Overview of the CYFSA

The paramount purpose of the CYFSA is to promote the best interests, protection and well-being of children. 1 One of several additional purposes is to recognize that appropriate sharing of information to plan and provide services is essential for creating successful outcomes for children and families.

Children and youth receiving services under the CYFSA have certain rights, including the right to:

• express their views freely and safely about matters that affect them
• be consulted on the nature of the services provided and participate in decisions about services provided to them
• raise concerns or recommend changes to their services, and to receive a response, without interference or fear of coercion, discrimination or reprisal 2

Part X of the CYFSA sets out rules for service providers regarding privacy and access to personal information. With limited exceptions, service providers must have consent to collect, use or disclose personal information. They must also take steps to safeguard this information and must notify people if there is a breach of their privacy. Service providers must give individuals access to their records of personal information on request, subject to limited exceptions, and must respond to requests for correction of inaccurate or incomplete records.