November 27, 2024
Tribunals Ontario has modernized its website to provide a more intuitive, user-friendly online experience for users. For more information, see our operational update and Quick User Guide .
November 15, 2024
Due to a labour disruption at Canada Post, mail services have been impacted at some of our tribunals.
Parties are encouraged to use email when submitting documents to the tribunal. Documents may be sent by courier if email is not an option. If you, or a party, are waiting to receive documents from a tribunal, email or a courier may be used.
If you have any questions, please contact the tribunal directly.
Application and hearing process
Learn about applying and/or appealing to the Child and Family Services Review Board (CFSRB), including choosing the correct application form, what happens at the hearing and the decision-making process.
Navigate through the application and hearing process using the tabs.
1. Types of matters reviewed by the Child and Family Services Review Board (CFSRB)
Learn about the types of matters reviewed by the CFSRB.
- Learn more about the Rules of Procedure
- Apply to be a Litigation Guardian for an applicant who does not have the mental capacity to make decisions about the application
- Get legal help
- French language services
- Indigenous services
- Request an accommodation
Review of the proposed removal of a child from your foster home
The CFSRB conducts hearings on the removal, or proposed removal, of a foster child from your care. If your foster child is in extended society care and has been in your care continuously for two years, you can apply to the CFSRB using Form 1: Application about the Proposed Removal of a Child from a Foster Home . For more information, see Review of the proposed removal of a child you’re your foster home.
Complaint against a children’s aid society
If you have sought or received services from a children’s aid society and have concerns about these services, you may have a right to complain to the CFSRB for one or more of these reasons:
- the children’s aid society did not give you a chance to be heard when you raised your concerns
- the children’s aid society did not give you a chance to be heard when decisions that affected your interests were made
- the children’s aid society did not give you reasons for its decisions that affect your interests
- the children’s aid society refused to proceed with your complaint
- the children’s aid society did not follow its complaint review process or timelines
You can apply to the CFSRB using Form 2: Application about Complaints Against a Children’s Aid Society . For more information, see Complaint against a children’s aid society.
Review of an adoption refusal or removal
The CFSRB conducts hearings related to two types of adoption matters:
- a refusal of your application to adopt a child, or
- the removal of a child that has been placed with you for adoption
You may apply to the CFSRB for a review using Form 3: Application for Review of an Adoption Refusal . For more information, see Review of an adoption refusal and/or Review of the removal of a child placed with you for adoption.
Appeal a school board expulsion
The CFSRB hears appeals of school boards’ decisions to expel a student. You may apply to the CFSRB using Form 4: Appeal of School Board Expulsion Decision . For more information, see Appeal of a school board expulsion decision.
Review an Emergency Secure Treatment Admission (ESTA)
The CFSRB reviews the emergency admission of a child to a secure treatment program.
You may apply to the CFSRB if you are a child, or know a child who was recently admitted to an emergency secure treatment program of up to 30 days.
You may apply to the CFSRB using Form 5: Application for Review of Emergency Admission to Secure Treatment Program (ESTA) . For more information, see Review of an Emergency Admission to Secure Treatment (ESTA) program.
Review of a residential placement (a foster, group, or treatment home)
The CFSRB conducts hearings on the residential placement in a foster, group, or treatment home for a child who is at least 12 years old. A Residential Placement Advisory Committee (RPAC) must have reviewed the placement before you can apply for a review of your residential placement with the CFSRB.
If you disagree with your placement, you may apply by using Form 7: Application for Review of a Residential Placement . For more information, see Review of a residential placement.
2. Review of the proposed removal of a child from your foster home (Form 1)
Learn how to ask for a review of a written notice proposing to remove a child who is in extended society care from your foster home.
On this page
- Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
- Learn more about the Rules of Procedure that apply to the proposed removal of a child from foster care (Part I and Part II)
- Get legal help
- French language services
- Indigenous services
- Request an accommodation
What you need to know before you file an application
If you are a foster parent who wants to challenge the removal, or proposed removal, of a foster child from your care, you may apply for a review to the Child and Family Services Review Board (CFSRB) if your foster child is in extended society care and has been in your care continuously for at least two years.
You can be represented by a lawyer or paralegal or you can represent yourself. Tribunals Ontario’s Practice Direction on Representation provides additional information on representation of parties and their responsibilities.
Deadline for filing an application
The children’s aid society must give you written notice of its decision to remove your foster child. After you receive the notice, you have 10 days to apply to the CFSRB for a review. The children’s aid society cannot remove your foster child during that time unless there is a likely risk of harm to the child.
If it has been more than 10 days since you received the notice and you would like to apply for a review, contact the CFSRB. If the notice is incomplete, you may still be able to apply.
If a children’s aid society removes your foster child, or informs you it intends to remove your child without sending written notice, contact the CFSRB immediately. You may be eligible to apply for a review.
Filing an application
To apply for a review, download the Form 1: Application about the Proposed Removal of a Child from a Foster Home or call the CFSRB at 416-327-0111 or 1-888-777-3616 and we will email or mail you a copy.
Ensure you include all important events, conversations, dates and details on your application.
You can submit your form by:
Email: cfsrb@ontario.ca
Fax: 416-327-0558
Mail:
Child and Family Services Review Board
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2G6
For more information about how to submit your application, visit Forms and filing.
After you file
The CFSRB will notify the children’s aid society that you have filed an application. If the child is First Nations, Métis or Inuk, we will also notify the child’s band or Indigenous community.
Within seven days, the CFSRB will decide if your application is eligible to proceed. If your application is not eligible to be heard by the CFSRB, we will send you a decision explaining why. If your application is eligible, you will receive a decision confirming eligibility and a Notice of Hearing indicating the date of the first day of your hearing.
Unless there is a likely risk of harm to the child, the children’s aid society cannot remove the child from your home until the hearing has taken place, and then only if the CFSRB has confirmed the proposed removal.
French language services
Tribunals Ontario is committed to ensuring that French language services are clearly visible, easily accessible and publicized, and of equivalent quality to services offered in English. Read the French Language Services Policy for more information.
CFSRB documents and forms are available in both French and English.
Mediations and hearings can be conducted in English, French, or in both languages. If an application or the response is filed in French, a bilingual adjudicator will be assigned. If you applied in English but would prefer to continue in French, please notify the CFSRB as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
Languages other than English or French
The CFSRB can provide interpreters for languages other than English and French, including sign language. If you need to request an interpreter, do so as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
All correspondence submitted to the CFSRB must be in either English or French. The CFSRB does not provide translation services, including translating correspondence from French to English or English to French.
The hearing
It is important to resolve disputes about the proposed removal of a foster child as soon as possible. This goal is reflected in the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 and associated regulations which require hearings to start within 20 days of being found eligible. Hearings are normally held by video proceeding.
The first day of the hearing will identify any preliminary issues, give directions about evidence and witnesses, set further hearing dates, discuss potential mediation, and deal with any other necessary procedural matters.
At the hearing continuation, a panel of three adjudicators will hear your application. You and the children’s aid society will each have an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses and make submissions. CFSRB adjudicators may also question you or any of the witnesses. The children’s aid society will present its evidence first.
Hearings can last multiple days. All hearings are private. You may have one support person with you during the hearing.
The decision
The panel will consider the evidence and arguments and determine what action is in the child’s best interests. The CFSRB will either:
- confirm the children’s aid society’s decision, in which case, the child will be removed from your care, or
- order the children’s aid society not to remove the child, in which case, the child will remain in your care
The CFSRB will issue an order no more than 10 days after the hearing ends. A decision with full reasons is generally released 30 days after the hearing ends.
The decision cannot be appealed. However, in limited circumstances, you can request a judicial review of the decision from the Divisional Court.
3. Complaint against a children’s aid society (Form 2)
Learn how to submit a complaint about the services you received from a children’s aid society in Ontario.
On this page
- Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
- Learn more about the Rules of Procedure that apply to the proposed removal of a child from foster care (Part I and Part III)
- Apply to be a Litigation Guardian for an applicant who does not have the mental capacity to make decisions about the application
- Get legal help
- French language services
- Indigenous services
- Request an accommodation
Reasons for submitting a complaint about a children’s aid society
If you have sought or received services from a children’s aid society and have concerns about these services, you may have a right to complain to the CFSRB for one or more of these reasons:
- the children’s aid society did not give you a chance to be heard when you raised your concerns
- the children’s aid society did not give you a chance to be heard when decisions that affected your interests were made
- the children’s aid society did not give you reasons for its decisions that affect your interests
- the children’s aid society refused to proceed with your complaint
- the children’s aid society did not follow its complaint review process or timelines
The children’s aid societies’ Internal Complaints Review Panel (ICRP)
Children’s aid societies have their own internal process for handling complaints called an Internal Complaints Review Panel (ICRP). Contact the children’s aid society you are involved with to find out more about their process.
You can complain to the CFSRB directly without first going through the children’s aid society’s complaint process. If you have made an ICRP complaint to the children’s aid society, you can still submit a complaint to the CFSRB, even if the children’s aid society’s process is still underway. If you complained to the children’s aid society and the ICRP process is complete, you can ask the CFSRB to review the ICRP decision.
Filing an application
To submit a complaint, download the Form 2: Application about Complaints Against a Children’s Aid Society or call the CFSRB at 416-327-0111 or 1-888-777-3616 and we can email or mail you a copy.
Ensure you include all important events , conversations, dates and details on your application.
You can submit your form by:
Email: cfsrb@ontario.ca
Fax: 416-327-0558
Mail:
Child and Family Services Review Board
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2G6
For more information about how to submit your application, visit Forms and filing.
After you file
The CFSRB will send a copy of your application to the children’s aid society. Within seven days, the CFSRB will decide whether your application is eligible for review and email you a letter with that decision.
If your application is eligible to proceed, the CFSRB will ask the children’s aid society to respond to your application. The children’s aid society must send its response to you and the CFSRB within 10 days.
After reviewing your application and the response from the children’s aid society, the CFSRB will either make a decision based on the written material or schedule a hearing.
If the CFSRB decides to hold a hearing, a pre-hearing will be scheduled with you and the children’s aid society within 40 days of the eligibility decision.
French language services
Tribunals Ontario is committed to ensuring that French language services are clearly visible, easily accessible and publicized, and of equivalent quality to services offered in English. Read the French Language Services Policy for more information.
CFSRB documents and forms are available in both French and English.
Mediations and hearings can be conducted in English, French, or in both languages. If an application or the response is filed in French, a bilingual adjudicator will be assigned. If you applied in English but would prefer to continue in French, please notify the CFSRB as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
Languages other than English or French
The CFSRB can provide interpreters for languages other than English and French, including sign language. If you need to request an interpreter, do so as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
All correspondence submitted to the CFSRB must be in either English or French. The CFSRB does not provide translation services, including translating correspondence from French to English or English to French.
The pre-hearing/mediation
At the pre-hearing, the CFSRB will offer the parties an opportunity to participate in mediation with a CFSRB adjudicator acting as a mediator. The pre-hearing/mediation takes place in private by video proceeding.
Mediation is voluntary and the goal is to help you and the children’s aid society reach an agreement that resolves the issues in the application. Both sides will have a chance to tell the mediator what happened and discuss potential solutions.
If the parties do not agree to participate in mediation, or if mediation takes place but no agreement is reached, the CFSRB adjudicator may help the parties prepare for the hearing by:
- defining the issues,
- identifying the witnesses who will appear at the hearing,
- discussing the documents and other potential evidence the parties will need to share with each other and the CFSRB, and
- discussing potential dates for the hearing.
After the pre-hearing/mediation, the CFSRB will send a Pre-hearing/Mediation Report to you and the children’s aid society.
The hearing
If the matter is proceeding to a hearing, a Notice of Hearing will be sent to you and the children’s aid society.
If you did not participate in mediation or if your application did not settle, a hearing will be scheduled. The hearing could be conducted in writing or by video proceeding and will start within 60 days of the CFSRB deciding your application was eligible.
At the hearing, a CFSRB adjudicator will hear your application. You and the children’s aid society will each have an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses and make submissions. CFSRB adjudicators may also question you or any of the witnesses. You will present your evidence first, followed by the children’s aid society.
Hearings generally last one day. All hearings are private. You may have one support person with you during the hearing.
The decision
The CFSRB will consider the evidence and arguments and may decide to:
- grant your application (you are the successful party),
- dismiss your application (the children’s aid society is the successful party),
- order the children’s aid society to respond to your complaint,
- order the children’s aid society to provide detailed written reasons for a decision they made, or
- order the children’s aid society to consider your complaint through its internal complaints process.
A decision with full reasons is generally released 30 days after the hearing ends.
The decision cannot be appealed. However, in limited circumstances, you can request a judicial review of the decision from the Divisional Court.
4. Review of an adoption refusal (Form 3)
Learn how to apply for a review of a written notice to refuse your application to adopt a particular child.
On this page
- Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
- Intercountry Adoption Act
- Learn more about the Rules of Procedure that apply to an adoption refusal (Part I and Part IV)
- Get legal help
- French language services
- Indigenous services
- Request an accommodation
What you need to know before you file an application
If a children’s aid society refused your request to adopt a particular child, you may apply to the CFSRB for a review of that decision.
You can be represented by a lawyer or paralegal or you can represent yourself. Tribunals Ontario’s Practice Direction on Representation provides additional information on representation of parties and their responsibilities.
Deadline for filing an application
The children’s aid society must give you written notice of its decision to refuse your application to adopt a particular child. After you receive the notice, you have 10 days to apply to the CFSRB for a review. The children’s aid society cannot take further action, nor can it place the child for adoption with someone else during that time.
If it has been more than 10 days since you received the notice and you would like to apply for a review, contact the CFSRB. If the notice is incomplete, you may still be able to apply.
If children’s aid society refuses your request to adopt without sending a written notice, contact the CFSRB immediately. You may be eligible to apply for a review.
Filing an application
To apply for a review, download the Form 3: Application for Review of an Adoption Refusal or call the CFSRB at 416-327-0111 or 1-888-777-3616 and we will email or mail you a copy.
Ensure you include all important events, conversations, dates and details on your application.
You can submit your form by:
Email: cfsrb@ontario.ca
Fax: 416-327-0558
Mail:
Child and Family Services Review Board
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2G6
For more information about how to submit your application, visit Forms and filing.
After you file
The CFSRB will notify the children’s aid society that you have filed an application. If the child is First Nations, Métis or Inuk, the CFSRB will also notify the child’s band or Indigenous community.
Within seven days, the CFSRB will decide if your application is eligible to proceed. If your application is not eligible to be heard by the CFSRB, we will send you a decision explaining why. If your application is eligible, you will receive a decision confirming eligibility and a Notice of Hearing indicating the date of the first day of your hearing.
French language services
Tribunals Ontario is committed to ensuring that French language services are clearly visible, easily accessible and publicized, and of equivalent quality to services offered in English. Read the French Language Services Policy for more information.
CFSRB documents and forms are available in both French and English.
Mediations and hearings can be conducted in English, French, or in both languages. If an application or the response is filed in French, a bilingual adjudicator will be assigned. If you applied in English but would prefer to continue in French, please notify the CFSRB as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
Languages other than English or French
The CFSRB can provide interpreters for languages other than English and French, including sign language. If you need to request an interpreter, do so as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
All correspondence submitted to the CFSRB must be in either English or French. The CFSRB does not provide translation services, including translating correspondence from French to English or English to French.
The hearing
It is important to resolve disputes about adoption refusals as soon as possible. This goal is reflected in the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 and associated regulations which require hearings to start within 20 days of the eligibility decision. Hearings are normally held by video proceeding.
The first day of the hearing will identify any preliminary issues, give directions about evidence and witnesses, set further hearing dates, discuss potential mediation, and deal with any other necessary procedural matters.
At the hearing continuation, a panel of three adjudicators will hear your application. You and the children’s aid society will each have an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses and make submissions. CFSRB adjudicators may also question you or any of the witnesses. The children’s aid society will present its evidence first.
Hearings can last multiple days. All hearings are private. You may have one support person with you during the hearing.
The decision
The CFSRB will determine which action is in the child’s best interests and will confirm or overturn the children’s aid society’s decision to refuse your adoption application.
The CFSRB will issue an order no more than 10 days after the hearing ends. A decision with full reasons is generally released 30 days after the hearing ends.
The decision cannot be appealed. However, in limited circumstances, you can request a judicial review of the decision from the Divisional Court.
5. Review of the removal of a child placed with you for adoption (Form 3)
Learn how to apply for a review of a written notice to remove a child who has been placed with you for adoption.
On this page
- Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
- Learn more about the Rules of Procedure that apply to the removal of a child placed for adoption (Part I and Part IV)
- Get legal help
- French language services
- Indigenous services
- Request an accommodation
What you need to know before you file an application
If a children’s aid society or a licensee either removed a child placed with you for adoption or informed you that it will remove the child, you may apply to the CFSRB for a review of that decision.
You can be represented by a lawyer or paralegal or you can represent yourself. Tribunals Ontario’s Practice Direction on Representation provides additional information who can represent a party and the obligations of representatives.
Deadline for filing an application
The children’s aid society or a licensee must give you written notice of its decision to remove a child placed with you for adoption. After you receive the notice, you have 10 days to apply to the CFSRB for a review. During this time, the children’s aid society cannot take further action.
If it has been more than 10 days since you received the notice and you would like to apply for a review, contact the CFSRB. If the notice is incomplete, you may still be able to apply.
If children’s aid society or licensee removes a child without sending a written notice, contact the CFSRB immediately. You may be eligible to apply for a review.
Filing an application
To apply for a review, download the Form 3: Application for Review of an Adoption Refusal or call the CFSRB at 416-327-0111 or 1-888-777-3616 and we will email or mail you a copy.
Ensure you include all important events, conversations, dates and details on your application.
You can submit your form by:
Email: cfsrb@ontario.ca
Fax: 416-327-0558
Mail:
Child and Family Services Review Board
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2G6
For more information about how to submit your application, visit Forms and filing.
After you file
The CFSRB will notify the children’s aid society that you have filed an application. If the child is First Nations, Métis or Inuk, the CFSRB will also notify the child’s band or Indigenous community.
Within seven days, the CFSRB will decide if your application is eligible to proceed. If your application is not eligible to be heard by the CFSRB, we will send you a decision explaining why. If your application is eligible, you will receive a decision confirming eligibility and a Notice of Hearing indicating the date of the first day of your hearing.
Unless there is a likely risk of harm to the child, the children’s aid society cannot remove the child from your home until the hearing has taken place, and then only if the CFSRB has confirmed the proposed removal.
French language services
Tribunals Ontario is committed to ensuring that French language services are clearly visible, easily accessible and publicized, and of equivalent quality to services offered in English. Read the French Language Services Policy for more information.
CFSRB documents and forms are available in both French and English.
Mediations and hearings can be conducted in English, French, or in both languages. If an application or the response is filed in French, a bilingual adjudicator will be assigned. If you applied in English but would prefer to continue in French, please notify the CFSRB as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
Languages other than English or French
The CFSRB can provide interpreters for languages other than English and French, including sign language. If you need to request an interpreter, do so as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
All correspondence submitted to the CFSRB must be in either English or French. The CFSRB does not provide translation services, including translating correspondence from French to English or English to French.
The hearing
It is important to resolve disputes about adoption removals as soon as possible. This goal is reflected in the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 and associated regulations which require hearings to start within 20 days of the eligibility decision.
The first day of the hearing will identify any preliminary issues, give directions about evidence and witnesses, set further hearing dates, discuss potential mediation, and deal with any other necessary procedural matters.
At the hearing continuation, a panel of three adjudicators will hear your application. You and the children’s aid society will each have an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses and make submissions. CFSRB adjudicators may also question you or any of the witnesses. The children’s aid society will present its evidence first.
Hearings can last multiple days. All hearings are private. You may have one support person with you during the hearing.
The decision
The CFSRB will determine which action is in the child’s best interests and will confirm or overturn the children’s aid society’s decision to refuse your adoption application.
The CFSRB will issue an order no more than 10 days after the hearing ends. A decision with full reasons is generally released 30 days after the hearing ends.
The decision cannot be appealed. However, in limited circumstances, you can request a judicial review of the decision from the Divisional Court.
6. Appeal of school board expulsion decision (Form 4)
Learn how to appeal a school board’s decision to expel a student.
On this page
- Education Act
- Learn more about the Rules of Procedure that apply to the appeal of a school board expulsion decision (Part I and Part V)
- Apply to be a Litigation Guardian for an applicant who does not have the mental capacity to make decisions about the application
- Get legal help
- French language services
- Indigenous services
- Request an accommodation
What you need to know before you file an appeal
You can file an appeal of a school board’s expulsion decision with the CFSRB if you are:
- the parent or guardian of a student who is under 18 years old who was recently expelled,
- a student who is over 18 years old and was recently expelled, or
- a student who is 16 or 17 years old, who has withdrawn from parental control and was recently expelled.
You can represent yourself at your hearing, or you can choose a lawyer or paralegal to help you prepare for, and participate in, your appeal and represent you. The Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY) may be able to provide legal help. The JFCY is a legal aid clinic that provides youth with advice, representation, and referrals.
Tribunals Ontario’s Practice Direction on Representation provides additional information on representation of parties and their responsibilities.
Deadline for filing an appeal
After you receive an expulsion decision from the school board, you have 30 days to appeal to the CFSRB. If you missed the 30-day deadline to apply, contact the CFSRB immediately, and explain why. You may still be allowed to apply.
Filing an appeal
To file an appeal, download the Form 4: Appeal of School Board Expulsion Decision or call the CFSRB at 416-327-0111 or 1-888-777-3616 and we will email or mail you a copy.
Ensure you include all important events, conversations, dates and details on your appeal form.
You can submit your form by:
Email: cfsrb@ontario.ca
Fax: 416-327-0558
Mail:
Child and Family Services Review Board
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2G6
For information about how to send your appeal, visit Forms and filing.
After you file
Within seven days of receiving your appeal, the CFSRB will:
- send a copy of the appeal to the school board requesting a copy of the principal’s report recommending the expulsion, and
- hold a pre-hearing with you and the school board.
French language services
Tribunals Ontario is committed to ensuring that French language services are clearly visible, easily accessible and publicized, and of equivalent quality to services offered in English. Read the French Language Services Policy for more information.
CFSRB documents and forms are available in both French and English.
Mediations and hearings can be conducted in English, French, or in both languages. If an application or the response is filed in French, a bilingual adjudicator will be assigned. If you applied in English but would prefer to continue in French, please notify the CFSRB as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
Languages other than English or French
The CFSRB can provide interpreters for languages other than English and French, including sign language. If you need to request an interpreter, do so as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
All correspondence submitted to the CFSRB must be in either English or French. The CFSRB does not provide translation services, including translating correspondence from French to English or English to French.
The pre-hearing
The purpose of the pre-hearing is to identify any preliminary issues, give directions about evidence and witnesses, set a hearing date, and deal with any other necessary procedural matters. Pre-hearings are held by video proceeding.
After the pre-hearing, the CFSRB will send you and the school board a Pre-hearing Report, and a Notice of Hearing indicating the date of your hearing.
The hearing
Before the hearing, you will have an opportunity to attend a mediation to try to resolve your matter. If the matter does not settle, a hearing will be scheduled on a date agreed to by the parties.
The hearing will be held by video proceeding. A panel of one, two or three adjudicators will hear your appeal. You and the school board will have an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses and make submissions. CFSRB adjudicators may also question any of the witnesses. The school board will present its evidence first.
The student whose expulsion is being appealed has the right to attend the hearing and to make a statement.
Hearings are generally one day. All hearings are private. You may have one support person with you during the hearing.
The decision
The CFSRB will consider the evidence and arguments and may decide to:
- confirm the expulsion decision,
- reject the expulsion decision and reinstate the student,
- change the expulsion decision from all schools to the student’s school only, or
- order that the record of the expulsion be removed or changed.
The CFSRB will issue a decision no more than 10 days after the hearing ends. A decision with full reasons is generally released 30 days after the hearing ends.
The decision cannot be appealed. However, in limited circumstances, you can request a judicial review of the decision from the Divisional Court.
7. Review of an Emergency Admission to Secure Treatment (ESTA) (Form 5)
Learn how to apply for a review of an emergency admission to a secure treatment program.
On this page
- Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
- Learn more about the Rules of Procedure apply to the admission to an emergency secure treatment program (Parts I and VI)
- Get legal help
- French language services
- Indigenous services
- Request an accommodation
What you need to know before you file
If you are a child who was recently admitted to an emergency secure treatment program of up to 30 days, or know a child who was recently admitted to an emergency secure treatment program of up to 30 days, you may apply to the CFSRB for a review of the placement.
All children in an emergency secure treatment program are assigned a lawyer from the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.
Filing an application
To apply for a review, download the Form 5: Application for Review of Emergency Admission to Secure Treatment Program (ESTA) or call the CFSRB at 416-327-0111 or 1-888-777-3616.
You can submit your form by:
Email: cfsrb@ontario.ca
Fax: 416-327-0558
Mail:
Child and Family Services Review Board
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2G6
For more information about how to submit your application, visit Forms and filing.
French language services
Tribunals Ontario is committed to ensuring that French language services are clearly visible, easily accessible and publicized, and of equivalent quality to services offered in English. Read the French Language Services Policy for more information.
CFSRB documents and forms are available in both French and English.
Mediations and hearings can be conducted in English, French, or in both languages. If an application or the response is filed in French, a bilingual adjudicator will be assigned. If you applied in English but would prefer to continue in French, please notify the CFSRB as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
Languages other than English or French
The CFSRB can provide interpreters for languages other than English and French, including sign language. If you need to request an interpreter, do so as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
All correspondence submitted to the CFSRB must be in either English or French. The CFSRB does not provide translation services, including translating correspondence from French to English or English to French.
The hearing
Within five days of receiving the application, a panel of three adjudicators will hold a hearing by video proceeding. Both parties will have an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses and make submissions. CFSRB adjudicators may also question any of the witnesses. The secure treatment facility will present its evidence first.
Hearings last one day and are private.
The order
The CFSRB will make a decision and issue an order on the day of the hearing. The CFSRB will confirm that the child stay in the program or be released.
For the CFSRB to decide to keep a child in the secure treatment program, all five following criteria must be met at the time of admission:
- the child has a mental disorder,
- the child, as a result of the mental disorder, caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause serious bodily harm to himself or herself or others,
- the secure treatment facility program would be effective to prevent the child from causing or attempting to cause harm to himself or herself or others,
- the treatment is appropriate for the child’s mental disorder and is available at the place of secure treatment, and
- no less restrictive method of providing treatment is appropriate in the circumstances.
The decision
The CFSRB will issue a decision with full reasons no more than 10 days after the hearing ends.
8. Review of a residential placement (Form 7)
Learn how to apply for a review of your residential placement in a foster home, group home or treatment home.
On this page
- Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
- Learn more about the Rules of Procedure that apply to the residential placement in a foster, group or treatment home (Parts I and VII)
- Office of the Children’s Lawyer
- Get legal help
- French language services
- Indigenous services
- Request an accommodation
What you need to know before you file
In order to apply for a review by the CFSRB, your placement must have already been reviewed by a Residential Placement Advisory Committee (RPAC).
If you are 12 or older, you may apply to the CFSRB for a review of your placement in a foster home, group home or treatment home if:
- you disagree with the recommendation of the RPAC, or
- the recommendation of the RPAC is not followed.
Filing an application
To apply for a review, download the Form 7: Application for Review of a Residential Placement or call the CFSRB at 416-327-0111 or 1-888-777-3616 to speak with a case processing officer.
Make sure to include all important events, conversations, dates and details on your application.
You can submit your form by:
Email: cfsrb@ontario.ca
Fax: 416-327-0558
Mail:
Child and Family Services Review Board
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2G6
For more information about how to submit your application, visit Forms and filing.
After you file
The CFSRB will notify the following that you made a request to review your residential placement:
- the children’s aid society or person who is responsible for your placement,
- if you are First Nations, Metis or Inuk, the representative chosen by your community, and
- the Office of the Children’s Lawyer or your lawyer.
If you are in the care of the children’s aid society, the society must respond within seven days and provide:
- a copy of the RPAC report,
- an explanation in writing of why it thinks you should remain in your placement, and
- a summary of other placement options with an explanation of whether they would be appropriate for you, and if they are currently available for you.
Generally, the CFSRB conducts a review. In certain circumstances, the CFSRB will conduct a hearing. If the CFSRB decides to hold a hearing instead of a review, you will be notified within 10 days.
French language services
Tribunals Ontario is committed to ensuring that French language services are clearly visible, easily accessible and publicized, and of equivalent quality to services offered in English. Read the French Language Services Policy for more information.
CFSRB documents and forms are available in both French and English.
Mediations and hearings can be conducted in English, French, or in both languages. If an application or the response is filed in French, a bilingual adjudicator will be assigned. If you applied in English but would prefer to continue in French, please notify the CFSRB as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
Languages other than English or French
The CFSRB can provide interpreters for languages other than English and French, including sign language. If you need to request an interpreter, do so as soon as possible, well in advance of your hearing or mediation.
All correspondence submitted to the CFSRB must be in either English or French. The CFSRB does not provide translation services, including translating correspondence from French to English or English to French.
The pre-hearing
The purpose of the pre-hearing is to identify any preliminary issues, give directions about evidence and witnesses, set a hearing date, and deal with any other necessary procedural matters. Pre-hearings are held by video proceeding.
After the pre-hearing, the CFSRB will send all parties a Pre-hearing Report, and a Notice of Hearing indicating the date of your hearing.
The hearing
The hearing will be held by video proceeding. A panel of one, two or three adjudicators will hear your application. All participants will have an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses and make submissions. CFSRB adjudicators may also question you or any of the witnesses.
Hearings can last multiple days. All hearings are private. You may have one support person with you during the hearing.
The decision
The CFSRB must complete the review within 30 days of receiving your application unless everyone involved agrees that more time is needed. If the CFSRB holds a hearing, it will generally take more time.
The CFSRB will make one of the following decisions:
- confirm your current placement,
- order that you be transferred to another placement, or
- discharge you from your current placement.
You will receive a decision with reasons following the hearing.
The decision cannot be appealed. However, in limited circumstances, you can request a judicial review of the decision from the Divisional Court.