October 15, 1999

To: Community Services Committee

From: Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

Subject: Police Reference Checks for Staff, Volunteers and Home Child Care Providers

Associated with Toronto's Directly Operated Child Care Services

Purpose:

This report seeks approval to enter into an agreement with Toronto Police Services to conduct police reference checks on prospective new City child care staff, volunteers and home child care providers who will be engaged in the direct provision of care to young children as part of the City's directly operated child care program.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The estimated annual cost of providing the required police reference checks on prospective new child care staff, volunteers and home child care providers can be accommodated within the approved budget of the Children's Services Division.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) Authority be granted for the Children's Services Division to enter into an agreement with Toronto Police Services for the purpose of conducting police reference checks on prospective new child care staff, volunteers and home child care providers prior to their being engaged to care for children in the City's directly operated child care program; and

(2) the appropriate City Officials be authorised and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting of June 9, 1999,Toronto Council gave approval for Toronto Police Services to conduct police reference checks for staff employed in the City's Parks and Recreation programs. Unfortunately, this approval was not sufficiently broad to also encompass staff, volunteers and home child care providers associated with the City's directly operated child care program. The Children's Services Division has been discussing the need for police reference checks for a substantial period of time. It is in fact a requirement of the provincial Ministry of Community and Social Services that all agencies funded or licensed by them and which provide direct service to children have criminal reference checking policies and procedures in place. All policies and procedures for police reference checking have been developed in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Council's approval to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Toronto Police Services will enable the Children's Services Division to be in compliance with the provincial directive.

Conclusions:

The Department requests approval to enter into an agreement with Toronto Police Services for the purpose of securing police reference checks on prospective new staff, volunteers, and home child care providers who will be providing direct care to children as part of Toronto's directly operated child care program.

Contact Name:

Mary Lawrence (phone 392-5868, fax 397-1680)

General Manager, Children's Services Division

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services