Duty to Report Abuse

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
• Physical Neglect
• Emotional Maltreatment
• Exposure to Domestic or Interpersonal Violence
• Failure to provide essential medical treatment

 

Duty to Report – 

Anyone having reasonable suspicion that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been, or may be, impacted by abuse or neglect has a legal duty to report such information immediately to a local Ministry of Social Services Child Protection Office, First Nations Child and Family Services Agency or police.

Even if you believe someone else is reporting the situation, you still have a duty to report.

The Duty to Report overrides professional confidentiality codes when there is reason to believe that a child may be abused or neglected.

Failure to report or reluctance to share appropriate information can contribute to continued abuse and even death of a child.

Failure to report child abuse or neglect may result in professional or legal consequences. There are no legal consequences for a report made in good faith.

If a child discloses abuse to you, do not ask leading questions or insert information. The circumstances must be conveyed in the child’s own words.

 

What to Report – 

Your report should include:

• Your name, telephone number and relationship to the child (This information remains confidential, and may be provided anonymously; unless your testimony is required in a

court proceeding);

• Your immediate concerns about the child’s safety;

• The child’s location;

• The child’s name;

• The child’s age and gender;

• Information about the situation including your observations or, disclosures made to you;

• Information about the family, caregivers and alleged abuser;

• Other children who may be at risk because of the situation; and

• Any other relevant information.