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Ontario to Reorganize Child Advocate
March 8, 2005 permalink
In a press release Ontario today proposes to alter the powers of the Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy, identified as the child advocate in the release. The current officeholder Judy Finlay, has criticized the treatment of teenagers in jail. The proposed legislation is unlikely to have any practical effect on the protection of families from social services.
Addendum: Here is a better-informed opinion by John Dunn in pdf.
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McGuinty Government Moves To Make Ontario's Child Advocate Independent
Delivering On Key Commitment To Vulnerable Children And Youth
QUEEN'S PARK, March 8 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government will introduce legislation this spring that, if passed, would better protect the interests of vulnerable children and youth by establishing an independent child advocate in Ontario, Children and Youth Services Minister Marie Bountrogianni announced today.
"There can be no room for political interference when it comes to the rights of our youngest citizens," said Bountrogianni. "This legislation would entrench the rights and voices of children and youth to an extent never before seen in Ontario."
The planned legislation would make the child and youth advocate an officer of the legislature and as independent as the auditor general. Under the new law, the advocate would be selected by an all-party legislative committee and report directly to the legislature. Currently, the advocate reports to the Minister of Children and Youth Services.
"We are committed to giving our children and youth a stronger voice," Bountrogianni said. "In addition to affirming the role of the advocate, the McGuinty government is the first to establish a dedicated children's ministry to ensure our young people have a seat right at the cabinet table."
A third-party review of the advocate's office was initiated by Bountrogianni last year. The review provided research and recommendations on ways to enhance the advocate's independence to better protect the interests of children and youth.
"Elevating the position of the child and youth advocate to the same level of independence as the auditor general sends a powerful message that this government is serious about accountability and transparency," said Judy Finlay, Ontario's Chief Advocate for the past 14 years.
The child and youth advocate speaks on behalf of Ontario's most vulnerable young people, including children, youth and families involved with the justice system, foster, group or residential care, or with physical and developmental disabilities.
"An independent advocate will help ensure that the laws that protect children and youth from harsh treatment and abuse are enforced," said Mark Monette, former Crown ward and member of Youth Piece.
"This planned legislation delivers on a key commitment of this government and a promise we made to Ontario's children and youth," said Bountrogianni.
Disponible en français
BACKGROUNDER
A VOICE FOR ONTARIO CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Ontario's child advocate represents children and youth who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act, in the youth justice system, the children's mental health system, the child welfare system (children's aid societies), and provincial and demonstration schools for the deaf and blind.
Legislation requires that children in care be made aware of their rights and how to make complaints to the child advocate about unacceptable treatment. That information must come in a language that the child or youth understands. This includes information about the advocate's office and the phone number to call. Children and youth are entitled to privacy to contact their family, a lawyer or an advocate. These requirements have been in place since 1985.
Last year the advocate's office received approximately 3,200 calls and conducted seven reviews. The majority of the calls were about standards of practice for children in residential care, peer-on-peer violence, children living at home with special needs and aboriginal child welfare.
In the spring of 2004, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services commissioned a review of the office of the child advocate and its role. The recommendations included making the advocate an officer of the legislature to enhance their independence, and clarifying the role and mandate of the advocate.
Disponible en français
For further information: Andrew Weir, Minister's Office, (416) 212-7159; Anne Machowski-Smith, Ministry of Children and Youth Services, (416) 325-5156
From the Child and Family Services Act:
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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.
