The Human Services Department
In June 2007, the Region of Peel implemented a corporate reorganization which included the creation of a Human Services Department. The new department united the former departments of Social Services, and Housing and Property to deliver a very broad range of services to residents of Peel Region including:
- Employment and financial supports (Ontario Works)
- Homelessness and prevention
- Providing child care and social housing through 12 Learn.Play.Care. Child Care Centres and Peel Living (70 buildings)
- Early years and housing development
- Social policy and community-based supports
- Service System management of social housing, early learning and child care
The department supports full participation by all residents in the economic, social and cultural life of the Region by providing a continuum of supports for vulnerable or at-risk members of the community. Human Services works collaboratively with other Peel agencies to improve the opportunities and quality of life for children, families and individuals living in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.
Nine key functions of the Human Services department:
The following describes our program delivery and service provider role in Peel. While some functions may be specific services by program area, ideally, they will apply to clients across the department.
Advocacy
To act to influence decisions of public and private bodies to further advance the quality of life and support the needs of individuals, families, children and communities in Peel.
Asset Management
To provide ongoing client service in a safe and well maintained environment, and to protect the investment of public dollars.
Capacity Building
To provide leadership, education, information and resources to individuals and groups in Peel neighbourhoods and the broader community with the intent of improving service delivery and supporting their ability to obtain services and supports that address their needs and interests.
Community Development
To empower individuals and groups of people by providing them with the skills they need to effect change in their own communities.
Funding
To manage contracts and agreements with funders to ensure compliance with all terms and conditions, to manage risk and to ensure financial accountability of programs.
Program Compliance
To establish policies and practices that govern and support services to meet and exceed standards that will ensure compliance with required legislation and program parameters, and build on best practices in the delivery of services.
Program Development
To research, plan and prepare services and supports, often in collaboration with community partners and funders, that meet the diverse human services needs of Peel residents.
Service Delivery
To provide a broad range of integrated programs and supports to meet the needs of clients including Peel citizens and employees of the Human Services Department.
Service System Manager
To manage, monitor and evaluate the planning and delivery of integrated human services for the broader community that will help foster collaboration, partnerships and support continuous improvement.