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PO-1731
BACKGROUND:
In 1997, the Adoption Unit of the Ministry of Community and Social Services (the Ministry)received an Adoption Home Study Report from a social worker approved by the Ministry to conduct private adoption home studies. The social worker recommended the appellants as suitable adoptive parents to adopt a child from Russia. Shortly thereafter, the Ministry received telephone calls from two concerned individuals (the affected persons) regarding the suitability of one of the appellants as an adoptive parent. As a result, the Ministry asked the social worker to investigate the concerns and further assess this appellant's suitability as an adoptive applicant. During his investigation, the social worker advised the appellants that information had been received from "the anonymous callers". Following further assessment by the social worker, he continued to recommend the appellants as suitable adoptive parents. The Ministry subsequently accepted the recommendation and approved the appellants as suitable adoptive applicants.
NATURE OF THE APPEAL:
The appellants submitted a request to the Ministry under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act) for access to a copy of their adoption file, including "all information, names and addresses and the addendum and letters [to one Ministry employee from the social worker]".
The Ministry located responsive records and denied access to them in their entirety on the basis of sections 21(1)(f) and 49(b) (invasion of privacy) of the Act.
The appellants appealed the decision to deny access.
During mediation the Ministry was provided with consents to disclosure from two individuals (other than the affected persons) who were referred to in the records. As a result, the Ministry reviewed its decision and issued a revised decision letter. This decision was issued within the 35 day limit for the addition of new discretionary exemptions by the Ministry (as set out in the Confirmation of Appeal)....
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. All Rights Reserved.