How to report abuse
SUMMARY OF LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
In Ontario, the Child and Family Act describes what to do if you suspect that a child was abused or is at risk of abuse.
- A “child” is considered such from birth until his/her 16th birthday.
- The Child and Family Services Act defines a child in need of protection as any child who is or who appears to be under 16 years old and suffering from abuse and/or neglect.
- If there is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect, or risk of child abuse, everyone, professionals and non-professionals alike, must immediately report these concerns to a local Children’s Aid Society (CAS).
- If you suspect that a child was abused or is at risk of abuse, you must make the report and cannot ask anyone else to make the report for you.
- If you have additional suspicions or information about abuse, then a Children’s Aid Society must be contacted again, even if reports have been made before.
HOW TO MAKE A REPORT OF SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
In Toronto contact one of the agencies below:
- Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAS) at 416-924-4646.
- Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS) at 416-395-1500.
- Native Child and Family Services at 416-969-8510.
- Jewish Child & Family Services (JF&CS) at 416-638-7800.
- Toronto Police Services at 416-808-2222.
For elsewhere in Ontario & Canada:
Contact Information for a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) can be found:
- Under “Emergency Numbers” in the phone book;
- In the business listings of the telephone directory;
- By calling 411 for directory assistance;
- In Ontario, online at http://www.oacas.org;
- See the CASAT Toronto Resources list.
IF A CHILD OR YOUTH IS IMMEDIATE DANGER:
- Call 911 for police.
PROTECTION FROM LIABILITY
If a person reports suspected child abuse, he/she cannot be held liable if it can be proven that the report was made in good faith and not to cause trouble for anyone.
CONFIDENTIALITY
You can report a suspicion of child abuse anonymously.
Some relationships are normally considered confidential or private, for example, between a doctor and patient or clergy and congregation. However, a confidence cannot be kept if child abuse is suspected. No matter what the relationship is between people, one must always follow through on the legal duty to report suspicions of child abuse. The only confidential relationship is that between lawyer and client.
Refer to Understanding Child Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers for further information.
