FAQ
Q: How can I submit an application to the Custody Review Board?
A: Please call (416) 327-4673 or 1-888-728-8823 or (TTY) (416) 327-9247 and ask to speak with a Case Coordinator. The Case Coordinator will complete a telephone application with you.
The Board accepts collect calls.
Q: After completing a telephone application with a Case Coordinator, when will I hear from the Custody Review Board?
A: If the Board decides to conduct an inquiry, you will hear from a Board member within 24 hours of the Board’s receipt of your telephone application.
If the Board decides to hold an oral hearing, the Board will notify you within 10 days of receiving your telephone application that a hearing will be scheduled.
Q: How will I know if my application will be heard by the Custody Review Board?
A: Your application will be heard by the Custody Review Board if it is made within 30 days of the decision, placement or transfer that you are seeking to review.
Q: Will the facility be informed of my application to the Custody Review Board?
A: Yes. The Custody Review Board will notify both the facility where you currently reside and the facility where you wish to be transferred (if applicable) of the application to the Board.
Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about an application that is before the Board?
A: Individuals with questions regarding a specific case that is before the Board should call (416) 327-4673 or 1-888-728-8823 or (TTY) (416) 327-9247 to speak with the assigned Case Coordinator.
Q: How is an oral hearing different from an inquiry?
A: An Inquiry is conducted by the Custody Review Board either in-person or by telephone. The Board member may contact the various parties identified by the youth and/or facility by telephone or in-person meetings to collect the necessary information to make a recommendation to the Provincial Director.
An oral hearing is a hearing conducted by the Custody Review Board. All parties will be notified of the date and time of the hearing and the parties will have an opportunity to provide information and present their point of view.
Q. Who may attend an oral hearing?
A. The youth, the youth’s lawyer and the Provincial Director.
Social services professionals, probation officers, facility staff, advocates from the Office of the Provincial Child Advocate’s Office, family members and guardians may also attend the hearing to provide information.
Q: When will the oral hearing take place?
A: The Custody Review Board will schedule the hearing on dates that are convenient for all parties. Notice of the hearing will be sent to the youth, his/her counsel, and the Provincial Director/Regional Placement Coordinator
Q: Where will the oral hearing be held?
A: The hearing usually takes place in the facility where the youth currently resides. If this is not possible, the Board will arrange for the hearing to take place in a location that is convenient for all parties.
Q. How will a person communicate with the Custody Review Board if he/she does not speak English or French?
A. If an applicant or other person at the hearing does not speak English or French, the Custody Review Board will make a translator/interpreter available.
Q. What if a person is not represented by legal counsel at an oral hearing?
A. The Board member presiding over the hearing will make every effort to ensure that the person has a fair opportunity to present his/her position.
Q: How long will it take for the Custody Review Board to issue a recommendation to the Provincial Director?
A: If the Board conducts an inquiry, the Board will prepare and issue its recommendation to the Provincial Director and youth within 30 days following the receipt of the application. The recommendation will include a summary of facts from the inquiry, the Board’s recommendation and the reasons for the Board’s recommendation.
If the Board conducts an oral hearing, the Board will prepare and issue its recommendation to the Provincial Director and youth within 30 days following the receipt of the application, unless the Provincial Director and the youth consent to a longer period for the Board’s recommendation. The recommendation will include a summary of facts from the inquiry, the Board’s recommendation and the reasons for the Board’s recommendation.
Q: How will the Custody Review Board communicate its recommendation?
A: The Custody Review Board will issue itsrecommendation in writing to the youth and the Provincial Director. Recommendations are issued by facsimile.
Q: Is the recommendation of the Custody Review Board binding?
A: No. The recommendation is made to the Provincial Director. The Provincial Director makes the final decision and will decide if the Board’s recommendation is followed.
Q: Who should I contact if I have a complaint about the Custody Review Board?
A: Complaints about the Custody Review Board can be sent in writing to the following address:
Manager of Operations
Custody Review Board
2 Bloor Street West, 24th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4W 3V5
Telephone: (416) 327-4673 or 1-888-728-8823.
TTY: (416) 327-9247
Fax: (416) 327-4379