the jurisdiction where the person lives, or to an individual in that jurisdiction who, in the Registrar’s opinion, is qualified to provide counselling.

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 3 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (3) by striking out “or to an individual in that jurisdiction who, in the Registrar’s opinion, is qualified to provide counselling”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (3), 36 (2).

4. Refer the person’s request to a society or licensee that has the relevant information.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (5).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (5).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (5), 36 (2).

Counselling

(6) When the Registrar discloses information under subsection (5), he or she shall also ensure that counselling is made available to the person receiving the information.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (6).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (6) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (6).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (6), 36 (2).

Information forwarded to society or licensee

(7) When the Registrar forwards information to a society or licensee under subsection (5), the society or licensee shall disclose it to the person who requested it and shall also make counselling available to him or her.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (7).

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (7) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (7) by striking out “and shall also make counselling available to him or her”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (7), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (7) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (8).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (8), 36 (2).

Societies and licensees

(8) Subsections (4), (5), (6) and (7) also apply with necessary modifications to societies and licensees.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (8).

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (8) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (9) by striking out “Subsections (4), (5), (6) and (7)” at the beginning and substituting “Subsections (4), (5) and (7)”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (9), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (8) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (10).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (10), 36 (2).

Further disclosure

(9) A person who receives information under subsection (5) or (7) may disclose it to any person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 166 (9).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (9) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (11).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (11), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 166 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (12) by adding the following subsection:

Transition: cessation of activities

(10) On the day on which this subsection comes into force, the Registrar shall cease any activity under subsection (5) that is not yet completed in connection with a request made under subsection (4).  2005, c. 25, s. 20 (12).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (12), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (10) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 20 (13).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 20 (13), 36 (2).

Adoption Disclosure Register

Disclosure of identifying information

167. (1) After an adoption order is made in Ontario, identifying information that relates to the adoption may be disclosed in accordance with this section or section 168 (disclosure to protect health, safety or welfare).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (1), 36 (2).

Who may apply to be named in register

(2) Each of the following persons may apply to a society or to the Registrar to be named in the register:

1. An adopted person who has attained the age of eighteen years.

2. The birth parent or birth grandparent of an adopted person.

3. The birth sibling of an adopted person, if the birth sibling has attained the age of eighteen years.

4. Any other person if, in the Registrar’s opinion, it is desirable that the person be named in the register as if he or she were a birth parent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (2).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (2), 36 (2).

Society to forward application

(3) A society that receives an application shall promptly send it to the Registrar.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (2).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (2), 36 (2).

Entry in register, etc.

(4) On receiving an application, the Registrar shall enter the applicant’s name in the register and then make a search to determine whether the adopted person and his or her birth parent, birth grandparent or birth sibling or a person described in paragraph 4 of subsection (2) are both named in the register.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (4).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (3) and the following substituted:

Transition

(4) If a person has applied under subsection (2), as it reads immediately before the day on which subsection 21 (2) of the Adoption Information Disclosure Act, 2005 comes into force, to a society or to the Registrar to be named in the register,

(a) the Registrar shall enter the applicant’s name in the register; and

(b) the Registrar shall then make a search to determine whether both of the following persons are named in the register:

(i) the adopted person, and

(ii) another person who is his or her birth parent, birth grandparent, birth sibling or another person named by the Registrar in the register as if he or she were a birth parent.  2005, c. 25, s. 21 (3).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (3), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (4).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (4), 36 (2).

Further consents

(5) If the Registrar determines that an adopted person and his or her birth parent, birth grandparent or birth sibling or a person described in paragraph 4 of subsection (2) are both named in the register, the Registrar shall, after ensuring that each of them receives counselling, give both persons an opportunity to consent in writing to the disclosure of information in accordance with subsections (8) and (9).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (5).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (5) and the following substituted:

Further consents

(5) If the Registrar determines that an adopted person and another person described in subsection (4) are both named in the register, the Registrar shall give both persons an opportunity to consent in writing to the disclosure of information in accordance with subsections (8) and (9).  2005, c. 25, s. 21 (5).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (5), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (6).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (6), 36 (2).

Registrar to compile relevant material

(6) If both persons give the further consent referred to in subsection (5), the Registrar shall compile the material described in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3:

1. All relevant identifying information from the records of the Ministry and of societies and licensees.

2. If the adopted person requests it, copies of the documents referred to in subsection 162 (2) (court file).

3. If the adopted person requests it, an extract of information from his or her original birth registration kept by the Registrar General under the Vital Statistics Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (6); 1999, c. 12, Sched. E, s. 1 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (6) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (7).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (7), 36 (2).

Idem

(7) The compiled material shall include only information that pertains to the adopted person or the other person named in the register and shall not include a copy of the adopted person’s original birth registration.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (7); 1999, c. 12, Sched. E, s. 1 (4).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (7) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (8).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (8), 36 (2).

Disclosure by Registrar

(8) The Registrar shall ensure that the compiled material is promptly disclosed to the adopted person and also to the other person named in the register, separately and in accordance with one or more of the methods described in subsection (9).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (8).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (8) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (9).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (9), 36 (2).

Idem

(9) The Registrar may,

(a) make the compiled material available to the adopted person or the other person named in the register, or to both, first ensuring that each person to whom the material is made available receives counselling;

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (10) by striking out “first ensuring that each person to whom the material is made available receives counselling”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (10), 36 (2).

(b) forward the compiled material to a society that he or she considers appropriate to undertake disclosure to the adopted person or the other person named in the register, or to both;

(c) if the adopted person or the other person named in the register lives outside Ontario, forward the compiled material to a child protection or child placement agency that is recognized in the jurisdiction where the person lives, or to an individual in that jurisdiction, but only if the Registrar is satisfied that the person will receive appropriate counselling.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (9).

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (c) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (11) by striking out “but only if the Registrar is satisfied that the person will receive appropriate counselling”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (11), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (9) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (12).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (12), 36 (2).

Exception: further consent

(10) If a person whose further consent to disclosure would be required is named in the register but has died, cannot be found despite a discreet and reasonable search that has continued for at least six months, or appears to lack capacity as defined in subsection 4 (1), the Registrar may disclose information to the other person named in the register in accordance with subsection (9) without the first-named person’s further consent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (10).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (10) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (13).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (13), 36 (2).

Duty of society

(11) A society that receives compiled material under clause (9) (b) shall promptly make it available to the adopted person or the other person named in the register, or both, as the case may be, first ensuring that each person to whom the material is made available receives counselling.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (11).

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (11) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (14) by striking out “first ensuring that each person to whom the material is made available receives counselling”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (14), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (11) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (15).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (15), 36 (2).

Additional information

(12) If the society’s records contain identifying information that pertains to the adopted person or the other person named in the register and that is not included in the compiled material, the society shall disclose the information in the same manner as the compiled material.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (12).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (12) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (16).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (16), 36 (2).

Duty of society

(13) A society shall provide counselling to persons who receive identifying information from the society, and shall make counselling available to persons who are named or may wish to be named in the register or who are concerned that they may be affected by the disclosure of identifying information.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (13).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (13) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (17).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (17), 36 (2).

Further disclosure

(14) A person who is named in the register and receives information under subsection (9), (10), (11) or (12) may disclose it to any person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 167 (14).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (14) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (18).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (18), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 167 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (19) by adding the following subsection:

Transition: cessation of activities

(15) On the day on which this subsection comes into force, the Registrar shall cease any activity under this section that has not yet been completed in connection with an application made under subsection (2) or a consent given under subsection (5).  2005, c. 25, s. 21 (19).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (19), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (15) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 21 (20).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 21 (20), 36 (2).

Disclosure to Protect Health, Safety or Welfare

Disclosure to protect health, safety or welfare

168. (1) The Registrar may disclose identifying or non-identifying information that relates to an adoption to any person if, in the Registrar’s opinion, the health, safety or welfare of that person or of any other person requires the disclosure.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 168 (1).

Application of subs. (1)

(2) Subsection (1) applies whether the adoption order was made in Ontario or elsewhere.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 168 (2).

Further disclosure

(3) A person who receives information under this section in the course of his or her professional or official duties may disclose it further only for the purpose of protecting a person’s health, safety or welfare.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 168 (3).

Idem

(4) A person who receives information under this section otherwise than as described in subsection (3) may disclose it to any person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 168 (4).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 168 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 22.  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 22, 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 23 (1) by adding the following section:

Transition: request for search

168.1 (1) Such persons as may be prescribed may ask the Registrar to search on the person’s behalf in such circumstances as may be prescribed for a specific person in a prescribed class of persons.  2005, c. 25, s. 23 (1).

Same

(2) The Registrar shall have a discreet and reasonable search made for the specific person.  2005, c. 25, s. 23 (1).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 23 (1), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 168.1 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 23 (2).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 23 (2), 36 (2).

Searches

Request for search by Registrar

169. (1) An adopted person who has attained the age of eighteen years may ask the Registrar to search on his or her behalf for a specific person in one of the following categories:

1. A person whose consent to the adoption was required under clause 137 (2) (a) or a predecessor of that provision and was given or was dispensed with.

2. A person who has acknowledged that he is the adopted person’s biological father.

3. A parent of a person described in paragraph 1 or 2.

4. A birth sibling of the adopted person who has also attained the age of eighteen years.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 169 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 24 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 24 (1), 36 (2).

Idem, member of prescribed class

(2) A person who is a member of a prescribed class may ask the Registrar to search on his or her behalf for a specific adopted person who has attained the age of eighteen years.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 169 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 24 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 24 (1), 36 (2).

Duty of Registrar

(3) The Registrar shall have a discreet and reasonable search made for the person mentioned in the request, and shall seek to ascertain whether that person wishes to be named in the register.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 169 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 24 (2) and the following substituted:

Transition

(3) If a person has made a request to the Registrar under subsection (1) or (2), as those subsections read immediately before the day on which subsection 24 (1) of the Adoption Information Disclosure Act, 2005 comes into force, asking the Registrar to search on the person’s behalf for a specific person,

(a) the Registrar shall have a discreet and reasonable search made for the specific person; and

(b) the Registrar shall seek to ascertain whether that person wishes to be named in the register.  2005, c. 25, s. 24 (2).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 24 (2), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 24 (3).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 24 (3), 36 (2).

Exception re disclosure

(4) If the Registrar discovers that the person mentioned in the request has died or appears to lack capacity as defined in subsection 4 (1), or if the person cannot be found despite a discreet and reasonable search that has continued for at least six months, the Registrar may disclose information to the person who made the request, in accordance with section 167, as if both persons were named in the register.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 169 (4).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 24 (4).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 24 (4), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 169 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 24 (5) by adding the following subsection:

Transition: cessation of activities

(5) On the day on which this subsection comes into force, the Registrar shall cease any activity under this section that has not yet been completed in connection with a request made under subsection (1) or (2).  2005, c. 25, s. 24 (5).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 24 (5), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 24 (6).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 24 (6), 36 (2).

Persons Adopted Outside Ontario

Out of province adoption information

170. (1) In this section,

“adopted person” means a person who was adopted outside Ontario; (“personne adoptée”)

“birth parent” means an adopted person’s biological mother or father, or a person whose consent to another person’s adoption was given or dispensed with; (“père ou mère de sang”)

“birth grandparent” means any parent of a birth parent; (“grand-père ou grand-mère de sang”)

“birth sibling” means a child of the same birth parent as an adopted person, and includes the birth parent’s adopted child and a person whom the birth parent has demonstrated a settled intention to treat as a child of his or her family; (“frère ou soeur de sang”)

“out of province adoption” means an adoption where the adoption order was made outside Ontario. (“adoption hors province”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 170 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (1), 36 (2).

Who may request non-identifying information

(2) Each of the following persons may make a request to the Registrar for non-identifying information that relates to an out of province adoption:

1. The adopted person, if he or she has attained the age of eighteen years or has the written consent of an adoptive parent.

2. An adoptive parent.

3. A birth parent or birth grandparent.

4. A birth sibling who has attained the age of eighteen years.

5. Any other person if, in the opinion of the Registrar or local director, it is desirable that the person receive non-identifying information as if he or she were a birth parent.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 170 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (2).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (2), 36 (2).

Disclosure of information

(3) When a person makes a request under subsection (2), the Registrar shall disclose to the person all the relevant non-identifying information in the Ministry’s possession that relates to the adoption.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 170 (3).

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (3) by striking out “When a person makes a request under subsection (2)” and substituting “If a person has made a request to the Registrar under subsection (2), as it reads immediately before the day on which subsection 25 (2) of the Adoption Information Disclosure Act, 2005 comes into force”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (3), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (4).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (4), 36 (2).

Counselling

(4) When the Registrar discloses information under subsection (3), he or she shall also ensure that counselling is made available to the person receiving the information, to the extent that it is feasible to do so.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 170 (4).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (5).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (5), 36 (2).

Societies and licensees

(5) Subsections (2), (3) and (4) also apply with necessary modifications to societies and licensees.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 170 (5).

Note:  On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (6) by striking out “Subsections (2), (3) and (4)” at the beginning and substituting “Subsections (2) and (3)”.  See:  2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (6), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (7).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (7), 36 (2).

Disclosure of identifying information to agency outside Ontario

(6) If identifying information that relates to an out of province adoption is kept by the Ministry or by a society, the Registrar may provide the information to a child protection or child placement agency that is recognized in another jurisdiction, for disclosure in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 170 (6).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (6) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (8).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (8), 36 (2).

Further disclosure

(7) A person who receives information under this section may disclose it to any person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 170 (7).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (7) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (9).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (9), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 170 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (10) by adding the following subsection:

Transition: cessation of activities

(8) On the day on which this subsection comes into force, the Registrar shall cease any activity under this section that has not yet been completed in connection with a request made under subsection (2).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (10), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (8) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 25 (11).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 25 (11), 36 (2).

Refusal of Information

Refusal to disclose information

Refusal to disclose non-identifying information

171. (1) The disclosure of non-identifying information that a person would otherwise be entitled to receive under section 166 or 170 may be refused,

(a) by the Registrar if, in his or her opinion, the disclosure might result in serious physical or emotional harm to any person;

(b) by a society if, in the local director’s opinion, the disclosure might result in serious physical or emotional harm to any person;

(c) by a licensee if, in the Registrar’s opinion, the disclosure might result in serious physical or emotional harm to any person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 171 (1).

Refusal to disclose identifying information

(2) The disclosure of identifying information that a person would otherwise be entitled to receive under section 167 may be refused by the Registrar or by a society if, in the Registrar’s opinion, the disclosure might result in serious physical or emotional harm to any person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 171 (2).

Notice of refusal

(3) When the disclosure of information is refused under this section, the Registrar or local director, as the case may be, shall promptly give the person seeking the information notice of the refusal, the reason for it and the person’s right to a review under section 172.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 171 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 171 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 26.  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 26, 36 (2).

Review

Review by Child and Family Services Review Board

172. (1) A person who is refused information in accordance with section 171 may, within twenty days of receiving notice of the decision, request that the Board review the matter.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (1).

Duty of Board

(2) The Board shall conduct a review with respect to the request, following the prescribed procedures.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (2).

Hearings

(3) Unless the parties to a review agree otherwise, the Board shall hold a hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (3).

Parties

(4) The parties to a review are,

(a) the person who requested the review;

(b) the person who gave notice of the decision to withhold the information.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (4).

Registrar to be added

(5) At any stage in a review, the Board shall add the Registrar as a party on his or her request.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (5).

Information need not be disclosed in course of review

(6) The Board may examine the information without disclosing it to the person who requested the review.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (6).

Idem, evidence and submissions

(7) The Board may receive any evidence and submissions without disclosing them to the person who requested the review, and when the Board holds a hearing it may hear any part of the evidence and submissions in that person’s absence.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (7).

Lawyer or agent not to be excluded

(8) When the Board acts under subsection (6) or (7), the lawyer or agent of the person who requested the review is nevertheless entitled to examine the information and to be present, to cross-examine witnesses and to make submissions, or to examine the evidence and submissions and respond to them, as the case may be, on condition that the lawyer or agent undertakes not to reveal the information, evidence and submissions to his or her client.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (8).

Time for decision

(9) The Board shall complete its review and make a decision within ninety days of receiving notice of the request, unless the parties consent to a longer period.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (9).

Board’s decision

(10) After conducting a review, the Board may make an order requiring the Registrar, society or licensee, as the case may be, to disclose all or part of the information to the person, or may make an order confirming the refusal.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (10).

Conditions

(11) The Board may include conditions in its order.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (11).

Written decision with reasons

(12) Whether the Board holds a hearing or not, it shall give its decision in writing, with reasons.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 172 (12).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 172 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 27.  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 27, 36 (2).

Information in Court File

Information in court file

173. (1) This section applies to court proceedings that relate to decisions made by the Board under section 172 or by the Registrar, local directors or licensees under sections 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170 and 171.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 173 (1).

Examination of identifying information in court file

(2) Unless the court orders otherwise, only the court may examine identifying information that is in the court file and comes from the records of the Ministry or of a society or licensee.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 173 (2).

Disclosure of information

(3) No person shall, without the court’s permission, disclose identifying information described in subsection (2) that he or she obtained from the court file.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 173 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 173 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 28.  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 28, 36 (2).

Fees and Expenses

Fees and expenses

174. The Registrar, societies and licensees may charge the prescribed fees for services provided under clause 165 (2) (g) and sections 166, 167, 169 and 170, and may charge up to the prescribed amounts for expenses incurred in providing services under sections 166, 167, 169 and 170.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 174.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 174 is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 29.  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 29, 36 (2).

Offences

No payments for adoption

175. No person, whether before or after a child’s birth, shall give, receive or agree to give or receive a payment or reward of any kind in connection with,

(a) the child’s adoption or placement for adoption;

(b) a consent under section 137 to the child’s adoption; or

(c) negotiations or arrangements with a view to the child’s adoption,

except for,

(d) the prescribed expenses of a licensee, or such greater expenses as are approved by a Director;

(e) proper legal fees and disbursements; and

(f) a subsidy paid by an approved agency or by the Minister to an adoptive parent or to a person with whom a child is placed for adoption.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 175.

Offence

176. (1) A person who contravenes subsection 141 (1), (2) or (3) (placement for adoption) and a director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in such a contravention by the corporation is guilty of an offence, whether an order is subsequently made for the child’s adoption or not, and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both.

Idem

(2) A person who contravenes subsection 141 (4) (receiving child) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both.

Idem

(3) A person who contravenes subsection 143 (2) (interference with child) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.

Idem

(4) A person who contravenes section 175 and a director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in such a contravention by the corporation is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than three years, or to both.

Limitation period

(5) A proceeding under subsection (1), (2) or (4) shall not be commenced after the expiration of two years after the date on which the offence was, or is alleged to have been, committed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 176.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 30 by adding the following section:

Unauthorized disclosure of information by designated custodian

176.1 (1) No designated custodian under section 162.1 shall disclose any information provided to the custodian under section 162.2 unless the disclosure is made in accordance with the regulations.  2005, c. 25, s. 30.

Offence

(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.  2005, c. 25, s. 30.

Same

(3) A director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in a contravention of subsection (1) by the corporation is guilty of an offence.  2005, c. 25, s. 30.

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 30, 36 (2).

Injunction

Injunction

177. (1) The Superior Court of Justice may grant an injunction to restrain a person from contravening subsection 143 (2), on the society’s or licensee’s application.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 177 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Variation, etc.

(2) The Court may vary or terminate an order made under subsection (1), on any person’s application.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 177 (2).

PART VIII
CONFIDENTIALITY OF AND ACCESS TO RECORDS

Definitions

178. (1) In this Part,

“family”, when used in reference to a person, means,

(a) the person’s parents and children, and

(b) the person’s spouse within the meaning of Part III of the Family Law Act; (“famille”)

“record”, when used in reference to a person, means all recorded information, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that,

(a) relates to the person,

(b) is recorded in connection with the provision of an approved service, or a service purchased by an approved agency, to the person or a member of the person’s family, and

(c) is under the control of a service provider. (“dossier”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 178 (1); 2005, c. 5, s. 7 (2).

Proclamation

(2) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 178 (2).

Exceptions

Exception: information in existing records

179. (1) This Part does not apply to information recorded before the day this Part comes into force.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 179 (1).

Exception: certain kinds of records

(2) This Part does not apply to a record,

(a) obtained by means of an order made under subsection 74 (3) of Part III (child abuse investigation);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 31 and the following substituted:

(a)  obtained by means of an order made under subsection 74 (3) or (3.1) or a warrant obtained under section 74.1 or 74.2;

See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 31, 38.

(b) in the register maintained under subsection 75 (5) of Part III (child abuse register);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (b) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, section 31.  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 31, 38.

(c) that relates to the adoption of a child under Part VII;

(d) in the adoption disclosure register maintained under clause 163 (2) (a) of Part VII;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (d) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 31 (1).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 31 (1), 36 (2).

(e) that relates to a patient and whose disclosure without the patient’s consent would contravene a regulation made under the Health Disciplines Act;

(f) that is a record of personal health information within the meaning of “record of personal health information” in the Mental Health Act;

(g) that is a medical record kept by a hospital that is approved under the Public Hospitals Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 179 (2); 2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78 (7).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 179 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 31 (2) by adding the following subsection:

Exception re adoption-related information

(2.1) This Part does not apply to information given to a designated custodian under section 162.2 or to another person under section 162.3.  2005, c. 25, s. 31 (2).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 31 (2), 36 (2).

Proclamation

(3) Subsection (1) and clauses (2) (a), (b), (c), (e), (f) and (g) shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 179 (3).

Disclosure of Records

Prohibition

180. (1) No service provider or employee of a service provider shall disclose a person’s record to any person, except in accordance with section 181 (disclosure with consent), 182 (disclosure without consent) or 183 (access by subject and parents) or subsection 188 (4) (review by Board).

Exception

(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent the disclosure of a person’s record that is,

(a) required or permitted by,

(i) another Act or a regulation made under another Act, or

(ii) an order of a court; or

(b) permitted by the Young Offenders Act (Canada).

Proclamation

(3) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 180.

Consent to disclosure: child under sixteen

181. (1) A service provider may disclose the record of a child under the age of sixteen years, with the written consent of the child’s parent or, where the child is in a society’s lawful custody, the society’s written consent.

Exception: child’s counselling records

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a record created in connection with the provision of counselling services to a child under section 28 of Part II (Voluntary Access to Services), which may be disclosed only with the child’s written consent.

Consent to disclosure: person over sixteen

(3) A service provider may disclose the record of a person who is sixteen years of age or older with that person’s written consent.

Requirements for consent

(4) A consent given under subsection (1), (2) or (3) to the disclosure of a person’s record shall specify,

(a) what information is to be disclosed;

(b) the purpose of the disclosure;

(c) to whom the record is to be disclosed;

(d) whether the consent authorizes the further disclosure of the record by the person referred to in clause (c), and, if so, to whom and for what purposes; and

(e) the period of time during which the consent remains effective, unless revoked.

When revocation of consent effective

(5) The revocation of a consent given under subsection (1), (2) or (3) is effective when it is delivered to the service provider in writing or the service provider otherwise obtains actual notice of it.

Proclamation

(6) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 181.

Disclosure without consent

182. (1) A service provider may disclose a person’s record without any consent referred to in section 181,

(a) to persons who provide approved services as employees or agents of the service provider;

(b) to a foster parent, if the person is a child who is in the foster parent’s care;

(c) to employees, officers and professional advisors of the service provider who require access to the person’s record for the performance of their duties;

(d) to a society, if the person is a child who is in the society’s care under,

(i) an order made under Part III (Child Protection), or

(ii) a temporary care agreement or special needs agreement made under Part II (Voluntary Access to Services), unless the agreement provides otherwise;

(e) to a peace officer, if the service provider believes on reasonable grounds that,

(i) failure to disclose the person’s record is likely to cause the person or another person physical or emotional harm, and

(ii) the need for disclosure is urgent;

(f) to a person who is providing medical treatment to the person whose record is concerned, if the service provider believes on reasonable grounds that,

(i) failure to disclose the record is likely to cause the person whose record is concerned physical or emotional harm, and

(ii) the need for disclosure is urgent; or

(g) to a review team for the purposes of section 73 of Part III (Child Protection).

Idem: research

(2) A service provider may, with a Director’s written approval obtained in accordance with the regulations, disclose a person’s record to a person engaged in research, but that person shall not,

(a) use or communicate information from the record for any purpose except research, academic pursuits or the compilation of statistical data; or

(b) communicate any information that may have the effect of identifying a person whose record is disclosed.

Mandatory disclosure

(3) A service provider shall disclose a person’s record without any consent referred to in section 181,

(a) to a program supervisor; or

(b) to a Director,

who requests its disclosure.

Prohibition

(4) A program supervisor or Director shall not use or communicate information from a person’s record obtained under subsection (3) for any purpose outside the scope of his or her duties.

Notice of disclosure without consent

(5) A service provider who discloses a person’s record under clause (1) (e) or (f) shall promptly give written notice of the disclosure to the person whose record was disclosed.

Proclamation

(6) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 182.

Disclosure of records of mental disorders

183. (1) In this section,

“record of a mental disorder” means a record or a part of a record made about a person concerning a substantial disorder of emotional processes, thought or cognition of the person which grossly impairs the person’s capacity to make reasoned judgments.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 183 (1).

Disclosure pursuant to summons

(2) A service provider shall disclose, transmit or permit the examination of a record of a mental disorder pursuant to a summons, order, direction, notice or similar requirement in respect of a matter in issue or that may be in issue in a court of competent jurisdiction or under any Act unless a physician states in writing that he or she believes that to do so,

(a) is likely to result in harm to the treatment or recovery of the person to whom the record relates; or

(b) is likely to result in,

(i) injury to the mental condition of another person, or

(ii) bodily harm to another person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 183 (2).

Hearing to be held

(3) The court before which a matter described in subsection (2) is in issue on motion or, where a disclosure, transmittal or examination is not required by a court, the Divisional Court on motion shall determine whether the record referred to in the physician’s statement should be disclosed, transmitted or examined.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 183 (3).

Idem

(4) A motion under subsection (3) shall be on notice to the physician and shall be held in the absence of the public.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 183 (4).

Consideration of court

(5) In a motion under subsection (3), the court shall consider whether or not the disclosure, transmittal or examination of the record referred to in the physician’s statement is likely to have a result described in clause (2) (a) or (b) and for the purpose the court may examine the record.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 183 (5).

Order of court

(6) The court shall not order that the record referred to in the physician’s statement be disclosed, transmitted or examined if the court is satisfied that a result described in clause (2) (a) or (b) is likely unless satisfied that to do so is essential in the interests of justice.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 183 (6).

Conflict

(6.1) Subsections (2) to (6) prevail despite anything in the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004.  2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 78 (8).

Return of record to service provider

(7) Where a record of a mental disorder is required under this section, the clerk of the court or body in which it is admitted in evidence or, if not so admitted, the person to whom the record is transmitted shall return the record to the service provider forthwith after the determination of the matter in issue in respect of which the record was required.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 183 (7).

Access to Records

Right of access to personal records

184. (1) Subject to subsection (2) and section 185, a person who is twelve years of age or older has a right to and shall on request be given access to,

(a) his or her own records;

(b) the records of his or her child who is under the age of sixteen years; and

(c) the records of a child who is in his or her lawful custody or charge and is under the age of sixteen years.

Exception: child’s counselling records

(2) Clauses (1) (b) and (c) do not apply to a record created in connection with the provision of counselling services to a child under section 28 of Part II (Voluntary Access to Services), which may be disclosed to the child’s parent only with the child’s written consent.

Restriction by parent, etc.

(3) Any parent of a child, if the child is under the age of sixteen years, may designate specific information that is contained in the child’s record and relates to the parent as information that shall not be disclosed to the child, and the service provider shall not disclose the designated information to the child.

Child’s access to own records

(4) The consent of a child’s parent is not required for the child’s access to a record under subsection (1).

Proclamation

(5) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 184.

Where access may be refused

185. (1) A service provider may refuse to give a person referred to in subsection 184 (1) access to all or part of his or her record where the person is a child under the age of sixteen years and the service provider is of the opinion that access to all or part of the record would cause the child physical or emotional harm.

Information that may be withheld

(2) A service provider may withhold from a person referred to in subsection 184 (1) the name of another person and other information relating to that other person where the service provider is of the opinion that disclosure is likely to result in physical or emotional harm to that other person.

Idem: informants

(3) A service provider may withhold from a person referred to in subsection 184 (1) the name of an individual who has provided information in the person’s record but is not engaged in providing services.

Idem: assessments

(4) A service provider may withhold from a person referred to in subsection 184 (1) the contents of a medical, emotional, developmental, psychological, educational or social assessment performed by a person who is not employed by the service provider, but may not withhold that person’s name.

Proclamation

(5) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 185.

Duty of service provider

186. (1) Where a person referred to in subsection 184 (1) requests access to a record, the service provider shall, within thirty days of receiving the request,

(a) give the person access to the record;

(b) notify the person that the service provider refuses to give him or her access to part of the record, stating the reasons for the refusal, and give the person access to the rest of the record;

(c) notify the person that the service provider refuses to give him or her access to the record, stating the reasons for the refusal; or

(d) notify the person that this Part does not apply to the record or that the record does not exist, if that is the case.

Notice of right of review

(2) A notice of a refusal of access under clause (1) (b) or (c) shall contain a statement of the person’s right to request a review of the matter under subsection 188 (1).

Proclamation

(3) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 186.

Right to have record corrected

187. (1) A person who has a right to access to a record under subsection 184 (1) also has a right to have errors or omissions in the record corrected.

Duty of service provider

(2) Where a person referred to in subsection (1) requests that a service provider correct an error or omission in a record, the service provider shall, within thirty days of receiving the request,

(a) make the correction as requested, and give notice of the correction to every person to whom the service provider has disclosed the record;

(b) notify the person that the service provider refuses to make the correction as requested, stating the reasons for the refusal, and note the request and response on the record; or

(c) notify the person that this Part does not apply to the record or that the record does not exist, if that is the case.

Notice of right of review

(3) A notice of a refusal to make a correction under clause (2) (b) shall contain a statement of the person’s right to request a review of the matter under subsection 188 (1).

Proclamation

(4) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 187.

Review

Right to review: refusal of access or correction

188. (1) A person referred to in subsection 184 (1) or 187 (1) whose request for access to or correction of a record is refused in whole or in part may, within twenty days of receiving notice of the refusal, request that the Board review the matter.

Idem: unauthorized disclosure

(2) A person who believes that a service provider may have disclosed his or her record without authority may, within twenty days of becoming aware of the possible unauthorized disclosure, request that the Board review the matter.

Duty of Board

(3) Where the Board receives notice of a request for review under subsection (1) or (2), it shall review the matter, following the prescribed procedures, and may do so by holding a hearing.

Board may examine record

(4) In conducting a review requested under subsection (1) or (2), the Board may examine the record in question.

Decision of Board

(5) On completing a review requested under subsection (1), the Board may,

(a) order the service provider to give the person access to all or part of the record;

(b) order the service provider to make a correction to the record and give the notice referred to in clause 187 (2) (a); or

(c) if it is satisfied that the refusal appealed from is justified, confirm the refusal,

and shall provide a copy of its decision to the person who requested the review, the service provider and the Minister.

Idem

(6) On completing a review requested under subsection (2), the Board,

(a) shall, unless it is satisfied that no disclosure or no unauthorized disclosure of the person’s record took place, declare that the disclosure was unauthorized;

(b) may order the service provider to change its procedures for the maintenance and disclosure of persons’ records, or to desist from a particular disclosure practice; and

(c) where it is satisfied that an unauthorized disclosure took place, may recommend to the Minister that the service provider’s approval under Part I (Flexible Services), if any, be revoked or, where the service provider is a licensee, that the licence be revoked under Part IX (Licensing),

and shall provide a copy of its decision to the person who requested the review, the service provider and the Minister.

Proclamation

(7) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 188.

General

Access, etc., to be noted on record

189. (1) Every disclosure of all or part of a person’s record and every correction to a person’s record shall be noted on and forms part of the record.

Exception

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to routine use of a person’s record by a service provider and the service provider’s employees or, where the service provider is the Minister, the Minister’s employees engaged in providing services.

Proclamation

(3) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 189.

Protection from liability for disclosure

190. (1) Where a service provider discloses a person’s record in accordance with this Part, no action or other proceeding shall be instituted against the service provider or anyone acting under the service provider’s authority,

(a) if this Part requires the disclosure; or

(b) if this Part permits the disclosure and the service provider has reasonable grounds to believe the information contained in the record to be accurate.

Proclamation

(2) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 190.

Code of record-keeping procedures

191. (1) Every service provider shall establish and follow a written code of procedure for the creation, maintenance and disclosure of persons’ records.

Idem

(2) A code of procedure referred to in subsection (1) shall contain,

(a) a description of the types of information that may be recorded and the purposes for which information may be recorded;

(b) a requirement that information, wherever possible, be collected from or confirmed by the person to whom it relates;

(c) a requirement that no more information be recorded than is actually necessary for the provision of the service in question; and

(d) the prescribed provisions.

Retention, storage and destruction schedules

(3) Every service provider shall retain, store and destroy persons’ records in accordance with the prescribed schedules.

Proclamation

(4) This section shall come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 191.

PART IX
LICENSING

Definitions

192. In this Part,

“children’s residence” means,

(a) a parent model residence where five or more children not of common parentage, or

(b) a staff model residence where three or more children not of common parentage,

live and receive residential care, and includes a foster home or other home or institution that is supervised or operated by a society, but does not include,

(c) a house licensed under the Private Hospitals Act,

(d) a day nursery as defined in the Day Nurseries Act,

(e) a recreational camp under the Health Protection and Promotion Act,

(f) a home for special care under the Homes for Special Care Act,

(g) a school or private school as defined in the Education Act,

(h) a hostel intended for short term accommodation,

(i) a hospital that receives financial aid from the Government of Ontario, or

(j) a group home or similar facility that receives financial assistance from the Minister of Correctional Services but receives no financial assistance from the Minister under this Act; (“foyer pour enfants”)

“non-profit agency” means a corporation without share capital that has objects of a charitable nature and,

(a) to which Part III of the Corporations Act applies, or

(b) that is incorporated by or under a general or special Act of the Parliament of Canada; (“agence sans but lucratif”)

“parent model residence” means a building, group of buildings or part of a building where not more than two adult persons live and provide care for children on a continuous basis; (“foyer de type familial”)

“staff model residence” means a building, group of buildings or part of a building where adult persons are employed to provide care for children on the basis of scheduled periods of duty. (“foyer avec rotation de personnel”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 192.

Where Licence Required

Licences

Licence required to operate children’s residence, etc.

193. (1) No person shall,

(a) establish, operate or maintain a children’s residence; or

(b) provide, directly or indirectly, residential care for three or more children not of common parentage in places that are not children’s residences,

except under the authority of a licence issued by a Director under this Part.

Idem: placement for adoption

(2) No person other than a society shall place a child for adoption, except under the authority of a licence issued by a Director under this Part.

Issuing licence

(3) Subject to section 195, a person who applies for a licence in accordance with this Part and the regulations and pays the prescribed fee is entitled to be issued a licence by a Director, subject to any terms and conditions imposed by the Director.

Idem

(4) Despite subsection (3),

(a) a licence shall not be issued to a partnership or association of persons; and

(b) a licence to place a child for adoption shall only be issued to an individual or a non-profit agency.

Renewal of licence

(5) Subject to section 196, a licensee who applies for renewal of the licence in accordance with this Part and the regulations and pays the prescribed fee is entitled to have the licence renewed by a Director, subject to any terms and conditions imposed by the Director.

Provisional licence or renewal

(6) Where an applicant for a licence or renewal of a licence does not meet all the requirements for the issuing or renewal of the licence and requires time to meet them, a Director may, subject to such terms and conditions as the Director may prescribe, issue a provisional licence for the period that the Director considers necessary to give the applicant time to meet the requirements.

Not transferable

(7) A licence is not transferable.

Placements must be in accord with Act and regulations

(8) No licensee shall place a child in a residential placement except in accordance with this Act and the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 193.

Powers of Program Supervisor

Powers of program supervisor

194. (1) For the purpose of ensuring compliance with this Act and the regulations a program supervisor may, at all reasonable times, upon producing proper identification, enter,

(a) the premises of a licensee;

(b) a children’s residence; or

(c) a place where a child receives residential care,

and may inspect the facilities, the services provided, the books of account and the records relating to the services, and make copies of those books and records or remove them from the premises to copy them as may be reasonably required.

Offence

(2) No person shall hinder, obstruct or attempt to hinder or obstruct a program supervisor in the performance of the program supervisor’s duties or knowingly give false information about the premises or services to a program supervisor.

Idem

(3) No licensee or person in charge of premises referred to in clause (1) (a), (b) or (c) shall refuse to give a program supervisor access to the books and records referred to in subsection (1) or refuse to give a program supervisor information about the premises or services that the program supervisor reasonably requires.

Regulations re exercise of power of entry

(4) A program supervisor shall exercise the power of entry set out in subsection (1) in accordance with the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 194.

Refusal and Revocation

Grounds for refusal

195. A Director may refuse to issue a licence where, in the Director’s opinion,

(a) the applicant or an employee of the applicant, or, where the applicant is a corporation, an officer or director of the corporation is not competent to carry on the activity for which the licence is required in a responsible manner in accordance with this Act and the regulations;

(b) the past conduct of the applicant or an employee of the applicant or, where the applicant is a corporation, of an officer or director of the corporation, affords reasonable grounds for belief that the activity for which the licence is required will not be carried on in a responsible manner in accordance with this Act and the regulations; or

(c) the premises in which the applicant proposes to establish, operate and maintain a children’s residence or to provide residential care, as the case may be, do not comply with the requirements of this Part and the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 195.

Refusal to renew; revocation

196. A Director may refuse to renew or may revoke a licence where, in the Director’s opinion,

(a) the licensee or an employee of the licensee, or where the licensee is a corporation, an officer or director of the corporation has contravened or has knowingly permitted a person under his or her control or direction or associated with him or her to contravene,

(i) this Act or the regulations,

(ii) another Act, or the regulations made under another Act, that applies to the activity for which the licence is required, or

(iii) a term or condition of the licence;

(b) the premises where the children’s residence is located or the residential care is provided do not comply with the requirements of this Part and the regulations;

(c) the activity for which the licence is required is carried on in a manner that is prejudicial to the children’s health, safety or welfare;

(d) a person has made a false statement in the application for the licence or for its renewal, or in a report or document required to be furnished by this Act or the regulations, or by another Act or the regulations made under another Act that applies to the activity for which the licence is required; or

(e) a change has occurred in the employees, officers or directors of the applicant that would, if the applicant were applying for the licence in the first instance, afford grounds under clause 195 (b) for refusing to issue the licence.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 196.

Hearing by Tribunal

Hearings arising out of s. 195 or 196

Notice of proposal

197. (1) Where a Director proposes to refuse to issue a licence under section 195 or to refuse to renew or to revoke a licence under section 196, the Director shall cause notice of the proposal, together with written reasons, to be served on the applicant or licensee, who may require a hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 197 (1).

Request for hearing

(2) A notice under subsection (1) shall inform the applicant or licensee that the applicant or licensee is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal if he, she or it mails or delivers to the Director and to the Tribunal, within ten days after the notice under subsection (1) is served, a written request for a hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 197 (2); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (4).

Note: Despite the amendment made by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 12, Schedule G, subsection 16 (4), members of the Child and Family Services Review Board immediately before April 1, 2000 shall be members of the Licence Appeal Tribunal for the purpose of performing the duties of the Tribunal with respect to proceedings before the Board that were commenced before April 1, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (5).

Powers of Director where no hearing required

(3) Where an applicant or licensee does not require a hearing under subsection (2), the Director may carry out the proposal.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 197 (3).

Powers of Tribunal where hearing required

(4) Where an applicant or licensee requires a hearing under subsection (2), the Tribunal shall appoint a time for and hold a hearing and may, on hearing the matter,

(a) order the Director to carry out the proposal; or

(b) order the Director to take such other action as the Tribunal considers appropriate, in accordance with this Part and the regulations,

and the Tribunal may substitute its opinion for that of the Director.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 197 (4); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (4).

Note: Despite the amendment made by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 12, Schedule G, subsection 16 (4), members of the Child and Family Services Review Board immediately before April 1, 2000 shall be members of the Licence Appeal Tribunal for the purpose of performing the duties of the Tribunal with respect to proceedings before the Board that were commenced before April 1, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (5).

Review of terms of licence by Tribunal

198. (1) A licensee who is dissatisfied with the terms and conditions prescribed by a Director under subsection 193 (3), (5) or (6) is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal if the licensee mails or delivers to the Director and to the Tribunal, within fifteen days after receiving the licence, a written request for a hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 198 (1); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (4).

Note: Despite the amendment made by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 12, Schedule G, subsection 16 (4), members of the Child and Family Services Review Board immediately before April 1, 2000 shall be members of the Licence Appeal Tribunal for the purpose of performing the duties of the Tribunal with respect to proceedings before the Board that were commenced before April 1, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (5).

Powers of Tribunal

(2) Where a licensee requires a hearing under subsection (1), the Tribunal shall appoint a time for and hold a hearing and may, on hearing the matter,

(a) confirm any or all of the terms and conditions;

(b) strike out any or all of the terms and conditions; or

(c) impose such other terms and conditions as the Tribunal considers appropriate.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 198 (2); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (4).

Note: Despite the amendment made by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 12, Schedule G, subsection 16 (4), members of the Child and Family Services Review Board immediately before April 1, 2000 shall be members of the Licence Appeal Tribunal for the purpose of performing the duties of the Tribunal with respect to proceedings before the Board that were commenced before April 1, 2000.  See: 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (5).

Receipt of licence

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), a licensee shall be deemed to receive the licence on the tenth day after the day of its mailing, unless the licensee establishes that he, she or it did not receive it or did not, through absence, accident, illness or another cause beyond the licensee’s control, acting in good faith, receive the licence until a later date.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 198 (3).

Continuation of licence

199. (1) Repealed:  1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (6).

Continuation of licence pending renewal

(2) Subject to section 200, where a licensee has applied for renewal of the licence and paid the prescribed fee within the prescribed time or, if no time is prescribed, before the licence expires, the licence shall be deemed to continue,

(a) until the renewal is granted; or

(b) where the licensee is served with notice that the Director proposes to refuse to grant the renewal, until the time for requiring a hearing has expired and, where a hearing is required, until the Tribunal has made its decision.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 199 (2); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (7).

Provisional suspension of licence

200. (1) A Director may, by causing notice to be served on a licensee, provisionally and without a hearing suspend the licence where, in the Director’s opinion, the manner in which the children’s residence is operated, residential care is provided or children are placed for adoption, as the case may be, is an immediate threat to the health, safety or welfare of the children.

Contents of notice

(2) A notice served under subsection (1) shall contain a statement of the grounds for suspending the licence.

When suspension takes effect

(3) A provisional suspension takes effect on the date that the licensee receives the notice.

s. 197 (2-4) apply

(4) Where a notice is served under subsection (1), subsections 197 (2), (3) and (4) apply with necessary modifications.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 200.

Rules re proceedings

Parties

201. (1) The Director, the applicant or licensee who requires the hearing and any other persons that the Tribunal specifies are parties to a proceeding under this Part.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 201 (1); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (7).

Members with prior involvement

(2) A member of the Tribunal who has taken part before a hearing in any investigation or consideration of its subject matter, including a review under section 188 of Part VIII (Confidentiality of and Access to Records) that relates to the applicant or licensee, shall not take part in the hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 201 (2); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (7).

Discussion of subject matter of hearing

(3) A member of the Tribunal who takes part in a hearing shall not communicate with any person, except another member, a solicitor who is not the solicitor of any party, or an employee of the Tribunal, about the subject matter of the hearing, unless all parties are notified and given an opportunity to participate.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 201 (3); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (7).

When Tribunal seeks independent legal advice

(4) The Tribunal may seek independent legal advice about the subject matter of a hearing and, if it does so, shall disclose the nature of the advice to the parties to enable them to respond.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 201 (4); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (7).

Examination of documentary evidence

(5) A party to a proceeding under this Part shall be given an opportunity, before the hearing, to examine any written or documentary evidence that will be produced and any report whose contents will be given in evidence at the hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 201 (5).

(6) Repealed:  1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (8).

Only members at hearing to participate in decision, etc.

(7) No member of the Tribunal shall participate in a decision of the Tribunal under this Part unless he or she was present throughout the hearing and heard the evidence and argument of the parties and, unless the parties consent, the Tribunal shall not make a decision under this Part unless all the members who were present at the hearing participate in the decision.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 201 (7); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (9).

Final decision of Tribunal within ninety days

(8) Despite section 21 of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, the Tribunal shall make a final decision and notify the parties of it within ninety days from the day the Tribunal receives the applicant’s or licensee’s request for a hearing under subsection 197 (2) or 198 (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 201 (8); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (9).

Appeal

Appeal

202. (1) An appeal lies to the Divisional Court from the Tribunal’s decision under this Part.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 202 (1); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (10).

Record to be filed in the court

(2) Where notice of an appeal is served under this section, the Tribunal shall forthwith file with the court the record of the proceeding in which the decision appealed from was made.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 202 (2); 1999, c. 12, Sched. G, s. 16 (11).

Minister entitled to be heard

(3) The Minister is entitled to be heard, by counsel or otherwise, on the argument of an appeal under this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 202 (3).

Delivery of Licence and Records

Records and licence, removal of children

Records and licence to be handed over to Minister

203. (1) A licensee whose licence is revoked or who ceases to carry on the activity for which the licence is required shall deliver up to the Minister the licence and all the records in the licensee’s possession or control that relate to the children to whom services were being provided.

Removal of children

(2) Where a licence to operate a children’s residence or to provide residential care is suspended or revoked, the parent of every child in the children’s residence or other place where residential care is provided shall arrange for the child’s removal from the residence or other place as soon as is practicable, having regard to the child’s best interests, and the Minister may assist in finding an alternative placement for the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 203.

Occupation by Minister

Order for Minister’s occupation

204. (1) The Minister may, where a Director’s proposal to revoke or not to renew a licence under subsection 197 (1) or notice of provisional suspension under subsection 198 (1) has been served on a licensee who operates a children’s residence or provides residential care and the matter has not yet been finally disposed of, apply without notice to the Superior Court of Justice for an order,

(a) authorizing the Minister to occupy and operate the children’s residence or the premises where the residential care is provided, pending the outcome of the proceeding until alternative accommodation may be found for the children who are being cared for; and

(b) directing the sheriff to assist the Minister as may be necessary in occupying the premises.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 204 (2); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Where court may make order

(2) The court may make an order referred to subsection (1) where it is satisfied that the health, safety or welfare of the children being cared for require it.

Interim management

(3) Where an order has been made under subsection (2), the Minister may, despite sections 25 and 39 of the Expropriations Act, immediately occupy and operate or arrange for the occupation and operation of the premises for a period not exceeding six months.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 204 (2, 3).

Injunctions

Injunction

205. (1) A Director may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an order enjoining any person from,

(a) contravening subsection 193 (1) (licence requirement); or

(b) carrying on an activity for which a licence is required while the licence is provisionally suspended under section 200.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 205 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 35.

Idem

(2) Any person may apply to the court for an order varying or discharging an order made under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 205 (2).

Offences

Offence

206. (1) Every person who,

(a) contravenes subsection 193 (1);

(b) contravenes a term or condition of a licence relating to the maximum number of children to be cared for in a children’s residence or other place where residential care is provided under the authority of a licence;

(c) causes a child to be cared for in a children’s residence operated by a person who is not licensed under this Part, or in another place where residential care is provided by a person who is required to be but is not licensed to provide residential care under this Part; or

(d) is a child’s parent or a person under a legal duty to provide for the child and permits the child to be cared for in a children’s residence or other place referred to in clause (c),

and every director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in such an act by the corporation is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $1,000 for each day on which the offence continues or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.

Idem

(2) Every person who,

(a) knowingly contravenes subsection 194 (2) or (3) (obstructing program supervisor, etc.);

(b) knowingly furnishes false information in an application under this Part or in a statement, report or return required to be furnished under this Part or the regulations; or

(c) fails to comply with an order or direction made by a court under this Part,

and every director, officer or employee of a corporation who authorizes, permits or concurs in such a contravention, furnishing or failure by the corporation is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $2,000.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 206.

Child and Family Services Review Board

Child and Family Services Review Board

207. (1) The Child and Family Services Review Board is continued under the name Child and Family Services Review Board in English and Commission de révision des services à l’enfance et à la famille in French.

Idem

(2) The Board is composed of the prescribed number of members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and has the powers and duties given to it by this Act and the regulations.

Chair and vice-chairs

(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint a member of the Board as chair and may appoint one or more other members as vice-chairs.

Term

(4) A member of the Board shall hold office for the prescribed term.

Quorum

(5) The prescribed number of members of the Board are a quorum.

Remuneration

(6) The chair and vice-chairs and the other members of the Board shall be paid the daily allowances determined by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and are entitled to their reasonable and necessary travelling and living expenses while attending meetings or otherwise engaged in the work of the Board.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 207.

PART X
INDIAN AND NATIVE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

Definition

208. In this Part,

“customary care” means the care and supervision of an Indian or native child by a person who is not the child’s parent, according to the custom of the child’s band or native community.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 208.

Designation of native communities

209. The Minister may designate a community, with the consent of its representatives, as a native community for the purposes of this Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 209.

Agreements with bands and native communities

210. The Minister may make agreements with bands and native communities, and any other parties whom the bands or native communities choose to involve, for the provision of services.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 210.

Designation of child and family service authority

211. (1) A band or native community may designate a body as an Indian or native child and family service authority.

Agreements, etc.

(2) Where a band or native community has designated an Indian or native child and family service authority, the Minister,

(a) shall, at the band’s or native community’s request, enter into negotiations for the provision of services by the child and family service authority;

(b) may enter into agreements with the child and family service authority and, if the band or native community agrees, any other person, for the provision of services; and

(c) may designate the child and family service authority, with its consent and if it is an approved agency, as a society under subsection 15 (2) of Part I (Flexible Services).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 211.

Subsidy for customary care

212. Where a band or native community declares that an Indian or native child is being cared for under customary care, a society or agency may grant a subsidy to the person caring for the child.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 212.

Consultation with bands and native communities

213. A society or agency that provides services or exercises powers under this Act with respect to Indian or native children shall regularly consult with their bands or native communities about the provision of the services or the exercise of the powers and about matters affecting the children, including,

(a) the apprehension of children and the placement of children in residential care;

(b) the placement of homemakers and the provision of other family support services;

(c) the preparation of plans for the care of children;

(d) status reviews under Part III (Child Protection);

(e) temporary care and special needs agreements under Part II (Voluntary Access to Services);

(f) adoption placements;

(g) the establishment of emergency houses; and

(h) any other matter that is prescribed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 213.

PART XI
REGULATIONS

Regulations: Part I (Flexible Services)

214. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part I,

1. prescribing additional powers and duties of Directors and program supervisors;

2. prescribing reports to be made and information to be furnished under subsection 5 (5), their form and the intervals at which they are to be made or furnished;

3. governing the exercise of the power of entry set out in subsection 6 (1);

4. governing the management and operation of approved agencies or any class of them;

5. governing the provision of approved services or any class of them;

6. exempting designated approved agencies or approved services or any class of them from any provision of this Act or the regulations for a specified period or periods;

6.1 respecting the composition of boards of approved agencies or classes of approved agencies, requiring board members to undertake training programs and prescribing those programs;

7. governing the accommodation, facilities and equipment to be provided,

i. in buildings in which approved services are provided, and

ii. in the course of the provision of approved services;

8. further defining “service”, “child development service”, “child treatment service”, “child welfare service”, “community support service” and “young offenders service”;

9. defining “prevention service”;

10. governing the establishment, management, operation, location, construction, alteration and renovation of buildings, or any class of them, in which approved services are provided;

11. prescribing procedures and conditions of eligibility for the admission of children and other persons to and their discharge from places where approved services are provided;

12. prescribing the qualifications, powers and duties of persons employed in providing approved services or any class of approved services;

12.1 prescribing classes of persons employed or to be employed in providing approved services or any class of approved services who must undertake training, prescribing that training and prescribing the circumstances under which that training must be undertaken;

13. governing the residential placement of children and prescribing procedures for placements, discharge, assessments and case management;

14. requiring and prescribing medical and other related or ancillary services for the care and treatment of children and other persons in places where services or any class of them are provided;

15. governing applications by agencies for approval under subsections 8 (1) and 9 (1) and establishing criteria for approval;

16. governing applications by approved agencies for payments under this Part, prescribing the method, time, manner, terms and conditions of payments and providing for the suspension and withholding of payments and for the making of deductions from payments;

17. prescribing the manner of computing the amount of financial assistance for the purposes of sections 8 and 9, prescribing classes of payments for the purposes of those sections and determining the amounts of payments;

18. governing the transfer and assignment of the assets of approved agencies acquired with financial assistance from the Province of Ontario, or of any class of such assets, for the purposes of subsection 10 (3), and prescribing classes of such assets;

19. requiring approved agencies to provide the prescribed information to the prescribed persons, and prescribing the information and the persons;

20. prescribing the accounts and records to be kept by approved agencies, the claims, returns and reports to be made and budgets to be submitted to the Minister and the methods, time and manner in which they shall be made or submitted;

21. requiring service providers, or any class of service providers, to keep records, and prescribing the form and content of those records;

22. providing for the recovery, by an approved agency or by the Minister, from the person or persons in whose charge a child is or has been or from the estate of that person or persons of amounts paid by the agency for the child’s care and maintenance, and prescribing the circumstances and the manner in which such a recovery may be made;

23. providing for the recovery of payments made to approved agencies under this Part and the regulations;

24. prescribing provisions to be included in the by-laws of approved agencies, or any class of them, for the purpose of subsection 13 (2);

25. prescribing the number of band or native community representatives on the boards of directors of agencies or any class of them, the manner of their appointment and their terms, for the purpose of subsection 13 (3);

26. prescribing forms and providing for their use;

27. prescribing fees or classes of fees that may be charged for services and the terms and conditions under which a fee may be charged;

28. Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 32 (2).

29. providing for an executive committee of the board of directors of a society, its composition, quorum, powers and duties;

30. prescribing a system for determining,

i. the amounts of payments under subsection 19 (2) (payments by Minister), and

ii. a society’s estimated expenditures;

31. Repealed:  1999, c. 2, s. 32 (3).

32. governing the construction, alteration, renovation, extension, furnishing and equipping of homes operated or supervised by societies, other than children’s residences as defined in Part IX (Licensing), where residential care is provided to children.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 214 (1); 1999, c. 2, s. 32 (1-3).

Same

(2) A regulation made under paragraph 6.1, 12.1, 18, 24 or 25 of subsection (1) (boards of approved agencies, training of persons providing approved services, transfer of assets, prescribed provisions in agency by-laws, band or native community representatives) may be general or specific in its application.

Same

(3) A regulation made under paragraph 17 or 30 of subsection (1) (financial assistance for the purposes of sections 8 and 9, amounts of payments to societies) is, if it so provides, effective with reference to a period before it is filed.  1999, c. 2, s. 32 (4).

Idem

(4) The Minister shall prescribe,

(a) standards of services; and

(b) procedures and practices to be followed by societies,

for the purposes of subsection 15 (4).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 214 (4).

Regulations: Part II (Voluntary Access to Services)

215. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part II,

(a) defining “counselling”;

(b) prescribing provisions to be contained in agreements made under section 29 (temporary care agreements) and sections 30 and 31 (special needs agreements);

(c) requiring that residential placements with or by service providers be made in accordance with written agreements, and prescribing their form and contents;

(d) prescribing practices, procedures and further duties for advisory committees;

(e) further defining “special need” and “developmental disability”.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 215; 2001, c. 13, s. 5 (7).

Regulations: Part III (Child Protection)

216. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part III,

(a) governing the exercise of the powers of entry set out in subsections 40 (6) and (11) and section 44;

(b) assigning to a Director any powers, duties or obligations of the Crown with respect to Crown wards;

(c) prescribing the care and maintenance that may be provided to a former Crown ward under subsection 71 (2), and the terms and conditions on which the care and maintenance may be provided;

(c.1) respecting the format of warrants under sections 74.1 and 74.2 and the procedures to be followed in applying for, issuing, receiving and filing warrants of different formats;

(c.2) prescribing manners of applying for a warrant under section 74.2, including a manner other than submitting an information on oath, setting out the circumstances under which those manners may be used and providing for any additional requirements that must be met if those manners are used;

(d) prescribing the form in which reports are to be made under subsection 75 (3);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (d) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 33 (2).  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 33 (2), 38.

(e) respecting the manner in which the register referred to in subsection 75 (5) is to be kept;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (e) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 33 (2).  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 33 (2), 38.

(f) requiring the removal of a name from the register referred to in subsection 75 (5), or the amendment of the register, under specified circumstances, and specifying those circumstances;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (f) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 33 (2).  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 33 (2), 38.

(g) prescribing practices and procedures for hearings held under clause 76 (4) (b) (amendment of register);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (g) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 1999, chapter 2, subsection 33 (2).  See: 1999, c. 2, ss. 33 (2), 38.

(h) prescribing forms and providing for their use.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 216; 1993, c. 27, Sched.; 1999, c. 2, s. 33 (1).

Regulations: Part IV (Young Offenders)

217. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part IV,

(a) governing the establishment, operation, maintenance, management and use of places of temporary detention, open custody and secure custody and other services and programs provided under subsection 89 (1);

(b) governing the establishment and operation of and the accommodation, equipment and services to be provided in any premises or class of premises established, operated, maintained or designated for the purposes of the federal Act or for providing services or programs under subsection 89 (1);

(c) prescribing additional duties and functions of,

(i) probation officers, and

(ii) provincial directors;

(d) prescribing the duties and functions of bailiffs;

(e) prescribing the qualifications of probation officers;

(f) prescribing additional duties and functions of persons in charge of places of temporary detention, open custody and secure custody;

(g) prescribing reports to be made and information to be furnished under section 92, their form and the intervals at which they are to be made or furnished;

(h) governing the conduct, discipline, rights and privileges of young persons in places of temporary detention, open custody or secure custody or any class of them or in a service or program provided under subsection 89 (1);

(i) prescribing procedures for the admission of young persons to and their discharge from places of temporary detention, open custody or secure custody or any class of them or premises in which a service or program is provided under subsection 89 (1);

(j) prescribing classes of payment by way of provincial aid for the establishment, operation or maintenance of places of temporary detention, open custody or secure custody, the methods of determining the payments, the manner and time of making them, the terms and conditions of such payments and the circumstances under which such payments may be suspended or withheld or deductions may be made from them;

(k) prescribing the number of members of the Board, their terms of office and the number of members that is a quorum;

(l) prescribing additional powers, duties and procedures of the Board;

(m) governing the exercise of the power of entry given under subsection 98 (5);

(n) respecting any matter considered necessary or advisable to carry out effectively the intent and purpose of Part IV.

Idem

(2) A regulation made under clause (1) (j) (classes of payment by way of provincial aid) is, if it so provides, effective with reference to a period before it is filed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 217.

Regulations: Part V (Rights of Children)

218. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part V,

(a) governing internal complaints procedures to be established under section 109;

(b) establishing procedures for reviews under section 110;

(c) prescribing additional functions of the Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 218.

Regulations: Part VI (Extraordinary Measures)

219. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part VI,

(a) prescribing procedures for the admission of persons to and their discharge from secure treatment programs;

(b) prescribing standards for secure treatment programs;

(c) prescribing standards for secure isolation rooms;

(d) prescribing procedures to be followed when a child is placed in or released from a secure isolation room;

(e) prescribing the frequency of reviews under subsection 127 (6);

(f) prescribing matters to be reviewed and prescribing additional reports under section 128;

(g) prescribing procedures as intrusive procedures;

(h) prescribing the intervals at which reports are to be made by review teams under subsection 129 (5);

(i) prescribing drugs, combinations of drugs or classes of drugs as psychotropic drugs;

(j) prescribing forms and requiring their use.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 219.

Regulations: Part VII (Adoption)

220. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part VII,

(a) prescribing the form of an affidavit of execution for the purposes of subsection 137 (12);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (1) by adding the following clause:

(a.1) prescribing matters for the purposes of clause 137 (4) (a.1);

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (1), 36 (2).

(b) prescribing the manner in which placements are to be registered under subsection 141 (6);

(c) prescribing special circumstances for the purposes of subsection 142 (4) (placement outside Canada);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (1) by adding the following clause:

(c.1) prescribing persons for the purposes of clause 162 (3) (e);

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (1), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (2) by adding the following clauses:

(c.2) prescribing the powers and duties of a designated custodian under section 162.1 and governing the fees that the designated custodian may charge in connection with the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties;

(c.3) governing the disclosure of information under section 162.2 to a designated custodian;

(c.4) governing the disclosure of information under section 162.3 by the Minister, a society, a licensee or a designated custodian;

(c.5) establishing and governing a mechanism for the review or appeal of a decision made by the Minister, a society, a licensee or a designated custodian concerning the disclosure of information under section 162.2 or 162.3;

(c.6) governing the fees that a society, licensee or designated custodian may charge for the disclosure of information under section 162.2 or 162.3;

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (2), 36 (2).

(d) prescribing forms and providing for their use;

(e) further defining “identifying information” and “non-identifying information” for the purposes of sections 163 to 174;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (e) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (3).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (3), 36 (2).

(f) prescribing classes of persons for the purposes of paragraph 5 of subsection 166 (4) (persons who may request non-identifying information);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (f) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (4).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (4), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (5) by adding the following clause:

  (f.1) prescribing the matters referred to in subsection 168.1 (1);

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (5), 36 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (f.1) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (6).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (6), 36 (2).

(g) prescribing classes of persons for the purposes of subsection 169 (2) (search by Registrar);

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (g) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (7).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (7), 36 (2).

(h) prescribing additional powers, duties and procedures for the Board under section 172;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (h) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (8).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (8), 36 (2).

(i) prescribing fees and amounts for the purposes of section 174;

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (i) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (9).  See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (9), 36 (2).

(j) prescribing expenses that may be charged under clause 175 (d), classes of such expenses and the terms and conditions under which such expenses or classes of expenses may be charged.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 220 (1); 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Idem

(2) Regulations made under clause (1) (i) may prescribe different fees and amounts for the Registrar, for societies and for licensees.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 220 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, subsection 32 (10) and the following substituted:

Classes

(2) A regulation under clauses (1) (c.2) to (c.6) may establish different standards and requirements with respect to different classes of persons.  2005, c. 25, s. 32 (10).

Transitional matters

(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations providing for transitional matters which, in the opinion of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, are necessary or desirable in connection with the enactment of sections 162.1 to 162.4 by the Adoption Information Disclosure Act, 2005 and the amendment or repeal, as the case may be, of sections 162 to 174 by that Act.  2005, c. 25, s. 32 (10).

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 32 (10), 36 (2).

Regulations: Part VIII (Confidentiality of and Access to Records)

221. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part VIII,

(a) prescribing the manner in which a Director’s approval is to be obtained under subsection 182 (2) (disclosure for research);

(b) prescribing review procedures for the Board under subsection 188 (3);

(c) prescribing provisions for the purposes of subsection 191 (2) (service providers’ codes of procedure);

(d) prescribing retention, storage and destruction schedules for the purposes of subsection 191 (3).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 221.

Regulations: Part IX (Licensing)

222. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part IX,

(a) governing the establishment, management, operation and use of children’s residences, and other premises where residential care is provided under the authority of a licence;

(b) defining “common parentage” for the purposes of the definition of “children’s residence” in section 192 and clause 193 (1) (b);

(c) governing the issuing, renewal and expiry of licences and prescribing fees payable by an applicant for a licence or its renewal;

(d) governing the exercise of the power of entry set out in subsection 194 (1);

(e) governing the establishment of and the accommodation, facilities, equipment and services to be provided in,

(i) children’s residences, and

(ii) other premises where residential care is provided under the authority of a licence,

or any class of them;

(f) exempting designated,

(i) children’s residences,

(ii) other premises where residential care is provided under the authority of a licence, or

(iii) persons placing children for adoption,

or any class of them, from any provision of this Part or the regulations for a prescribed period, and prescribing the period;

(g) prescribing the accounts and records to be kept by licensees;

(h) prescribing the qualifications, powers and duties of persons supervising children in,

(i) children’s residences, or

(ii) other premises where residential care is provided under the authority of a licence,

or any class of them;

(i) governing procedures for the admission to and discharge of children from,

(i) children’s residences, or

(ii) other premises where residential care is provided under the authority of a licence,

or any class of them;

(j) requiring the operators of children’s residences or persons who provide residential care or place children for adoption under the authority of a licence to provide the prescribed information and to make the prescribed returns and reports, and prescribing the information, returns and reports;

(k) prescribing the number of members of the Board, their terms of office and the number of members that is a quorum;

(l) prescribing additional powers, duties and procedures of the Board;

(m) governing the placement of children for adoption;

(n) prescribing rules and standards governing the placement of children by licensees for adoption;

(o) providing for the inspection of the records of persons licensed to place children for adoption;

(p) governing the qualifications of persons or classes of persons employed by persons licensed to place children for adoption;

(q) requiring persons licensed to place children for adoption to be bonded or to submit letters of credit in the prescribed form and terms and with the prescribed collateral security, prescribing the form, terms and collateral security and providing for the forfeiture of bonds and letters of credit and the disposition of the proceeds;

(r) prescribing forms and providing for their use.  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 222.

Regulations: Part X (Indian and Native Child and Family Services)

223. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of Part X,

(a) exempting an Indian or native child and family service authority, a band or native community or specified persons or classes of persons, including persons caring for children under customary care, from any provision of this Act or the regulations;

(b) prescribing matters requiring consultation between societies or agencies and bands or native communities for the purposes of clause 213 (h).  R.S.O. 1990, c. C.11, s. 223.

PART XII
MISCELLANEOUS

Review of Act

224. (1) The Minister shall periodically conduct a review of this Act or those provisions of it specified by the Minister.

Beginning of review

(2) The Minister shall inform the public when a review under this section begins and what provisions of this Act are included in the review.

Written report

(3) The Minister shall prepare a written report respecting the review and shall make that report available to the public.

Period for review

(4) The first review shall be completed and the report made available to the public within five years after the day this section comes into force.

Same

(5) Each subsequent review shall be completed and the report made available to the public within five years after the day the report on the previous review has been made available to the public.  1999, c. 2, s. 34.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2005, chapter 25, section 33 by adding the following section:

Review re disclosure of adoption information

225. The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall ensure that a review of the operation of sections 161 to 172 and section 176.1 is conducted within five years after section 33 of the Adoption Information Disclosure Act, 2005 comes into force.  2005, c. 25, s. 33.

See: 2005, c. 25, ss. 33, 36 (2).

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