Child Abuse or Neglect
 Do
I have to report suspected child abuse or neglect?
If a person has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may
be in need of protection, the person must promptly report the suspicion
and the information upon which it is based to a Children's Aid Society.
The duty to report is an ongoing obligation. If a person has made a previous
report about a child, and has additional reasonable grounds to suspect
that a child is or may be in need of protection, that person must make
a further report to a Children's Aid Society.
The person who has the reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is
or may be in need of protection must make the report directly to a Children's
Aid Society. The person must not rely on anyone else to report on his
or her behalf.
What are reasonable grounds?
You do not need to be sure that a child is or may be in need of protection
to make a report to a Children's Aid Society. "Reasonable grounds"
are what an average person, exercising normal and honest judgement, would
suspect.
Professionals and officials have special responsibilities:
Professional persons and officials have the same duty as any member of
the public to report a suspicion that a child is in need of protection.
The Act recognizes, however, that persons working closely with children
have a special awareness of the signs of child abuse and neglect, and
a particular responsibility to report their suspicions, and so makes it
an offence to fail to report. Any professional or official who fails to
report a suspicion that a child is or may be in need of protection, where
the information on which that suspicion is based was obtained in the course
of his or her professional or official duties, is liable on conviction
to a fine of up to $1,000.
Professionals affected:
- health care professionals including physicians, nurses, dentists,
pharmacists, and psychologists;
- teachers and school principals;
- social workers and family counselors;
- priests, rabbis, and other members of the clergy;
- operators or employees of day nurseries;
- youth and recreation workers (not including volunteers);
- peace officers and coroners;
- solicitors;
- service providers and employees of service providers; and
- any other person who performs professional or official duties with
respect to a child.
When should I make a report?
You should call The Children's Aid Society immediately if you suspect
abuse or neglect. A Children's Aid Society needs the cooperation of members
of the community and professionals to ensure children are protected.
You do not need to be certain that abuse or neglect has occurred to make
a report. The reported suspicion of abuse will be discretely investigated
by a Children's Aid Society social worker, who has the authority and responsibility
to take immediate action. They may call on the police or other community
agencies for assistance.
The Children's Aid Society encourages anyone who has questions about
whether a child may be abused, neglected, or in need of protection to
call and discuss your concerns. Following consultation with The Children's
Aid Society, you can choose whether to make a formal report.
Can I get in trouble for making a report?
No. Anyone reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is exempt from
civil liability, unless they have acted maliciously or without reasonable
grounds.
Do I have to give my name if I make a report?
No, you do not. However, if you identify yourself you will help the investigating
workers if they need more details or information. When you make a report
your identity is confidential and can only be shared with your permission,
or by a court order or subpoena.
Contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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The Children's Aid
Society of the County of Bruce
5 McGivern St. W., P.O. Box 279
Walkerton, ON
N0G 2V0 |
Phone: (519) 881-1822
(800) 461-1993
Fax: (519) 881-0350
Email Inquiries: brucas@brucecas.ca
Web site address: www.brucecas.ca |
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