Municipal Social Services in Grey County and Bruce County Human Services provide a range of support services such as Ontario Works, Child Care, and Housing services for eligible clients (for more specific information about available services in each county check 211).
Role of Municipal Social Services / Human Services in Grey and Bruce
Municipal Social Services in Grey County and Bruce County Human Services will:
Where staff identify domestic violence and sexual abuse at intake and/or during the case planning process to determine how Ontario Works, Children’s Services and/or Housing Services can support safety and support needs,
Report as per ‘duty to report’ according to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and work with local Child and Family Services (BGCFS), to ensure that assessment and possible treatment for a child victim is attained as soon as possible,
Accept and approve applications for Special Priority Status (SPP) for rent geared to income, rent supplement and portable housing benefits to expedite access to safe and affordable housing,
Expedite the social assistance intake process when an applicant is in a crisis or emergency situation as a result of sexual assault or domestic violence,
Provide emergency assistance, including the immediate issuance of Financial Benefits at local office (Grey County only), or through Direct Bank Deposit, if the client has a secure bank account (Bruce County).
Provide off site meetings, when necessary, to ensure the safety of the client.
Ensure that victims in high-risk situations are not required to pursue support payments from perpetrators in order to maintain eligibility for Ontario Works,
Ensure that the Ontario Works Directives are applied in each victim’s case, especially as they relate to deferrals and exemptions related to work placements,
Provide risk assessment, and where appropriate a referral to the High Risk Team for supports including safety planning.
Refer to the Grey Bruce Situation Table for rapid mobilization of resources and service connections to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing acutely elevated levels of risk
Use a trauma and violence informed approach with all victims of sexual and domestic violence that includes: a focus on victim safety, establishing trust, using a sensitive, compassionate and non judgmental approach that demonstrates caring and understanding, and consideration of the impact of trauma on memory and the behavior of victims. Additional information under Trauma Informed Response
Ensure that appropriate local referrals are provided.
Roles & Responsibilities of the Protocol Partners
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