If you receive, or have received, a service under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), then, yes, you have the right to ask to see or receive a copy of your personal information in your file. This includes information about your history, your health, or notes from talks you’ve had with a social worker or other professional. You can also ask your service provider to explain to you any term or code used in your record.

If someone else can make decisions about your personal information, such as a substitute decision-maker, they can ask to see or receive a copy of your personal information on your behalf. See who can make decisions about your personal information.

If your service provider does not let you see your personal information in your file, they must tell you why in writing.

If you do not get access to the personal information you have requested, you or your substitute decision-maker can make a complaint to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (or, the IPC).

Learn more about your access rights in the IPC’s It’s About You brochure.

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