Regional Councillor Report

Submitted by: Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4

Date: Jan. 25, 2009

Health and Social Services – Jan. 14, 2010

Health Committee

Dr. Kyle and other Regional staff, provided an overview of the investigation conducted regarding the loss of a USB key containing personal health information of residents who attended Regional Health H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccination clinics. Regional responses and actions as well as the involvement of the Privacy Commissioner were also discussed. Committee members were advised that letters had been issued to over 82,000 individuals who may have been affected. It was reported that there is no reason to believe the information was deliberately taken. The Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) released her report on Jan. 14^th. In the report the IPC specifies four orders that must be completed by Feb. 16, 2010. These orders include the requirement for strong encryption on all mobile devices and implementation of detailed policies and procedures for their use. The Health Department is currently focused on ensuring compliance with these orders to safeguard the personal health information of all clients. The Privacy Commissioners Report can be found on the Region’s website at www.region.durham.on. Clients, who wish further information may also call the Durham Health Connection Line at (905) 666-6241.

Social Services

The report received by Committee indicates that in Dec. 2009 the caseload was 1246 as compared to 1046 Ajax residents accessing social services in 2008. This represents an increase of 18.2%. The total social services caseload of 9,110 in Durham represents 20,454 people.

Durham Region Children and Youth Charter – Durham Parenting Program Calendar Launch – Jan. 22, 2010

On Jan. 22, 2010 the Region in partnership with the Best Start network launched two programs; the Durham Region Children and Youth Charter and the Durham Parenting Program Calendar. The Charter which was developed by a sub committee of the Best Start Network received extensive input from childcare service providers, parents, children and youth. In fact there are two versions: an adult version and another which reflects the conversations with children and youth. The Charter will guide the planning and delivery of services in Durham by ensuring that the rights of children and youth are recognized and reflected in services that are offered. It will be widely distributed throughout the childcare community to organizations such as children and youth service providers, agencies, school boards and municipal councils.

The Parenting Program Calendar is a web based tool designed to increase access to services for families. It provides detailed information about parenting programs and allows a search by municipality and date. The Calendar can be accessed online.