ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO

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Engaging Our Members

CAS/Police Investigations

PRS continues to support members facing alle-
gations of inappropriate conduct towards stu-
dents, which are almost always reported to 
the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) and/or police. 
Fortunately, the majority of police investigations 
are concluded without any criminal charges being 
laid and the majority of CAS matters do not result 
in the verification of any child protection con-
cerns. Unfortunately, being made the subject of a 
CAS or police investigation affects our members 
regardless of the final outcome.

PRS and legal counsel continue to communicate 
with CAS agencies regarding how they conduct 
their investigations and the impact that these 
investigations have on ETFO members. While 
each case has unique facts, the standards applied 
in determining outcomes should be consistently 
applied.

With respect to district school boards, it is appar-
ent that the threshold that school boards apply in 
determining what matters need to be reported to 
the CAS and/or the police may not be consistent 
across boards. In addition, it may be that a “one 
size fits all” approach by boards in sending mem-
bers home when allegations have been reported 
is not necessary and can be modified depending 
on the circumstances surrounding the allega-
tions. ETFO has supported dialogues with local 
school boards to address board reporting prac-
tices and board treatment of members facing 
allegations. The Federation has also encouraged 
locals to ensure that school boards are made 
aware when we have issues with how a local CAS 
has conducted an investigation.

PRS involvement in these matters remains criti-
cal to ensure that members have appropriate 
legal and professional advice, representation and 
support throughout, particularly given that the 

outcomes of these investigations can impact on 
a member’s relationship with their school board 
and on any related College complaints.

College of Teachers

PRS has seen an increase in the number of mat-
ters school boards are referring to the College 
of Teachers. Individuals are also commencing 
complaints against members by accessing the 
College’s online complaint initiation process. Staff 
continue to work with members and legal coun-
sel to represent members at the College regard-
ing investigations related to professional miscon-
duct, incapacity and fitness to practice.

Disclosure remains an ongoing issue. While efforts 
by ETFO PRS staff resulted in some improvement 
in the disclosure process with fuller and earlier 
disclosure, we are still not seeing completely full 
disclosure. What is provided is sometimes dis-
closed piecemeal, affecting the fairness interests 
of members. ETFO continues to work on this 
issue in the context of individual complaints with 
College staff and by coordinating efforts with 
other affiliates facing similar challenges.

There are increasing problems with the College 
collecting information from school boards beyond 
the scope of the complaint made. This sometimes 
results in expanded complaints against mem-
bers or irrelevant information being provided 
to College committees with potential prejudice 
to our members. PRS staff is working on these 
issues within the context of individual com-
plaints, in consultation with local leaders, boards 
and with College staff.

PRS monitoring of complaints shows that most 
involving ETFO members are resolved through com-
plaints resolution. Many complaints considered by 
the Investigation Committee resolve successfully 
without referral to the Discipline Committee. The