2020 Operational Review of YRCAS
In July 2020, after receiving allegations of racism, bullying, and harassment by senior management at York Region Children's
Aid Society (YRCAS), the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) initiated an Operational Review, which included a workplace
assessment and review of service compliance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. The review included looking at all aspects of YRCAS
including board governance, internal operations, human resources policies and practices, diversity, equity and inclusion practices, and service
delivery. On November 13, 2020, MCCSS released the Operational Review Final Report to YRCAS's Board of Directors and staff, and made available
to the public on the YRCAS website
www.yorkcas.org/pdfs/operational_review_Nov2020.pdf.
Results of Operational Review: Change is Needed
The Operational Review found that YRCAS staff had been deeply impacted by "an autocratic, deficit-based culture of fear that targeted dissent and
enabled oppressive behaviours."1 The workplace assessment found that staff had been deeply impacted by a culture that enabled oppressive behaviours,
including racism and anti-Black racism. The file and data review identified that in service delivery there was high compliance with most service
requirements assessed in the review.
Recommendations from the Operational Review included the need for a new leadership direction and actions to create a healthy
workplace culture. YRCAS views the review and its recommendations as an opportunity to make changes within the organization toward a healthy,
respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and delivery of services. Racism, anti-Black racism, and anti-Indigenous racism, bullying, and
harassment will not be accepted in our workplace.
YRCAS's 2021 Operational Work Plan
YRCAS was eager to take the steps necessary to be the healthy, equitable, and inclusive organization that staff, resource parents, board members,
and children, youth, and families need and deserve. An Operational Work Plan was developed holistically by YRCAS staff and the board. It reflects
YRCAS's commitment to address the 35 recommendations included in the Operational Review. The work plan is the first step toward change, with many
projects, change initiatives, planning, and actions required to actualize the needed changes.
Please find English and French versions of the Operational Work Plan available here:
YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan
YRCAS Plan de travail en réponse à l'examen opérationnel
Progress Report: March 2021
YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan: Progress Report - March 2021
YRCAS Mise à jour du Plan de travail de l'examen opérationnel - Mars 2021
Progress Report: June 2021
YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan: Progress Report - June 2021
YRCAS Mise à jour du Plan de travail de l'examen opérationnel - Juin 2021
Progress Report: August 2021
YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan: Progress Report - August 2021
YRCAS Mise à jour du Plan de travail de l'examen opérationnel - Août 2021
Progress Report: October 2021
YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan: Progress Report - October 2021
YRCAS Mise à jour du Plan de travail de l'examen opérationnel - Octobre 2021
Progress Report: December 2021
YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan: Progress Report - December 2021
YRCAS Mise à jour du Plan de travail de l'examen opérationnel - Décembre 2021
Progress Report: February 2022
YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan: Progress Report - February 2022
YRCAS Mise à jour du Plan de travail de l'examen opérationnel - Février 2022
Progress Report: April 2022
YRCAS Operational Review Work Plan: Progress Report - April 2022
YRCAS Mise à jour du Plan de travail de l'examen opérationnel - Avril 2022
Questions about the work plan can be directed to Marci Ramcharan at MarciR@yorkcas.org.
Media inquiries can be directed to Tara Gaston at Tara.Gaston@Yorkcas.org
1 Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services; Operational Review FINAL REPORT: York Region Children's Aid Society; October 2020.
|