Social Services

Overview

Millions of Ontarians rely on social services provided by provincial agencies, as well as the Ontario Works program administered by municipalities. Given the large volume of people they serve, it is perhaps not surprising that two of the top sources of complaints to our Office are consistently the Family Responsibility Office and the Ontario Disability Support Program.

We also receive a substantial amount of complaints each year about services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and about administrative tribunals that deal with social benefits. Our staff meet regularly with senior Ministry officials to proactively flag problems in all of these areas, some of which have also prompted the Ombudsman to conduct systemic investigations.

We can

• Help with unresolved complaints or investigate systemic issues regarding such organizations as:

  • Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

  • Family Responsibility Office (FRO)

  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

  • Ontario Works

See our full list of bodies we oversee.

 

We cannot

• Take complaints about children’s aid society matters prior to May 1, 2019. If you have a complaint about a children’s aid society or a matter related to children and youth in care, you can find information about making a complaint in our Children & Youth section.

• Overturn decisions of elected officials or direct them on public policy.

See our list of Common Referrals.

 

Trends in cases (2023-2024 Annual Report)

• Overview and Trends in cases

  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

  • Family Responsibility Office (FRO)

  • Ontario Works (OW)

  • Ontario austism program (OAP)

  • Special services at home

Investigations and case summaries

• Investigations

• Case summaries