You Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Child
Duty to Report –
Types of abuse such as:
- 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.
Who do you call?
Ministry of Social Services Child Protection Lines:
Regina (South): 1-844-787-3760
Prince Albert (North): 1-866-719-6164
Saskatoon (Centre): 1-800-274-8297
or Local First Nations Child and Family Services
After Hours Crisis Services:
Prince Albert: 306-764-1011
Regina: 306-569-2724
Saskatoon: 306-933-6200
Other Communities: Local Police/RCMP
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