INTENT

To allow the collection of information necessary to pursue support agreements and orders according to privacy requirements.

POLICY

Collection of Information

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) Sections 33 and 34, and the Income and Employment Supports Act (IESA) Part 8 and the Child and Adult Support Services (CASS) Regulation Section 5(a)(i)(ii) authorize the collection of information that is necessary to provide services, as stated in the Child Support Services (CSS) goals.

When CSS staff collect information directly from the applicant and respondent, FOIP Act Section 34(2) states that the staff must inform them (verbally, by form, or by posted notice) of the following:

• The purpose for which the information is collected,
• The legal authority for the collection, and
• A person whom they can contact for further information about the collection.

When the information is necessary for pursuing support and/or enforcement, there is authority under the FOIP Act Section 34(1) and the CASS Regulation Section 5(1)(a) (i)(ii) for indirect collection of personal information concerning a respondent:

• FOIP Act Section 34(1)(b) and (k) provides authority to collect information from an assistance file (from either the applicant's or respondent's file),
• FOIP Act Section 34(1)(a)(ii), (j) and (m) provides authority to collect information from the applicant about the respondent,
• FOIP Act Section 34(1)(b), (j) and (m) provides authority to collect information from locate services.

CASS Regulation Section 5(a)(i)(ii) provides clear authority for the Child Support Workers (CSW) to undertake locate and other investigative activity that is necessary to obtain or file for enforcement support orders or agreements. This authority exists when CSS services are provided to applicants receiving assistance or to other Albertans with low income.