This directive is issued to Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, under s. 42 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.

Effective date

This directive will come into effect on February 16, 2023.

Requirements

Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (“the society”) is directed to:

  1. Report on the progress of actions taken to address the findings and recommendations arising from the Ontario Ombudsman’s report, A Voice Unheard: Brandon’s Story, dated December 19, 2022, investigating the society’s response to child protection concerns involving “Brandon” between December 31, 2015 and October 26, 2018 (“Ombudsman’s report”), through the following requirements:
    1. Within five business days of issuance of this directive, provide a current plan to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (“ministry”) that sets out both the actions that the society has taken and the actions it will be taking to address the findings and recommendations arising from the Ombudsman’s report. The plan shall include the society’s actions to improve oversight of staff-level compliance with Ontario child protection standards and measures to hold staff accountable for compliance.
    2. Provide regular updates to the ministry on the society’s progress in implementing the actions identified in its plan.
  2. Address board governance issues through an independent third-party review and meet the following requirements with respect to this review:
    1. Ensure the independent third party is selected through a transparent and impartial process.
    2. Consult with the ministry on the scope of the third party’s work.
    3. Provide the ministry with the third party’s written report containing the assessment and recommendations.
    4. Provide the ministry with the society’s plan to address the third party’s assessment and recommendations.
    5. Provide regular updates to the ministry on the society’s progress in implementing the actions identified in its plan.
  3. Cooperate with an external advisor, to be procured by the ministry, on how the society can enhance board stability and improve operational oversight to better protect and support children and youth in care.

Issuance of policy directive CW 002-23: February 16, 2023

Original signed by

The Honourable Dr. Merrilee Fullerton
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services