Collection of personal information

While Part X does not define what it means to “collect” personal information, collecting information is generally understood to mean gathering or obtaining it from any source and in any manner (including verbally or in written or electronic format).

For example, when you conduct an intake interview, receive a report from a concerned teacher about a child who may be in need of protection, or ask a parent to fill out a needs assessment form, you are collecting personal information.

Collection of personal information can be either direct or indirect.

A collection is direct when the information comes from the person to whom the information relates (or their substitute decision-maker25). For example, during an intake interview between a worker and a youth, the worker is directlycollecting the youth’s personal information.

A collection is indirect when the information comes from a third party, and not from the individual or their substitute decision-maker. For example, if a teacher phones a children’s aid society about a child who may be in need of protection, the society would indirectly collect the child’s personal information from the teacher.

 

25. A “substitute decision-maker” means a person who is authorized under Part X to consent, withhold or withdraw consent on behalf of an individual to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information about the individual (CYFSA, s. 281).

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