Will the Commission look at working directly with a “committee” from the field to assist with the very difficult and in depth process over the next three years? If so, how will that committee be established?

We do not plan to establish one single committee. Instead, we are looking at a number of ways to involve the field in the Commission’s work over the three-year mandate. We’ll be putting together reference groups from time to time to look at specific issues, and talking regularly to the OACAS and the Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario. We are also establishing a Communications Advisory Committee of communications leaders from Children’s Aid Societies to help us determine how best to reach all the people who want to know about our work.

What is the reporting and control hierarchy for the Commission – lines of authority?

The Commissioners act independently, and at arm’s length from the government. The terms of reference make the Commissioners directly accountable for fulfilling their mandate to the Minister of Children and Youth Services, who is accountable in turn to the Legislature and Cabinet. The Commissioners are responsible for reporting to the Minister on progress, key findings and conclusions, the Commission’s research and consultation plan, directions issued to CASs and recommendations, and for keeping her informed of issues or events that may concern her in the exercise of her responsibilities.
Beyond that, the Commission has to follow standard government rules on things like procurement, travel expenses, conflict of interest and freedom of information and privacy. The Commission works closely with the ministry to make sure that happens. Furthermore, senior ministry staff are an important source of information on the substance of the Commission’s work.

Will the Commission be issuing a call for submissions and/or holding public hearings?

The Commission is planning to use a wide variety of mechanisms to inform our work on sustainability over our three-year mandate. At this point, we have no immediate plans for a call for submissions process or for public hearings. However, we may well get processes like this underway as our work evolves. We will also be exploring how to make the most of our website to create a forum for two-way dialogue with people with an interest in sustainable child welfare.