Item - 2013.CD22.6
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on July 16, 2013 without amendments.
- This item was considered by the Community Development and Recreation Committee on June 26, 2013 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on July 16, 2013.
CD22.6 - Welfare of Immigrant Children
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on July 16, 17, 18 and 19, 2013, adopted the following:
1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the General Manager, Children's Services to continue working with other orders of government, child protection agencies, school boards and other relevant agencies in order to address lack of data and coordination gaps related to services for immigrant children.
2. City Council request the Government of Canada to establish a data collection system at Canada's ports of entry to facilitate gathering of accurate statistics on unaccompanied minors as well as children that arrive to Canada to be reunited with their parents and/or step parents, and share this information as appropriate with the child welfare services.
3. City Council request the Province of Ontario to amend the Child and Family Services Act so that it is consistent with Canada's international obligations from the Child's Rights Convention so that all children under the age of 18 could qualify as in need of protection.
4. City Council request that both the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario work together to establish a formal procedure to ensure all newcomer children are enrolled in the school system.
5. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the General Manager, Children's Services to report back to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on the results of Parts 1 to 4 above.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-59517.pdf
Communications (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cd/comm/communicationfile-38617.pdf
(June 26, 2013) Letter from Courtney Betty, Senior Partner, Betty's Law Office, Barristers & Solicitors (CD.New.CD22.6.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cd/comm/communicationfile-38632.pdf
Communications (City Council)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cc/comm/communicationfile-39145.pdf
(July 15, 2013) Letter from Ileen Pat Howell, President, Markham African Caribbean Association, submitted by Councillor Michael Thompson (CC.New.CD22.6.4)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cc/comm/communicationfile-39146.pdf
Motions (City Council)
Vote (Adopt Item) Jul-17-2013 6:48 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - CD22.6 - Adopt the item |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 36 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, David Shiner, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 9 | Members that were absent are Michelle Berardinetti, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Frank Di Giorgio, Rob Ford, Giorgio Mammoliti, John Parker, Jaye Robinson, Karen Stintz |
CD22.6 - Welfare of Immigrant Children
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:
1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the General Manager, Children's Services to continue working with other orders of government, child protection agencies, school boards and other relevant agencies in order to address lack of data and coordination gaps related to services for immigrant children.
2. City Council request the Government of Canada to establish a data collection system at Canada's ports of entry to facilitate gathering of accurate statistics on unaccompanied minors as well as children that arrive to Canada to be reunited with their parents and/or step parents, and share this information as appropriate with the child welfare services.
3. City Council request the Province of Ontario to amend the Child and Family Services Act so that it is consistent with Canada's international obligations from the Child's Rights Convention so that all children under the age of 18 could qualify as in need of protection.
4. City Council request that both the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario work together to establish a formal procedure to ensure all newcomer children are enrolled in the school system.
5. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the General Manager, Children's Services to report back to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on the results of work.
Origin
Summary
In 2012, media coverage of a young immigrant's death drew attention to the potential for the isolation and abuse of newcomer children, and brought to light coordination gaps between Canada's immigration, settlement and child protection systems. These gaps can contribute to the vulnerability of immigrant children to abuse and neglect, specifically children that immigrate to Canada to be reunited with their parent(s) after a long period of separation.
This report responds to the Community Development and Recreation Committee request for investigation related to the issue of immigrant children suffering abuse. The report provides an outline of the findings and work to date, highlighting risk factors and coordination gaps between immigration authorities, child protection and other agencies.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-59517.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cd/comm/communicationfile-38617.pdf
(June 26, 2013) Letter from Courtney Betty, Senior Partner, Betty's Law Office, Barristers & Solicitors (CD.New.CD22.6.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/cd/comm/communicationfile-38632.pdf