Youth Justice Services Division YJO Executive Briefing

1. Youth Justice Services Division YJO Executive Briefing Ministry of Children and Youth Services June 21, 2016

2. Purpose • Review and identify the impacts of recent legislative changes to help prevent or mitigate the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders for youth justice secure custody agencies across Ontario. • Seek advice with regard to the best method to communicate these changes to impacted agencies and a timeline for distribution of communication materials. • Determine what other supports will be required by the impacted agencies to comply with the April 23, 2017 deadline for submission of PTSD Prevention Plans.

3. Key Information • On April 5, 2016 the province passed the Supporting Ontario's First Responders Act, which is new legislation that will create a presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed in first responders is work-related. • The presumption allows for faster access to WSIB benefits, resources and timely treatment. • The act is part of the province’s PTSD Strategy to prevent or mitigate the risk of PTSD and provide first responders with faster access to treatment and the information they need to stay healthy.

4. Key Information • The relevant definitions in the legislation for youth justice are: • place of secure custody; • place of secure temporary detention; • worker in a place of secure custody or place of secure temporary detention (includes nurses); • youth services manager; • youth services worker.

5. Key Information • “worker in a place of secure custody or place of secure temporary detention” means a youth services worker, a youth services manager, or a worker who is employed at a place of secure custody or place of secure temporary detention to provide direct health care services by assessing, treating, monitoring, evaluating and administering medication to a young person in custody or detention at the place of secure custody or secure temporary detention;

6. Key Information • “youth services manager” means a worker who is employed in a management position at a place of secure custody or secure temporary detention, and who directly supervises youth services workers, but does not include an administrator of a place of secure custody or secure temporary detention or a manager who only supervises educational, health-related or counselling services to young persons at the facility;

7. Key Information • “youth services worker” means a worker who is employed at a place of secure custody or secure temporary detention, and who directly supervises young persons who are in custody or detention at the place of secure custody or secure temporary detention, including supervising daily routines and programs, but does not include a worker who provides only educational, health-related or counselling services to young persons at the facility.

8. Key Information The province’s prevention strategy has four major elements: • The creation of a radio and digital campaign aimed at increasing awareness about PTSD amongst first responders, their families and communities and eliminating the stigma that too often prevents those in need from seeking help; • An annual leadership summit to be hosted by the Minister of Labour to highlight best practices, recognize leaders, and monitor progress in dealing with PTSD; • A free online toolkit with resources on PTSD tailored to meet the needs of employers and each of the first responder sectors; • Grants for research that supports the prevention of PTSD.

9. Key Information • Evidence shows that first responders are at least twice as likely as the general population to suffer from PTSD, due to the risk of routine exposure to traumatic stressors. • PTSD involves clinically significant distress and impairment to functioning, and the development of certain types of symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events. It can include painful flashbacks, nightmares, outbursts, thoughts of suicide and feelings of worry, guilt or sadness.

10. Potential Impacts • Transfer payment agencies who currently have WSIB coverage may see an increase in their premiums. The amount of the increase has not been projected to date. • More information can be obtained directly from WSIB at WSIB Employer Service Center: • Email employeraccounts@wsib.on.ca • Phone/Fax: 1-800-387-0750 Fax: 1-888-313-7373 • A free online tool kit to assist in the development of Prevention Plans can be found at the Ministry of Labour website http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/ptsd.php.

11. Next Steps • YJSD will communicate to the impacted agencies by late July

12. Contact Information • If you have any additional questions or concerns please contact Elaine Ellis Senior Advisor Labour Relations Organizational Effectiveness Unit Youth Justice Services Division BB 519-318-9038 Elaine.ellis@ontario.ca