Legislation, Policy, and Practice in Ontario: A Comprehensive Review

Developmental Disabilities and its Historical Influences

1. The current system surrounding Developmental Disabilities in Ontario was greatly influenced by historical practices.  Reflecting on the course readings for the class titled “History of Legislation, Policy and Practice in Ontario” what have you learned?  How could this information assist you in practice?  Was this information easy to integrate?  What is your take away on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act?  What questions do you still have?  

2. The Child and Family Services Act is a complex piece of legislation that has significant legal authority.   Drawing on specific components summarize your learning.  What does “Duty to Report” mean to you?  What is your view on the Children’s Aid/Catholic Children’s Aid Society?

3. Public Education in the province in Ontario is one of the largest provincial ministries responsible for the education of thousands of children and youth.  After learning about significant Policy and Program Memorandums (PPM 140, PPM 156, IEP and IPRC, Section 23 Programs, School Board Safe Space policy) reflect.  What challenges are associated with implementation?  Do you have suggestions/recommendations for improvement?

4. There are varying opinions on best practices for the Special Education System in Ontario.  Connecting to course readings and class discussion, provide a thoughtful supporting argument for either; Inclusion, Integration or Specialized education through segregated classrooms.  Your report should include advantages and disadvantages and articulate all sides of the debate.

5. In Ontario, mental health is governed by both provincial and federal policy.  Summarize the key pieces of legislation affiliated with mental health in Ontario; the Mental Health Act, The Health Care Consent Act, The Substitute Decision Act, The Personal Health Information Protection Act, and Part XX.I of the Criminal Code of Canada.  What are some possible benefits and challenges with differing levels of government overseeing this sector?

6. ‘Not Criminally Responsible by Reason of a Mental Disorder’ is a legal defence outlined in the Criminal Code.  Many people don’t understand this defense and think that the accused “got away with their crime”.  Summarize what you have learned about NCR.  What provincial agencies house NCR patients?  How is behavioural intervention affiliated with this population?

7. Take some time and review the Ministry of Children and Youth website, specific to Youth and the Law: .  What are some of the services and supports available to youth who have come in contact with the law and their families.  What is provided to youth through the Ontario Youth Action Plan?  Who is the Provincial Advocate?  How do you see their role in Ontario Legislation and Policy?

8. Ontario supports First Nations People through a variety of services and programs.  Summarize the goal of some of the provincially funded programs available to this group:  The Aboriginal Mental Health Strategy is a recent policy document that outlines many components needed to address this.  After reviewing and discussing this document in class, what stands out to you?  

9. After reviewing the posted videos and readings regarding Legislation and Policies for Long Term Care Homes, what are the gaps in the system that are mentioned? What are the solutions that are mentioned to each of the issues? What can be done outside of the reforms mentioned? What are some things that you or family members do to advocate in Ontario?

If you have a topic you would like to reflect on that is not mentioned above, please email Professor Lakin for approval.