Community Services

Social Services Division

September 29, 1998

To:Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee

From:Commissioner, Community and Neighbourhood Services

Subject:Provincial Operational Review of the City of Toronto's Implementation of Ontario Works and Child Care Fee Subsidy Programs

Purpose:

This report briefly discusses the review of the Ontario Works and Child Care programs in the City of Toronto that is being launched by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Financial Implications:

There will be no direct financial implications. However, there will be indirect costs to the City in terms of the significant staff time which will be required.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Background:

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Department has advised the former Metro Council, and the new Toronto City Council, about the implementation of the Province's Ontario Works (O.W.) program in Toronto through a series of reports. Over the past two years, these reports have discussed important issues from the perspectives of both the Social Services and Children's Services Divisions. The Department has identified a number of key concerns related to the Provincial guidelines and legislation which govern the design and funding of the program, and noted their implications for the implementation of the O.W. program in Toronto. Many similar issues and concerns have been raised by other municipalities across the province as they have proceeded to implement the program in their jurisdictions.

Representatives of the Department have been meeting with Provincial officials to mutually resolve issues affecting the City's implementation of O.W., and to ensure that implementation proceeds effectively and efficiently. To that end, the Commissioner, in July 1998, contracted experienced

consultants (the Executive Resource Group) to assess the Social Services Division's implementation of Ontario Works and recommend any changes required to successfully manage implementation and ongoing program delivery. Provincial officials were informed that this review would proceed expeditiously, and be completed by early fall.

Subsequently, in a letter dated September 18, 1998 addressed to the Mayor of Toronto, the Minister of Community and Social Services indicated that the Ministry would undertake a review of the Ontario Works and Child Care programs in the City of Toronto, the review to be performed by an independent consultant (see Appendix 1). This report briefly discusses the shape and content of this review, based on the information currently available.

Discussion:

According to finalized terms of reference for the review: "The aim of the review is twofold. First, the review will identify and resolve issues that are preventing the orderly implementation of Ontario Works. Secondly, the review will analyze the City of Toronto's current use of Child Care subsidies and make recommendations on how to maximizes their use."

The initial terms of reference for the review were forwarded to senior Departmental staff on September 21. Staff from the Department and from the Ministry of Community and Social Services (M.C.S.S.) have subsequently reviewed and revised the draft terms. Appendix 2 contains the finalized terms of reference for the review which is formally referred to as "the Ministry of Community and Social Services Operational Review of the City of Toronto's Implementation of Ontario Works and Child Care Fee Subsidy Programs."

As indicated in the terms of reference, the scope of the review is very broad, encompassing all aspects of the City's implementation of O.W., both income support and employment assistance. With regard to child care, although the focus of the review is on O.W. implementation, the scope of the review has been broadened to include the overall fee subsidy system as well. Thus, both the regular and O.W. streams will be subject to review.

The review is to begin immediately, with the collection of information and data in the field commencing in late September. Findings from the review and an action plan are to be presented to the City in early November in a preliminary report. The City will have the opportunity to prepare a written response to this draft report by mid-November. A final report will be submitted to the Ministry on December 1, 1998.

As part of the terms of reference, a number of committees and working groups have been established to both oversee, and undertake, the review. The Department will be represented by appropriate senior staff on the Senior Advisory Committee which will oversee the project. A Steering Committee will be set up to monitor the review's progress, and tackle operational issues related to conducting the review. This group will also review preliminary findings and conclusions. Again, the Department will be represented by senior staff. Overall project management will be the responsibility of a consultant who will serve as Project Director. Fieldwork for the review will be conducted by K.P.M.G. consultants, supported by City of Toronto and MCSS staff.

Although City staff are participating in a variety of ways, the review is a Ministry review - commissioned, paid for and accountable to the Ministry. City staff are committed to working co-operatively with the consultant and Ministry officials to ensure the review is completed in a timely way, and in a way that does not disrupt service to clients.

Conclusion:

In a recent communication to the mayor of Toronto, the Minister of Community and Social Services indicated that an operational review of the Ontario Works and Child Care programs in the City of Toronto would be undertaken this fall. Final terms of reference have been established. Throughout the course of the review, the Department will work collaboratively with the Province to identify issues that must be resolved to ensure that the implementation of Ontario Works in Toronto is successful. Over the next several months, the Department will provide regular reports to Council on the progress of the review.

Contact Name:

Shirley Hoy, Commissioner

392-8302

Commissioner, Community and Neighbourhood Services