When can service providers collect, use or disclose personal information without consent?

Child and family service providers need an individual’s consent to collect, use or disclose their information — except in certain cases permitted by the act.

Ontario’s child and family services law explains when service providers can collect information — directly and indirectly — without consent. For example, a children’s aid society can collect personal information from another society without consent if necessary to assess, reduce or eliminate a risk of harm to a child.

Once you have collected personal information to provide services, the act explains how you may use this information. For example, you can use information without consent for the purpose it was collected, including providing it to other employees where needed.

The law also explains when you may disclose personal information without consent, including where necessary to assess, reduce or eliminate a risk of serious harm to a person or group.

Learn more about collecting, using or disclosing personal information without consent