The Corruption Continues

The NDP's push to have the Ontario Ombudsman given the power to oversee CAS complaints. Attached is the transcript of a question raised in the Ontario Legislature yesterday (May 9th) by New Democrat MPP Rosario Marchese. For almost a year the McGuinty government suppressed news that its Child and Family Services Review Board had stopped hearing CAS complaints as a result of a court decision that has seriously hampered the board's ability to function.

Sheila White

Executive Assistant

to MPP Andrea Horwath

Children’s aid societies – May 9, 2011

Mr. Rosario Marchese: To the Minister of Children and Youth Services. Is the minister aware that, almost a year ago, the Superior Court of Justice made a decision stating that the Child and Family Services Review Board does not have the power to hear children’s aid societies’ complaints that are before the courts?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I’m pleased to have a chance to spend a moment talking about the important oversight that we do have when it comes to children’s aid societies.

I want to highlight that there is Family Court oversight; there is the Child and Family Services Review Board oversight; the Ombudsman, who does have oversight of the Child and Family Services Review Board; the Auditor General; and the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Yes, my colleague opposite does raise an issue that the CFSRB has an appeal presently before the courts where they continue to defend the rubric and the area of authority that they importantly have as a specialized tribunal that has expertise to deal with the complicated and sensitive matters, and that in our view is the appropriate forum to deal with these issues involving children and families.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?

Mr. Rosario Marchese: The minister would know that since the Superior Court of Justice’s decision was made last year, over 50 children’s aid societies’ hearings have been put on ice. Many more will be on hold in the coming months.

Let me understand this: The government will not allow the Ombudsman to oversee children’s aid societies, the courts are not allowing the CFSRB to hear any cases before a judge, yet the government is adamant there are no problems with the system.

How is the government planning to help the growing number of families who are no one to turn to when they have a problem with the children’s aid society?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten: I think it’s important for families right across the province who might be watching to understand that we have a very rigorous variety of oversights that allow you, as an individual, to come forward with a complaint if you do have one with respect to a children’s aid society. The OACAS and other organizations have been very clear about their support for rigorous oversight of CASs. It’s a very regulated procedure, as it should be. These are highly important and emotional and technical matters that involve our children, and so we very much appreciate the variety of oversights that we’ve put in place.

At the same time, the CFSRB is a specialized tribunal. We have expanded their powers, increased their mandate to give them the opportunity to review these matters in a holistic way. There is an appeal presently and that should proceed and is proceeding through the courts where arguments are being made with respect to their oversight capacity —

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. New question.

Ron Payne
Welfare Legal
Hamilton, Ontario

Most Ontario Works clients severely distressed

Distress leads to employment difficulties, says conselling agency

The vast majority of Ontario Works clients experience severe distress that leads to difficulties finding employment, according to a Halton-based counselling agency.

Susan Jewett of Burlington Counselling and Family Services (BCFS) told the Region’s health and social service committee about the strong relation between financial and mental distress during a recent presentation.

The agency receives funding from the Region to provide Ontario Works (OW) clients with free short-term counselling (up to 20 sessions). Jewett said 83 per cent of those on OW report experiencing severe distress.

“Is it any wonder that they face barriers to employment? They are much more likely to have multiple and significant stressors that interfere with their ability to participate in training, job readiness programs, or employment,” she said.

Of the clients surveyed, 100 per cent of those suffering with severe distress reported feeling blue, 89 per cent said they lack interest in things, 88 per cent have trouble falling or staying asleep. Thirty per cent of those surveyed have thoughts of ending their life and only 24 per cent reported being satisfied with life.

“Personal problems will be barriers to employment unless some relief is found,” said Jewett.
After completing the counselling program, five per cent of clients made a full recovery, 47 per cent are still experiencing some levels distress, but it’s not considered severe, and 47 per cent feel better, but they’re still experiencing severe distress. No one reported feeling worse.

“We need to be realistic and acknowledge that short-term counselling is not usually enough when a person is experiencing severe levels of distress. But it can be helpful and it is a great start, as demonstrated,” said Jewett.

With the $75,000 BCFS receives from the Region for OW counselling, the agency sees 60 to 70 individuals.

But Jewett said statistics show there’s a far greater need in Halton.

Regional staff, however, say the need is being met.

According to Halton’s director of social services, on top of the funding provided to BCFS, $225,000 is funded to ADAPT (Halton Alcohol, Drug and Prevention Treatment) for concurrent disorder programs.

In total the Region is providing $300,000 on mental health support.

“Anyone of us can fall on hard times…But most people don’t stay on social assistance forever,” said Jewett. “It’s a temporary rough period and many of the people we see will get beyond this if they have the proper support.”

http://www.insidehalton.com/community/health/article/998281--most-ontario-works-clients-severely-distressed

Ron Payne
Welfare Legal
Hamilton, Ontario