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Quality Standards Framework (QSF) - Regulatory and Legislative Amendments

Overview of the Quality Standards Framework (QSF) and the regulatory and legislative amendments made to support its implementation. This guide includes an FAQ and infographics breaking down the requirements.

About this Guide

This guide discusses the legislative and regulatory amendments that have occurred since 2023 to the CYFSA, to Ontario Regulation 155/18 and Ontario Regulation 156/18, to operationalize the Quality Standards Framework. The amendments have come into effect in two phases (Phase 1 in 2023, Phase 2 in 2024/2025) and both phases are reviewed in this guide. 

The infographics in this guide provide a visual overview of the QSF regulatory requirements. The FAQ specifically addresses the new requirements resulting from the regulatory and legislative amendments effective in 2024/2025. The infographics and the FAQ are not intended to replace a fulsome review and understanding of the related regulations and policy directive. 

For more information on the Quality Standards Framework and the regulatory requirements for children receiving out-of-home, please refer to the following courses found on myOACAS Learning:

  • Quality Standards Framework and Regulations: Introduction and Quality Standards Framework, and
  • Regulations: Requirements and Practical Implications  

Terminology

Out-of-Home Care

While the term used in the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) and the regulations is “residential care”, the term “out-of-home care” will be used throughout this course and any accompanying resources (where possible), including resources issued by MCCSS, to acknowledge the traumatic history of the Residential School system and ongoing legacies of colonization in the child welfare system today. The term “residential” will still be used when citing legislation, regulations, or other documents where the term is used.

Child

The use of "child" in this guide and any accompanying resources refers to a person under the age of 18, as defined by the CYFSA. 

Disclaimer

The information found in this library guide does not constitute legal advice. If you require assistance with respect to the interpretation of the legislative and regulatory requirements and their potential application in specific circumstances, you should seek legal advice.