TABLE OF CONTENTS

REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

AND OTHER COMMITTEES

As Considered by

The Council of the City of Toronto

on July 8, 9 and 10, 1998

BOARD OF HEALTH

REPORT No. 9

11998 Community-Based Drug Abuse Prevention Grants

2Interim Administration of Mandatory Dental Benefits for Children under Ontario Works

3Proposed Mandate and Structure of the Amalgamated Toronto Food Policy Council

City of Toronto

REPORT No. 9

OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH

(from its meeting on June 23, 1998,

submitted by Councillor John Filion, Chair)

As Considered by

The Council of the City of Toronto

on July 8, 9 and 10, 1998

1

1998 Community-Based Drug Abuse Prevention Grants

(City Council on July 8, 9 and 10, 1998, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Board of Health recommends that:

(1)Community-based Drug Abuse Prevention funding in the total amount of $500,000.00 be provided to 62 projects listed in Appendix A and B of the report (June 4, 1998) from the Co-Chairs, Drug Abuse Prevention Grants Review Panel. Funds are available in the 1998 Consolidated Grants Program Budget;

(2)release of funds be subject to the satisfactory completion by the various grant applicants of a Declaration Form regarding the adoption of the former City of Toronto's Non-Discrimination Policy;

(3)authority be granted to the Medical Officer of Health to take the necessary action to give effect to the foregoing recommendations including the execution of Letters of Understanding on behalf of the City on the terms and conditions, as outlined in the aforementioned report from the Medical Officer of Health (Appendices C and D contained therein refer); and

(4)the Drug Abuse Prevention Program be expanded across the new City of Toronto, with appropriate funding, and that this expansion be reflected in the Toronto Public Health Department 1999 Budget, and a panel comprised of citizen members, with staff support, continue to make recommendations on the allocation of these grants.

The Board of Health submits the following report (June 4, 1998) from the Co-Chairs, Drug Abuse Prevention Grants Review Panel:

Purpose:

This report informs the Board of Health of final recommendations made by the Drug Abuse Prevention Grants Review Panel, appointed by the Board of Health at its meeting of March 24, 1998, with respect to the 1998 Drug Abuse Prevention Grants.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

At its meeting on February 4, 5, and 6, 1998, City Council approved Report 1, Clause 1 from the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee on the Administration of Municipal Grants Programs. The budget for 1998 is approved, and is included in the Consolidated Grants Program Budget.

Recommendations:

The 1998 Drug Abuse Prevention Grants Review Panel recommends:

(a)That community-based Drug Abuse Prevention funding in the total amount of $500,000.00 be provided to 62 projects listed in Appendix A and B of this report. Funds are in the 1998 Consolidated Grants Program Budget;

(b)that release of funds be subject to the satisfactory completion by the various grant applicants of a Declaration Form regarding the adoption of the former City of Toronto's Non-Discrimination Policy; and

(c)that the authority be granted to the Medical Officer of Health to take the necessary action to give effect thereto, including to execute the Letters of Understanding on behalf of the City, on the terms and conditions as outlined in this report (see Appendices C and D).

Council Reference/Background/History:

The Drug Abuse Prevention Community Grants program was established by the former Toronto City Council in 1990 to build community capacity for local initiatives in drug prevention. Grants are the central policy instrument of the Drug Abuse Prevention Program to reach diverse communities with a wide variety of specific needs. The use of a citizen Review Panel to review the applications and hear appeals is an essential element of that policy instrument.

In 1997, 58 projects were funded. Forty-three thousand people directly participated in programs in the community and 950 volunteers spent 18,000 volunteer hours assisting those programs. For every $1.00 invested in community grants, $1.00 was raised by groups from other sources.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

In its report on the Administration of Municipal Grants Programs in 1998, City Council recommended that the Drug Abuse Prevention Community Grants Program operate in the same manner as in 1997, including using the boundaries of the former City of Toronto. The priorities for the program, determined by a community consultation in 1997, are to:

(a)Focus on young people at risk, including their families;

(b)Promote healthy, positive alternatives;

(c)Conduct multicultural outreach;

(d)Build partnerships, networks, and coalitions with agencies/groups; and

(e)Reduce drug related harm to individuals and communities.

By the deadline of February 27, 1998, 72 applications had been received. There were two late applications. During this year's review process, requests totalling $1,388,496.00 were received from the 72 applicants. This is a 3.4 percent increase in the amount requested from last year. The Review Panel met on April 24, 1998 and arrived at its preliminary recommendations. The preliminary recommendations for the grant allocations were communicated to the applicants, with an invitation to appeal the recommended award, if so desired.

The Review Panel had a total of 16 appeals on May 25, 1998, from the organizations listed below:

(1)Centre for Spanish-Speaking Peoples (98DN-14)

(2)Council Fire Native Cultural Centre (98DT-Z1)

(3)Dixon Hall (98DT-20)

(4)Dovercourt Boys' and Girls' Club (98DN-21)

(5)Friends of Dufferin Grove Park (98DN-27)

(6)Harbourfront Community Centre (98DN-29)

(7)Metro Street Focus Organization (98DT-39)

(8)Mothers Against Poverty (98DN-42)

(9)Native African Inmates & Families Association (98DN-43)

(10)Parkdale Focus Community Project (98DN-51)

(11)Rainbow Centre (98DT-Z2)

(12)Society for the Aid of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Minorities (98DT-56)

(13)South East Asian Services Centre (SEAS) (98DT-57)

(14)St. Jamestown Youth Project (98DN-59)

(15)Toronto Mainland Chinese Community Centre (Ontario) (98DN-65)

(16)Wellesley Health Centre (98DT-68)

Grants totalling $500,000.00 are being recommended to 62 applicants. Appendix A provides a list of grant applicants and recommended awards. Appendix B provides information on the services to be undertaken by the successful applicants.

The recommendations indicate a continuing and diverse response to preventing drug abuse in the community.

Of the twelve new groups which applied this year, 8 received funding. The new applicants represent 16 percent of all applicants and 67 percent of the new applicants received funding.

Copies of the 1998 grant applications and supporting material are on file with the Interim Contact for the Board of Health.

List of Appendices:

Appendix A:1998 Grant Allocations

Appendix B:Services List

Appendix C:Conditions of Grant

Appendix D:Sample Letter of Understanding

Conclusions:

This report details new community-based drug abuse prevention projects to begin in July, 1998, as part of Public Health's Drug Abuse Prevention Program, and affirms practices to manage Public Health grants. Staff will, as part of the review and development of a municipal grants policy, assess existing practices. Following standard review procedures, funding is recommended for 62 projects with a total cost of $500,000.00.

Contact Name:

Michael Fay, Coordinator, Drug Abuse Prevention Program

Toronto Public Health

Tel:392-0807

Fax:392-0635

--------

(Appendices C and D referred to in the foregoing report (June 4, 1998) from the Drug Abuse Prevention Grants Review Panel, were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Board of Health for its meeting on June 23, 1998, and copies thereof are on file with the office of the City Clerk.)

--------

Appendix A

Drug Abuse Prevention Program

1998 Grant Allocations

Legend:n/aDid not apply in 1997

nilNo grant recommended

*This total does not represent the full amount granted in 1997 ($499,976.00), because several groups who received awards in 1997 did not reapply in 1998, and therefore do not appear on this list.

--------

Appendix B

Drug Abuse Prevention Program

Services List 1998

98DN - 01 Access Alliance Multicultural Community Health Centre

"Substance Abuse Prevention Program"

(a)Hire an Outreach Worker; and

(b)A minimum of three interactive workshops for Spanish-speaking youth and parents.

98DT - 02 All Saints' Church-Community Centre

"All Saint's Harm Reduction Programme"

(a)Support to male crack/cocaine users in the downtown core through focus groups;

(b)Dissemination of harm reduction information to drug users; and

(c)Reduce individual and community harm in the Dundas/Sherbourne neighbourhood through community meetings.

98DT - 03 Ambassador Partnership

"Peer Education"

(a)Coordinate and support placement activities of Ambassadors; and

(b)Provide Ambassador peer organizers with training and support to do Speak Outs in Toronto schools.

98DT - 04 Applegrove Community Complex

"Applegrove Teen Drop-In"

(a)A drop-in two nights per week which provides social, recreational and skill based workshops for a period of 40 weeks; one night per week will be for males only.

98DT - 05 Black Secretariat (The)

"Youth in the New Millennium"

(a)Hire a coordinator to facilitate a summer leader-in-training program; and

(b)Monthly workshops to plan and implement three special events.

98DT - 06 Blake/Boultbee Drama Group

"Centre 55 and the Blake Boultbee Drama Group: Tools for Change"

(a)Hire a coordinator to provide a 12 week drama program, focussing on drug prevention strategies, to 20 - 50 high risk youth in the Beaches.

98DT - 07 Blake/Boultbee Youth Outreach Service

"Blake Boultbee Youth Outreach Service - DAPP"

(a)Counselling for youth and their families;

(b)Streetwork, outreach and drop-in services; and

(c)Organizing activities which promote drug prevention; ie, youth choir.

98DN - 08 Bloor/Lansdowne Committee Against Drugs

"Rebuilding Our Community"

(a)Ongoing support for monthly meetings of the community organization; and

(b)Two community festivals, two community forums and regular community safety audits.

98DT - 09 Cabbagetown Youth Centre

"St. Jamestown Group for Community Living"

(a)Hire a coordinator to deliver social/recreational programs with a focus on leadership and skill development to high risk children and youth in the St. Jamestown/Cabbagetown neighbourhood.

98DN - 10 Cecil Community Centre

"Cecil Youth Program"

(a)Hire a Youth Worker;

(b)Group and one-to-one discussion with area youth, aged 15 to 25, while providing drug abuse prevention information through 45 evening drop-ins and four afternoon drop-ins per week; and

(c)To facilitate a minimum of two workshops with local youth on drug abuse.

98DT - 11 Central Neighbourhood House

"Arts Initiative Project"

(a)Hire a coordinator for ten hours per week for 40 weeks to organize and train youth in the Arts Initiative project; and

(b)Honoraria for 15 youth to train as peer leaders through participatory sessions/workshops and healthy, social/recreational activities over a 40 week period.

98DN - 12 Central Technical School

"West End Adolescent Peer Support Project"

Central Technical School, sponsored by St. Stephen's Community House, is not recommended for funding.

98DN - 13 Central Toronto Community Health Centres

"Toronto Raver Info. Project (TRIP)"

(a)Recruit and train peer volunteers and co-ordinate them for the dissemination of drug prevention information at three or four Raves per month; and

(b)Recruit and train 3 groups of eight Peer Associates who will provide harm reduction information to other Ravers.

98DN - 14 Centre for Spanish-Speaking Peoples

"Drugs and Alcohol Prevention for Latino Youth at Risk"

(a)Support the Youth Leaders, aged 13 to 24, to produce and distribute print material on drug prevention and gang violence in Spanish using a harm reduction strategy;

(b)Present information sessions on drug prevention to marginalised youth; and

(c)Outreach in partnership with Dufferin Mall Youth Services in Dufferin Mall and in Dufferin Grove Park to at risk youth.

98DN - 15 Christie/Ossington Neighbourhood Centre

"Youth in Action - Community Integration Project"

(a)Hire a Youth Worker;

(b)A drop-in one night a week for at risk youth; and

(c)Create a youth driven working group to support the development of the local community's capacity to respond to substance abuse, with the assistance of a CHO.

98DT - 16 Concerned Kids Charity of Toronto (The)

"Communicating Through Puppetry"

(a)Train three youth puppeteers to deliver 40 puppet performances to children in City of Toronto schools, with 20 to the younger age group and 20 to the older age group.

98DN - 17 Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Centre

"Community Awareness Program (CAP)"

(a)Hire a Project Coordinator;

(b)Two lunch time programs in local schools and two after school programs at the centre weekly;

(c)Eight monthly workshops for youth; and

(d)Ongoing counselling and support to youth, aged 13 to 16.

98DT - 18 Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Centre

"Nighana Parent Support Project"

(a)Hire a project coordinator to outreach, organize and train parents to provide workshops to the larger community; and

(b)Provide ongoing support and referrals to youth.

98DT - 19 Delisle Youth Services

"North Toronto Youth Project: The Voice of Youth in Toronto"

(a)A youth outreach coordinator to facilitate a youth steering committee which will organize four coffee houses, increased business support, a drug project at North Toronto Collegiate and a youth forum.

98DT - 20 Dixon Hall

"Mobilizing the Community with Residents"

(a)Facilitate community residents and agencies to develop a unified voice and action against drugs in Regent Park, to allow for community building; and

(b)Continue to deliver weekly drug prevention programs to youth.

98DN - 21 Dovercourt Boys' and Girls' Club

"West End Drug Abuse Network - Youth Program"

(a)Hire a Youth Worker;

(b)Social/recreational programs to youth, aged 7 to 17, five nights a week, which supports drug prevention strategies;

(c)Outreach and supports for youth to re-enter the school system; and

(d)Outreach in partnership with Dufferin Mall Youth Services in Dufferin Mall and in Dufferin Grove Park to at risk youth.

98DT - 22 Downtown Toronto Harm Reduction Task Force

"Downtown Toronto Harm Reduction Fair '98"

(a)Provide a community Harm Reduction Fair during Drug Awareness Week focussing on educating the community at large.

98DN - 23 Dufferin Mall Youth Services

"Community Outreach Position"

(a)Workshops and information sessions regarding drug use, abuse, and prevention.

98DT - 24 Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre

"Save the Children"

(a)A twelve week training program for younger youth to deliver workshops to their peers; and

(b)At least four workshops to other peers in the schools.

98DT - 25 Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto

"Thelma and Louise (Harm Reduction Group)"

(a)A co-facilitator for 15 hours per week for 50 weeks to provide outreach and support to female youth using crack/cocaine on the street or in prison, and additional support to local community agencies serving this population.

98DN - 26 Family Service Association of Metro Toronto

"Iranian Drug Abuse Prevention"

(a)Support the Family Services Association of Metro's Iranian Advisory Council in assessing and reporting on the drug prevention needs and availability of supports for Iranian youth, aged 9 to 18, with the assistance of a CHO.

98DN - 27 Friends of Dufferin Grove Park

"Dufferin Grove Park Odd Jobs for Youth Program"

(a)Coordinate and supervise at risk youth to develop leadership skills through involvement in the children's environmental camp, weekly inter-park summer city sports tournaments, and late evening camp fires; and

(b)Provide honoraria to the youth.

98DT - 28 Frontier College: Beat the Street

"Beat the Street Newsletter Project"

(a)Create and distribute a newsletter to youth and homeless adults.

98DN - 29 Harbourfront Community Centre

"After School Age Program"

(a)Hire staff to deliver an after-four program to at risk youth;

(b)Culturally sensitive activities, skill development, social and recreational programs to youth, aged 6 to 14, through a daily after-school program;

(c)Regular parent meetings to encourage parental involvement in support of local drug prevention activities; and

(d)Special events (ie, Black Heritage Festival) and programs for literacy and tutoring.

98DN - 30 Harbourfront Community Centre

"Wilderness Camp"

(a)A wilderness camp pre-training and a 8-day camping trip for 15-20 youth, aged 13 to 16.

98DT- 31 Home for Creative Opportunity (A)

"A Home for Creative Opportunity "Youth Arts Program""

(a)An arts based after school drop-in program Monday to Thursday year round, which fosters a positive healthy learning environment.

98DT - 32 Hong Fook Mental Health Association

"Working Together to Promote Alternative Healthy Lifestyles Through a Community Fair"

(a)A healthy lifestyles/drug prevention cultural fair in the east end of Toronto.

98DT - 33 Imago

"SKETCH: Street Youth and the Arts"

(a)Coordinate a 10-12 week arts based program providing honoraria to eight street involved female youth, thereby enhancing personal growth through theatre; and

(b)Provide ongoing opportunity and space for street youth to use the Arts as a healthy alternative to drug use.

98DN - 34 Jamaican Canadian Association

"Drug Abuse Prevention Outreach Program"

The Jamaican Canadian Association is not recommended for funding.

98DT - 35 Jessie's Centre for Teenagers

"Jessie's Drug Education Prevention Project"

(a)A "Streetsmart" program;

(b)Informational and social/recreational activities which promote positive alternatives to drug use; and

(c)Support, referral and counselling to pregnant teens and their families regarding substance abuse.

98DN - 36 John Howard Society of Metropolitan Toronto

"X-Drug Abuse Prevention Program"

(a)Hire a Project Worker;

(b)Counselling and educational services to inmates of the Toronto Jail twice weekly for 48 weeks; and

(c)Ethno-specific drug awareness education to Black inmates of the Toronto Jail twice monthly.

98DN - 37 Kababayan Community Centre

"Filipino-Canadians in Action Against Drugs Abuse"

(a)Hire an Outreach Worker;

(b)Support the Youth Core Group so that they can facilitate workshops for youth on healthy lifestyles, self-esteem, self-awareness and leadership skills for youth, aged 11 to 25;

(c)Workshops for Filipino families to develop parenting skills and support family re-unification; and

(d)Organize an interactive theatre workshop with youth on peer pressure and drug prevention.

98DN - 38 Kensington Youth Theatre & Employment Skills (KYTES)

"Straight Talk"

(a)A 17 week program of life skill development through workshops and theatre productions with street youth, aged 16 to 24 (this presentation will be available to other schools and youth serving agencies); and

(b)Aid youth in accessing employment skills and employment through mentoring with community assistance.

98DT - 39 Metro Street Focus Organization

"Drug Abuse Prevention Program"

Metro Street Focus Organization is not recommended for funding.

98DN - 40 Mixed Company

"Best Practices Showcase"

(a)Research, co-ordinate and produce a weekend showcase and conference to substantiate that arts-based drug abuse prevention is an effective tool.

98DN - 41 Mixed Company

"Cobblestone Youth Troupe"

(a)Support Peer Educators to recruit, provide training and mentorship for street youth, aged 16 to 24, to create and produce a "vignette" about relevant social issues; and

(b)Perform with those youth at ten schools and/or other youth serving agencies.

98DN - 42 Mothers Against Poverty

"Natural High Project (The)"

(a)Honoraria to eight youth; and

(b)Facilitate and distribute 5,000 newsletters quarterly to east end communities.

98DN - 43 Native African Inmates & Families Association

"Safe City Campaign"

Native African Inmates and Families Association is not recommended for funding.

98DT - 44 Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

"Native Youth Summer Programs"

(a)A cultural-based camp for Native youth.

98DT - 45 Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

"Street Outreach"

(a)A staff to provide three days of outreach to Native street youth; and

(b)Evening drop-in programs for youth, focussing on culturally based healing circles.

98DT - 46 Neighbourhood/Vertical Watch

"Drug Prevention & Awareness Coordinating"

(a)Two festivals and a Lobby Information Night for the community to reduce isolation and provide drug abuse prevention materials; and

(b)Training for office volunteers.

98DT - 47 One on One Mentoring Committee

"One on One Mentoring Project"

(a)Coordinate and deliver a mentoring program to 50 children in seven City of Toronto Schools by September, 1998; and

(b)Increase the involvement of private sector participation to three outside companies by September, 1998; and

(c)Promotion to increase involvement of the private sector or other funders.

98DT - 48 Pape Adolescent Resource Centre (PARC)

"Home Free"

(a)Honoraria for three youth facilitators, six hours per week for 32 weeks, to implement a 20-22 week mentoring program for younger youth in the care of the child welfare system.

98DN - 49 Parkdale Community Health Centre

"Injection Drug Users Reach Out To the Community, Phase III"

(a)Employ two Peer Outreach Workers (13 hrs/wk); and

(b)Peer education and mentorship to drug using youth living in "squats" and "crash pads" with a harm reduction approach.

98DN - 50 Parkdale Focus Community Project

"Focus Youth Program"

(a)Hire a Youth Program Worker to co-ordinate and deliver the Focus Challenge Game for drug prevention to 500 grade four to seven students; and

(b)A Popular Theatre Facilitator to co-ordinate and facilitate theatre sessions in classrooms to 300 grade five to eight students.

98DN - 51 Parkdale Focus Community Project

"K.H.A.T. Project (The)"

(a)Hire a Project Co-ordinator;

(b)Organize a forum in Parkdale to provide a vehicle for the dissemination of information about Khat;

(c)Sponsor a workshop in partnership with the RCMP and Canada Customs on the selling and importing of Khat; and

(d)Produce and distribute one information brochure about the use and effects of Khat.

98DN - 52 Polish Immigrant and Community Services

"Drug Abuse Prevention For the Polish Community"

(a)Hire a Project Co-ordinator (seven hrs/wk);

(b)Organize discussion groups and workshops which focus on improving communication for Polish youth and their families to prevent the use and abuse of illicit drugs; and

(c)Disseminate drug prevention educational materials in Polish to youth and their families.

98DN - 53 Rainbow Information and Social Services Inc.

"Youth Outreach Program"

The Rainbow Information and Social Services Inc. is not recommended for funding.

98DN - 54 Scadding Court Community Centre

"Alexandra Park Drug Alert Project 1998-99"

(a)Hire an Drop-in Worker;

(b)Co-ordinate a drop-in for youth, aged 10 to 16, two afternoons a week to include a poster contest and workshops on leadership development, drug prevention, sexuality, crime and problem gambling;

(c)Develop appropriate programs for Southeast Asian young women;

(d)An overnight camping trip for 15-20 participants to support leadership and skill development;

(e)Organize community tours to introduce youth to resources in the community;

(f)Hire a Outreach Worker;

(g)Conduct outreach to Southeast Asian youth (in pool halls, arcades, etc.), business owners and schools to connect with these at risk youth; and

(h)Organize on-site recreational and sports activities for gang involved youth.

98DN - 55 Shadowland Theatre Inc.

"Stories of Our Island"

(a)Hire local professionals; and

(b)Work for two-12 week periods with Toronto Island youth, aged 10 to 20, to develop a youth driven production about issues concerning the participants, to be performed for Island residents, Toronto area schools and at community centres.

98DT - 56 Society for the Aid of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Minorities

"Healthy Choices for Tamil Families"

The Society for the Aid of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Minorities is not recommended for funding.

98DT - 57 South East Asian Services Centre (SEAS)

"The Dawn"

(a)Hire a staff, four hours per week for 40 weeks, to facilitate a Drug Prevention video, and to connect with community groups/agencies who are experienced in video production.

98DN - 58 St. Christopher House

"St. Christopher House - Youth Drug Prevention Program"

(a)Hire a Drop-in Worker;

(b)A One to One Support Program offering formalized support, advice and referrals;

(c)Continue to offer a Youth Zone, drop-in program for youth, aged 13 to 19, two days a week;

(d)Hire a Skills Development Worker;

(e)A Young Women's Group offering skill development and mutual support for youth, aged 13 to 16;

(f)Develop a Summer Leadership Training Program focussing on team work, communication and conflict resolution for youth, aged 13 to 16; and

(g)An eight week series of workshops for young women, aged 13 to 19, on a variety of topics including substance abuse as part of the Young Women's Wellness Program.

98DN - 59 St. Jamestown Youth Project

"St. Jamestown Youth Anti-Drug Project"

St. Jamestown Youth Project, sponsored by Downtown Care-Ring, is not recommended for funding.

98DN - 60 St. Stephen's Community House

"St. Stephen's Drug-Free Arcade"

(a)Hire a Youth Worker;

(b)Design and deliver monthly drug and alcohol prevention workshops to 15 youth, aged 11 to 18, at the Drug Free Arcade;

(c)Bi-weekly young women's groups focussing on issues of substance abuse;

(d)Facilitate the design and delivery of monthly drug prevention workshops to youth at the Arcade;

(e)Two evening recreational programs weekly;

(f)Create and distribute two issues of a parents newsletter on substance abuse;

(g)A summer Leaders in Training Program for ten youth, aged 12 to 15;

(h)Facilitate two, 5 week Young Men's Drug Awareness groups;

(i)Four drug awareness workshops for youth at local schools and community centres; and

(j)Facilitate a monthly Parent Night for community parents to discuss concerns about parenting.

The recommended services are to be completed in addition to those services funded by AIDS Prevention Program.

98DT - 61 Street Health

"Building Relationships, Creating Community: Reducing Harm in the Dundas/Sherbourne Area"

(a)Hire a harm reduction outreach worker, one day per week, who will focus on reducing drug related harm to the individual and the community in the Dundas/Sherbourne neighbourhood.

98DT - 62 Toronto Friendship Centre

"Basics First"

The Toronto Friendship Centre is not recommended for funding.

98DT - 63 Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs (Gerrard)

"DAPP - Prevention with Progress"

(a)Social/recreational activities twice per week which emphasize skill development, leadership skills, employment skills, job placement and peer mentoring.

98DN - 64 Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs (Midtown)

"Midtown K Keystone Trips"

(a)Hire a Project Co-ordinator;

(b)Facilitate youth to organize, direct and attend weekly social and recreational events; and

(c)Weekly seminars/workshops to provide peer support and skills to youth, aged 14 to 21.

98DN - 65 Toronto Mainland Chinese Community Centre (Ontario)

"Drug Abuse Prevention Program in Mandarin Community"

Toronto Mainland Chinese Community Centre (Ont.) is not recommended for funding.

98DN - 66 University Settlement Recreation Centre

"Peer Support Education Program"

(a)Hire a Youth Worker;

(b)Organize an eight day camp in partnership with Harbourfront Community Centre for 15-20 youth, aged 12 to 16;

(c)Develop a monthly Peer Support Committee to develop leaders to provide peer support to students;

(d)Weekly youth groups at Harbour Collegiate and Central Technical; and

(e)Develop a monthly parent support group to link with the Peer Support Committee to develop drug prevention workshops.

98DT - 67 Walpole Wallabies

"Walpole Wallabies"

(a)Provide weekly meetings to plan, organize and implement cultural events;

(b)A peer mentoring program with social/recreational activities offering positive healthy alternatives; and

(c)Creation of a job bank with local businesses to promote employment for youth in the community.

98DT - 68 Wellesley Health Centre

"Art Therapy as a Harm Reduction Approach to Substance Abuse"

The Wellesley Health Centre is not recommended for funding.

98DT - 69 Woodgreen Community Centre of Toronto

"Don Mount Court Anti-Drug Project"

(a)Honoraria to a local parent and 10 youth to plan and implement a 30 week after school program for younger children; and

(b)Leadership training to local youth in Don Mount Court.

98DN - 70 YMCA First Stop

"First Stop"

(a)Hire an Outreach Counsellor; and

(b)Produce and distribute quality drug abuse prevention resource materials that are specifically targeted to the needs of the high-risk individuals being contacted at the Toronto Bus Terminal.

98DT - 71 YMCA Youth Substance Abuse Program

"YMCA Youth Substance Abuse Program Activity Program"

(a)Two 5-day boundless adventure trips for 10 at-risk youth; and

(b)Provide a nutritious snack for youth before social/recreational activities.

98DT - 72 Youthlink Inner City

"Peer Eds Advocating Harm Reduction (PEAHR)"

(a)Hire one peer educator seven hours per week for 52 weeks to do street outreach.

98DT - Z1 Council Fire Native Cultural Centre

"SFYS Traditional Youth Gathering"

The Council Fire Native Cultural Centre is not recommended for funding.

98DT - Z2 Rainbow Centre

"Drug Abuse Prevention Program (DAPP)"

The Rainbow Centre is not recommended for funding.

The Board of Health also submits the following communication (June 15, 1998) from Rita Luty, Chairperson, Northern Health Area Community Health Board of the former City of Toronto:

At the Northern Health Area Community Health Board meeting held on June 3, 1998, the following motions were proposed by Cathy Kozma:

"That the Drug Abuse Prevention Program be expanded across the new City, with appropriate funding, and that this expansion be reflected in the Toronto Public Health 1999 budget; and

that a panel comprised of citizens, supported by staff, continue to make recommendations on the allocation of grants."

The motion was seconded by Anne Marie Keogh. Motion carried.

This is forwarded to you for inclusion in the June 23, 1998 Board of Health agenda.

2

Interim Administration of Mandatory Dental Benefits

for Children under Ontario Works

(City Council on July 8, 9 and 10, 1998, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Board of Health recommends the adoption of the following report (June 15, 1998) from the Medical Officer of Health:

Purpose:

To advise the Board of Health of the expanded mandate of the Municipality for the provision of children's mandatory dental benefits under the Ontario Works Act.

To describe a system to be administered by the Public Health Division for the interim management of this program.

To seek approval for the Department to acquire the resources necessary to implement the program.

Funding:

Funding for the program is available in the Social Services Division, Community and Neighbourhood Services Department, approved budget. The estimated cost of the program is $10 million ($2 million net) for dental services plus 10 percent ($1 million gross or $0.5 million net) to administer the program. The cost of providing services is reimbursed 80 percent by the Province; the cost of the administration is reimbursed 50 percent by the Province. The Social Services Division is also concurrently submitting to the Ministry of Community and Social Services a budget estimate for the program.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)Toronto Public Health be authorized to contract with Social Services Division, Community and Neighbourhood Services Department, to administer, on an interim basis, the Ontario Works Mandatory Dental Benefit Program For Children Age (0-17) effective July 1, 1998 subject to final concurrence of the Ministry of Community & Social Services; and

(2)Toronto Public Health staff be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to implement this report.

Background:

In June 1997, the Province announced its intent to reform the social assistance system. The Ontario Works Act (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program Act (ODSP) replaced the General Welfare Assistance Act (GWA) and the Family Benefits Act (FBA). Municipalities and First Nations are now responsible for OW service delivery including mandatory dental care benefits. Under the new social assistance legislation, it is mandatory for municipalities to provide dental services to children under age 18 years, whose parents are receiving OW and ODSP as of May 1, 1998. Dental benefits for adults is discretionary. Program cost sharing has changed from 50/50 to 80/20 Provincial/Municipal and 50 percent of the administrative costs.

Across Ontario there have been different approaches to administering dental programs for welfare recipients. Currently in Toronto, children in receipt of social assistance receive treatment through the Children In Need of Treatment (CINOT) Program administered by Public Health. CINOT was designed to meet the needs of children up to grade 8 who had an urgent dental condition. Once in the program, the child was eligible for one complete course of dental treatment and for preventive maintenance.

Until January 1, 1998, the Ministry of Health provided 100 percent funding for the CINOT Program. At that time, responsibility for funding CINOT was downloaded to the municipalities under the provincial Who Does What process. These changes have significant impact on the provision of dental benefits by municipalities for low-income families and families on social assistance. The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee was informed of these changes in a report Provision of Dental Services to Social Assistance Recipients, dated April 14, 1998.

On April 30, 1998, all municipalities received the schedule of the dental benefits for implementation of the program as early as May 1, but no later than August 31, 1998. On May 5, all dentists in Ontario received from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, the interim schedule of covered dental services and fees, but no instructions on procedures. Given the short time to implement this program, Public Health and Social Services management staff is recommending that the most efficient way to implement this program fully by the deadline of August 31, 1998 is to expand on the current administrative structure of the CINOT Program in the Public Health Division.

Discussion:

(1)Existing Structure and Processes

In 1990, the former Metropolitan government delegated the management of dental care the children of GWA families to municipal public health agencies. Public health departments provided preventive services and administered or provided care for children of low-income families under the provincial Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) Program. Social service workers and Public Health CINOT staff cooperated to ensure that care was provided to these children through an effective referral system. During 1997, 12,000 children in Toronto were treated under the CINOT program, approximately 50 percent of whom were clients of GWA.

(2)CINOT Program

Since its inception in 1987, the CINOT Program has been delivered each year within its allotted budget, while ensuring that any child in urgent need of care obtains a full series of dental treatment. Public health divisions have been successful in achieving this through the practice of quality management which includes:

(a)screening to identify those in need of dental care, so that only those children who needed care received dental benefits;

(b)providing services and a frequency of services which is based upon evidence that such services have a positive impact on health;

(c)providing preventive services by public health staff, and

(d)requiring a predetermination of those services which are infrequently required and expensive.

(3)Additional Requirements under Ontario Works

The OW schedule of services and fees for children is more comprehensive than the existing CINOT schedule and includes payment for preventive services and coverage for routine dental care (not restricted, as in CINOT, to those with urgent need). Additionally, children aged 14-17 are eligible for dental benefits under Ontario Works, whereas CINOT eligibility extends only to Grade 8.

It is estimated that the number of children in Toronto that will be eligible is 104,000. Of that number, it is further estimated that 40 percent will utilize the program.

(4)Services to be Provided by Pubic Health

Toronto Public Health will follow established CINOT procedures to administer the program. Staff will ensure that:

(a)Children will be screened to identify their needs. If they have no needs they will be invited to return for a recall screening after an appropriate period;

(b)children with identified needs will be issued a claim form to authorize care from their dentist of choice;

(c)Toronto Public Health dentists will predetermine the services which require prior approval as defined by the provincial schedule of dental benefits;

(d)claims will be submitted to Public Health offices for payment;

(e)Toronto Public Health dental staff will review claims to ensure program standards are met and will authorize payment;

(f)reimbursement to dentists for provision of services will be carried out by Toronto Public Health;

(g)Toronto Public Health will request cost recoveries, via monthly transfers from Social Services, as reimbursement for amounts spent (staff are working to establish a means to do this electronically);

(h)Toronto Public Health dental staff will conduct periodic audits using a sample of patients in order to ensure that services paid for have been provided, and

(i)for emergency patients who present in a dentist's office, Toronto Public Health staff will authorize the emergency care by phone. For the remaining care, Toronto Public Health staff will initiate the process as above. For after-hours emergencies, clients will be required to present their eligibility card to the dentist. The dentist will then confirm eligibility the following working day.

(5)Budget

Due to the short time frame given to implement the management of this program and the fact that an additional age group (15-17) has been included in the program, it is difficult to detail the resources that the Public Health Division will require to administer this program.

It is anticipated that the interim administration of the mandatory dental program for children under Ontario Works will require additional resources in the Public Health Division. These resources include staffing and information technology. Funding for these resources will be obtained from the funds reimbursed by the Social Services Division to the Public Health Division for interim administration of the program. However by incorporating the principles of need-based health care into the program there will be significant savings to the municipality.

These principles include:

(a)Public administration to ensure accountability through open reporting;

(b)needs assessment (case-finding to ensure that those who need care are identified and followed-up and that the costs of diagnostic work-up and extensive preventive care are avoided for those who have no need);

(c)quality audits of care to ensure clinical success and to detect and deter fraud;

(d)treatment and preventive service eligibility based on the current best evidence, and

(e)predetermination of infrequently needed, but often very expensive, services to ensure that the program is comprehensive, stays within the established budget, and the treatment proposed is appropriate to need.

Conclusion:

This report outlines an administrative system of mandatory dental benefits for children under Ontario Works. This system is to be administered by the Public Health Division on behalf of the Social Services Division, subject to final concurrence of the Ministry of Community & Social Services.

Contact Name:

Dr. Jack Lee, Regional Director, Toronto Office

Tel:392-7467

Fax:392-0713

Dr. Jim Leake, Dental Restructuring Project, Toronto Office

Tel:392-7454

Fax:392-7418

3

Proposed Mandate and Structure of the

Amalgamated Toronto Food Policy Council

(City Council on July 8, 9 and 10, 1998, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Board of Health took the following action and requested that notice of its action in this respect be forwarded to City Council for its information:

(1)Approved the mandate, terms of reference and composition of the Toronto Food Policy Council as outlined in the joint report (June 15, 1998) from the Medical Officer of Health and the Toronto Food Policy Council;

(2)appointed to the Toronto Food Policy Council for the period ending November 30, 2000 and until their successors are appointed, the following persons:

City Council

-Councillor McConnell

-Councillor Mihevc

from a food policy research network

-Dr. Mustafa Koc, Toronto Food Research Network

from agricultural/rural networks or associations

-Ineke Booy, Ontario Farm Women's Network

-Vic Daniel, National Farmers' Union

from food business/industry associations

-Darryn Sceeles, Canadian Health Food Association

from a community economic development network

-Mike Schreiner, Local Exchange Trading Systems

from health networks

-Sonja Nerad, Association of Ontario Health Centres

-Lee Zaslofsky, Citizens for Public Health

from the food networks

-Cindy Anthony, Food Access Community Task Force of East York (Alternate: Denise Vararoutsos)

-Debbie Field, Toronto Food Access Network (Alternates: Kathryn Scarfe, Sylvia Kerr); and

(3)requested the Toronto Food Policy Council to report to the Board of Health in the Fall of 1998 with additional appointees to fill the remaining positions on the amalgamated Council.

The Board of Health submits the following joint report (June 15, 1998) from the Medical Officer of Health and Toronto Food Policy Council:

Purpose:

To report on the mandate, terms of reference and composition of the amalgamated Toronto Food Policy Council (TFPC).

Source of Funds:

1998 Operating Budget for Public Health.

Recommendations:

(1)That the Board of Health approve the mandate, terms of reference, and composition of the Toronto Food Policy Council;

(2)that the Board of Health appoint to the Toronto Food Policy Council until November 30, 2000, and until their successors are appointed:

City Council

-Councillor McConnell

-Councillor Mihevc

From a food policy research network

-Dr. Mustafa Koc, Toronto Food Research Network

From agricultural/rural networks or associations

-Ineke Booy, Ontario Farm Women's Network

-Vic Daniel, Holstein Canada

From food business/industry associations

-Darryn Sceeles, Canadian Health Food Association

From a community economic development network

-Mike Schreiner, Local Exchange Trading Systems

From health networks

-Sonja Nerad, Association of Ontario Health Centres

-Lee Zaslofsky, Citizens for Public Health

From the food networks

-Cindy Anthony, Food Access Community Task Force of East York (Alternate: Denise Vararoutsos)

-Debbie Field, Toronto Food Access Network

(Alternates: Kathryn Scarfe, Sylvia Kerr)

(3)that the TFPC report to the Board of Health in the fall of 1998, with additional appointments to fill the remaining positions on the amalgamated TFPC; and

(4)that the Board of Health forward this report to City Council for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting of May 12, 1998 the Toronto Board of Health requested that staff review the proposal to establish four Advisory Committees (Food Policy Council; Animal Services; School Health; and Substance Abuse/Alcohol Advisory) and report further addressing the following issues:

(a)purpose of each committee (mandate, terms of reference, composition, identification of need)

(b)expected outcomes of each committee

(c)possible duplication or overlap with other ABCs

(d)internal or external committee, and its connection to the Board of Health.

Food Policy Councils have existed in two former municipalities - North York and Toronto. The Toronto Food Policy Council was created in October 1990 by the former City of Toronto Council. Its mission is to develop a just and environmentally sustainable food systems for all Torontonians. It is composed of 18 community representatives and 3 City Councillors. It has been supported by 3 staff FTEs since its creation.

The North York Food Policy Council was created in 1992. It was also structured as a subcommittee of the Board of Health but did not have dedicated staffing. It was composed of representatives of various sectors, including anti-poverty, faith, school boards, academic, food industry, nutrition and social services. To be consistent with other Board of Health advisory committees, it became the North York Food Action Advisory Committee but was never made fully operational, due to downsizing. Its mandate and composition are contained in Report #4 of the May 12 1998 Board of Health meeting agenda. Three of its work groups have been functioning, however, including the North York Basic Needs Action Network, the North York Partners for Child Nutrition, and the Community Food Advisors Steering Committee.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Since the two Food Policy Councils were created, there has been an explosion of community food activity, much of it facilitated by the existence of these Food Policy Councils. The merging of the seven municipalities offers an opportunity to link the community organizations and their projects through an amalgamated TFPC.

The mandate, mission statement, goals, and functions of the new TFPC would remain consistent with the mandates of the previous FPCs:

Mission Statement:

Toronto Food Policy Council will work to develop a just and environmentally sustainable food system for all Torontonians.

The TFPC's goals are:

(1)To reduce hunger and the need for a charitable food distribution system.

(2)To increase access to sufficient, nutritious, affordable, safe and personally acceptable foods.

(3)To promote equitable food production and distribution systems which are nutritionally and environmentally sound.

Achieving these goals means that food policies must be developed to ensure that food is available, accessible, affordable, acceptable, and sustainably produced. The TFPC will:

(1)Work with community groups on local food access issues, sharing information, helping with fundraising, and project development, co-ordinating, consulting, and identifying areas for research based on current issues at the community level.

(2)Review policies and practices of government, private sector and other public agencies and advise the Board of Health and City Council on social, economic and health policy issues with regard to production, processing, availability, cost, and waste in the food system, within and beyond the municipality's boundaries.

(3)Work with other organizations to provide useful educational materials which illustrate the relationships between existing policy and actions of individuals, government and industry as they affect the food system.

(4)Take leadership in doing policy research on the food system, examining health indicators and actions being taken in other communities in North America and worldwide which might be applicable to Toronto.

(5)Gather and coordinate information from existing organizations working on food-related issues and communicate this information to the public through the media as well as to appropriate decision makers.

The number of members will remain at 21, but the composition changes to reflect the situation of the amalgamated city. The new composition is:

3 City Councillors

1 community representative sitting on the Board of Health (BOH)

1 education representative from a city-wide network on Child Nutrition

1 from a city-wide anti-hunger network

1 from a food policy research network

2 from agricultural/rural networks or associations

1 from food business/industry associations

1 from a community economic development network

1 from a social justice/social policy or housing network

1 from an environmental network

2 from health networks

6 from the food access networks that exist in each of the former municipalities

To be eligible, members must participate in a network that:

(a)has representation from at least 5 different organizations/agencies

(b)operates within the City of Toronto (except for agricultural networks)

(c)is committed to creating food security

(d)has a term for operation that is not time-limited

Members must also:

(a)Live or work within the City of Toronto, except for members with specific expertise, e.g. agriculture.

(b)Have a general understanding of the total food system.

(c)Bring a critical analysis of the food system in relation to one of the following: food production, distribution and retailing; economic development; access to food and its relationship to health; consumer information systems; agroecosystem issues; and waste management.

(d)Demonstrate a sincere interest in the development of healthy public policy.

(e)Actively participate in an eligible network

(f)Understand municipal policy making processes

The TFPC is also looking for a balanced membership regarding ethnicity, gender, and age.

Members are selected based on the approach taken by the former Toronto Nominations Committee, but undertaken by the TFPC's Executive Committee because of the very specific requirements for membership. Members are solicited with targeted mailings to appropriate networks and groups. Interested parties are asked to submit a resume, and then participate in an orientation session before finalizing their application. Applicants are reviewed by the Executive Committee and recommendations taken to the full TFPC. The TFPC selects an individual for a position for recommendation to the Board of Health and City Council.

The TFPC members are appointed for 3-year terms. The terms of office shall overlap. Members may be re-appointed for a second 3-year term.

Organization Design:

The TFPC operates as a sub-committee of the BOH. Staff are attached administratively to the Public Health Division. It is co-chaired by one Community representative and one Councillor. Significant TFPC decisions and actions are forwarded to the Board of Health for consideration. The TFPC collaborates closely with Public Health but takes decisions independently.

Expected Outcomes:

The FPC is at the centre of a network of 300 community agencies, including those involved in school food programs. The FPC's work makes these groups more self-sustaining by providing training in fundraising, organizational development, project evaluation (to measure effectiveness), and the latest research. The FPC is also one of the City's main promoter of new business start-ups for low-income people wishing to start small enterprises in the food sector.

Three major outcomes are anticipated for the amalgamated TFPC:

(1)Rapid expansion of food access programs in the new City;

(2)Rapid expansion of local food economic development initiatives, including new business start-ups and farmer's market revitalization;

(3)Integration of food access principles and strategies into the new Official Plan.

As examples of what is achievable, the former Toronto Food Policy Council:

(1)Started Field to Table in 1992, a non-profit food distribution program that now provides affordable nourishing food to 15,000 low-income Toronto citizens each month, and continues to grow rapidly.

(2)Convinced the provincial government to provide $3 million to student nutrition programs in 1993.

(3)Provided the support needed so that community organizations could start or sustain 10 community gardens, including sites in schools and on rooftops.

(4)Provided fundraising assistance that allowed community organizations to obtain $3.5 million for projects increasing people's access to affordable nourishing food.

(5)Organized consumers and agency to successfully delay federal government licensing of Bovine Growth Hormone, a biotechnology drug used in milk production and suspected of causing health problems in humans and cows.

(6)Convinced governments of the need for a new food processing centre in the Stockyards Industrial District, to retain industrial jobs and promote environmentally-sound approaches to food processing. This initiative helped to convince municipalities that small food businesses are an essential part of a job creation strategy

(7)Co-authored the Ontario Public Health Association food and nutrition strategy for the province of Ontario, that would commit the government to fund programs to improve citizens' access to affordable nutritious food. The provincial government is considering the strategy as part of its efforts to create a food and nutrition strategy for the province.

(8)Helped create Ontario's first "green" community food program that helps consumers buy food in a way that is better for their health and environment.

(9)Designed Canada's first Food Access Grants Program, approved by Toronto City Council in 1995, and then administered the program 1996-98. A report on the positive impacts of this program was approved by the Board of Health at its meeting of April 21, 1998.

(10)Initiated a "Buy Ontario" food program involving Huron County farmers and 8 Ontario Hospitals, that is projected to increase hospital purchase of local food and increase farm revenues

Possible Duplication with ABCs:

There is no other committee or agency in the corporation that performs the work of the TFPC.

Conclusions:

This report outlines terms of reference for the amalgamated Toronto Food Policy Council, and provides the opportunity for community organizations in all former municipalities to participate in the work of the amalgamated TFPC.

Contact Name:

Rod MacRae, Coordinator

Toronto Food Policy Council

Tel:392-1107

Fax:392-1357

Respectfully submitted,

JOHN FILION,

Chair

Toronto, June 23, 1998

(Report No. 9 of The Board of Health was adopted, without amendment, by City Council on July 8, 9 and 10, 1998.)