Duty to Report Abuse
You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-675-6168.
If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, you can also call 911 to reach the police.
The Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 recognizes that every person is responsible for protecting children and youth against all forms of mistreatment. Mistreatment includes, but is not limited to: physical harm, emotional injury, sexual mistreatment, neglect and any other risk that could be detrimental to the health and safety of a child or youth.
The duty to report applies to anyone with information that would lead someone to suspect that a child needs protection. There is no need to be certain that the child needs protection.
Any sign of lack of trust will discourage the child from talking about the mistreatment it has suffered.
Give the child your full attention. Focus on the child, and hide your feelings (anger, frustration, pain, etc.). Let the child speak, and avoid asking too many questions.
Give the child your support. Tell the child that what happened is not its fault. Never make promises to the child.
Make a note of what the child told you. Don’t interpret what you heard. Use the child’s own words. Immediately contact us.
Confidentiality and professionalism. We make sure that we work in the best interests of each and every child and youth.
