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

Date: Sept. 27, 2004

Health & Social Services - Sept. 14, 2004

Simplification of Ontario Works

The Committee received a report from the Ontario Works Simplification Task Force which was formed in February 2004 by the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association. This report outlined their recommendations
for thirteen changes. According to the Minister of Community and Social Services, the Honourable Sandra Pupatello, 80% of caseworker's time is now spent on administrative tasks and only 20% on employment focused activities. The recommendations to the Ministry, by the committee are geared towards reducing the time spent on administrative tasks and eliminating tasks which contribute minimal or no value towards the
integrity of the program or to client service. The recommendations attempt to achieve administrative simplification, improved customer service and an increase in caseworker's time on employment related
activities.

Ontario Works Intake Screening Unit

Committee received a report from Income Support regarding Durham's experience with the Ontario Works' Centralized Intake Screening Unit. In 2000, the province initiated the concept of centralized intake screening units. The Central East Region which encompasses Durham Region along with the County of Simcoe, the Region of York, the County of Northumberland, the County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton are now served by the I.S.U. in Peterborough. Previously each municipality operated their own intake service in that applicants would call the Social Services Department in
their own municipality.

In this case, Durham Region Social Services operated a call centre with a toll free number o from Ajax. Callers were screened and if appropriate, an appointment scheduled. Call Centre caseworker staff would often refer clients to other community services and supports, in
addition to providing the screening and appointment scheduling. This service has been scaled back due to the reality of the magnitude of the geographic area that the Peterborough office deals with. Staff do not have the same level of knowledge regarding other services available in each community. Experience with the Centralized Intake Screening Unit, operating out of Peterborough, has also indicated that the service is
more costly at the same time that the service to clients may have declined. From 2001 to 2004 Durham's gross contribution to the operation has been approx. $2.5 million. When Durham's call centre was in place the cost was about 55% to 60% of Durham's 2001 contribution to
the Central East I.S.U.

Colleen Jordan
Regional Councillor
Wards 3 & 4
Res: (905) 427-5084
Town: 
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