Overview - CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN CARE
What we do
The Ombudsman resolves and investigates complaints about any matter concerning children and youth receiving services from Ontario children's aid societies, foster homes, group homes, secure treatment facilities and youth justice facilities.
Our Children and Youth Unit staff will listen, look into how decisions are made in a case, review concerns about the services, living conditions and experiences of young people living in residential care, and help find solutions. If we can’t help directly, we will refer you to someone who can.
Our goal is to improve the services provided to young people and families by Ontario’s child welfare system, and the experience they have – by ensuring they are treated fairly.
We can help youth answer the following questions, and much more:
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How do I get visits with my family?
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How can I appeal my placement?
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What can I do if I disagree with decisions made about me?
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How can I file a complaint?
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What can I do if someone is hurting me?
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How do I get access to medical or mental health services?
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Why was I restrained?
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What if my placement is too far from home?
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How do I get access to my siblings?
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Why am I not enrolled in school?
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What can I do if my home visits get cancelled?
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How do I get documents about my case?
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What if I think my privacy isn’t respected?
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What can I do if I am prevented from taking part in some activities that are important to me?
Who we help
This link opens in a new tabEveryone has a duty to report. If you have reasonable grounds to suspect a child is being abused or neglected – and is or may be in need of protection – contact your local children’s aid society.
Children & Youth Unit
483 Bay Street
10th floor, South Tower
Toronto, ON M5G 2C9
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Toll-free (inside Ontario only): 1-800-263-2841
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Telephone: 416-325-5669
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TTY (teletypewriter): 416-325-2648
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Fax: 416-325-5681
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Email: cy-ej@ombudsman.on.ca
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