How does Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) affect me as an employer of social workers and social service workers? How does it affect my social worker and social service worker employees?
The CYFSA and its supporting regulations, which were proclaimed in force on April 30, 2018, aim to promote the best interests, protection and well-being of children. The CYFSA replaces the Child and Family Services Act, RSO 1990, which has been repealed. While the majority of provisions in the CYFSA are now in effect, Part X (Personal Information) will come into force on January 1, 2020.
New requirements for Children’s Aid Societies
Under the CYFSA, Local Directors of Children’s Aid Societies (CAS) will be required to be registered with the College. While the new regulation does not currently require CAS supervisors to be registered with the College, the College received a commitment from the Ontario government to work with the College and the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies toward the goal of requiring registration of CAS supervisors beginning in January 2019.
The government also promised to further discuss requirements for other CAS staff positions in the future. The College will continue to look for opportunities to emphasize its important role and relevance in the child welfare sector and is committed to working with the government toward the goal of requiring registration of all CAS staff.
The CYFSA and the duty to report
As an employer, you should be aware of Section 125 of the CYFSA, which is of particular relevance to social workers and social service workers because it sets out the duty to report. The College’s Standards of Practice require members to maintain current knowledge of legislation relevant to their practice. We strongly encourage members to review the College’s article on the duty to report, which has been updated to reflect this important legislative change.
Learn more about the CYFSA
Employers can access the CYFSA and its supporting regulations on the e-Laws website. Information about the changes and their impact on service delivery can be found on the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ website.
If you have any practice questions related to the CYFSA, please contact the Professional Practice Department at 416‑972‑9882 or 1‑877‑828‑9380 or email practice@ocswssw.org.
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