Children’s aid IDs in Lanark, Leeds, Grenville leaked online

The OPP is investigating and the families of 285 children’s aid clients in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville were to be contacted Tuesday after an electronic file with the names of the clients was posted on the Internet by unknown third party.

Identifying those who are involved with children’s aid is illegal under the Child and Family Services Act. Releasing this information carries a fine of up to $10,000 and three years in jail.

Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville learned of the breach at 1:42 p.m. on Monday after the agency was notified by a client and a member of the community that the members-only Smiths Falls Swapshop Facebook page had a link to the list of names, said Family and Children’s Services executive director Raymond Lemay.

The page has more than 11,000 members.

Lemay said the person behind the breach is likely a disgruntled client who was “looking to embarrass us.”

The agency immediately contacted police and other authorities and worked with them to contain the breach.

“To the best of our knowledge the file is no longer live, but we are having the situation monitored.”

Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville is answering questions from the public and current and former clients at 1-855-667-2726.