City of Toronto statement on sexual assault charges

     TORONTO, April 20 /CNW/ - The City of Toronto and staff from Children's

Services are working closely with the Toronto Police Service and family

agencies in the wake of criminal charges laid against a Children's Services

volunteer. As indicated by police, it is alleged that a daycare volunteer

sexually assaulted and interfered with children in the City's care. If proven,

this is an unacceptable breach of trust.

     The City directly runs 57 daycare centres in Toronto, serving

2,618 children and their families. Staff, students on placement, and formal

volunteers undergo criminal background checks before they are permitted to

interact with children. The individual, who was charged last Sunday, does not

have a criminal record.

     The City of Toronto is conducting its own internal review to ensure

policies were adhered to. Volunteers in childcare centres are an integral part

of the childcare setting. It is the City's hope that the alleged actions of

one individual do not diminish the excellent and caring work of both staff and

volunteers, some of whom include parents. Families entrust their children into

our care; the City works hard to maintain that trust, and will continue to do

so.

     Communication, including meetings with parents, has taken place, and

social service supports have been offered where required, or requested. This

is an extremely serious matter and the City requests the media's understanding

surrounding issues of privacy, the court-ordered publication ban, and the fact

there are ongoing investigations, both by police and the Toronto government.

     Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home

to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine

of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America.

In the past three years Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and

innovation in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to

prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.