As a young person receiving services, we care deeply about your wellbeing. The entire team here at FACS Niagara wants to see you thrive and is pleased to support you on your journey.
This commitment is who we are. At our core, we are child centred. This means your needs are paramount. We value your voice and unique perspectives. We’re accountable and promise to adhere to high ethical standards in everything we do. This means you’ll be treated with dignity and respect, and we will honour your rights according to Ontario law.
In fact, you have many rights under Ontario’s Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, 2017, including the right to:
- Have your rights explained to you in words you understand
- Take part in decisions made about your life
- Speak freely and safely about your thoughts, feelings, and opinions to staff
- Access balanced meals, well-fitting clothes and regular health services
- Reasonable privacy, such as a door to your room
- Visit or speak to your family, including your band or First Nations or Inuit or Métis community
- Get safe care and not be physically punished
- Access services and supports that help you meet your goals
- Have personal belongings with you and stay connected with your identity, culture, community, and religion
- Go to school and take part in activities you enjoy
- Access or correct your records and know how your personal information is collected, used, disclosed and retained
If you would like more information about your rights, please visit:
Have a Concern?
We do our best to provide outstanding service to all our young people. However, if you feel like your rights have not been properly respected, we want to know about it.
If you have a concern, we encourage you to speak with your worker as a first step. If you feel things have not been resolved, connect with one of our Child Protection Supervisors.
Should you still have concerns after speaking to a supervisor, please download the poster in the right-hand menu. It will list the various bodies you can elevate your concerns to, as well as provide the necessary contact information.
Additionally, you can find further information about complaints on the Ontario Government website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/submitting-complaint-about-child-welfare-services
https://www.ontario.ca/page/submitting-complaint-about-child-welfare-services
