Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing Services questions

Licensing protects the health, safety, and well-being of those receiving out-of-home care by ensuring compliance with the standards set out in the legislation and regulations for these types of facilities:

• Homes for Special Care
• Child and Youth Caring Homes and Children's Small Option Homes

The Licensee is responsible for ensuring that the facility complies with the applicable legislation and requirements for their facility. They may delegate this responsibility to the Facility Director, who would be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the facility.

Facilities are inspected at least twice a year. Facilities that are non-compliant with licensing requirements in some area(s) receive more frequent inspections.

Licensing Services makes objective assessments based on first-hand observations, reviews of written records, files and other documentation; and interviews with operators, their employees, and clients.

The licensing requirements applied to a facility are based on the acts, regulations, and standards applicable to the type of facility.

Protection for Persons in Care questions

To provide an extra safeguard from abuse for residents residing in homes for special care under the Homes for Special Care Act. The Protection for Persons in Care unit is responsible for inquiring into and investigating allegations of abuse and to issue directives to the administrators of homes for special care to protect residents from further abuse.

Under the PPCA, the Administrator and Service Provider have a duty to promptly report all allegations or instances of abuse.

A PPC Investigator conducts an inquiry to determine if there are reasonable grounds that abuse occurred. If the allegation meets the criteria for an investigation under the PPCA, a PPC Investigator will conduct an investigation to determine if the allegation was founded or unfounded. After the investigation has been concluded, directives to ensure the safety of residents may be issued to the Administrator or Service Provider of the home for special care.

No, a decision to not investigate a referral can be made based on the following: the facility has provided reasonable care and support to address the incident; the referral is not within the scope of the PPCA; or the allegation has been referred to the Police or a regulatory body.