Duty to Report and What to Do if a Child Tells You They Are Being Abused or Neglected
You Can Help Keep Children Safe.
You can help keep children safe. Children rely on adults for love, support and nurturing. They also must rely on adults to protect them from neglect and abuse. If you think a child is being neglected or abused, it's your legal duty to report the situation to Family and Children’s Services. It is not up to you to prove that abuse or neglect has happened. The child protection worker has the responsibility to investigate the situation and determine if the child is in need of protection. Even if you have previously called about a child, if you become aware of a new incident involving that child, you must call Family and Children’s Services again. Sometimes the agency needs a pattern of abuse or neglect in order to act, and your information may be essential in the investigation of the case. You are protected from legal action for reporting your concerns unless you have deliberately made a false accusation.
What do you do if you suspect or if a child tells you about abuse or neglect?
Sometimes children never tell anyone about what's happening. Sometimes children will tell in indirect ways. If a child tells you about being abused or neglected, here's how you can help:Stay calm. Listen carefully to the child. Reassure the child - say you are sorry this happened and that it is not his or her fault. Don't promise to keep it a secret. Don't say everything will be fine now. It may be a long time before the situation is resolved. Contact us as quickly as possible. What is your legal obligation as a professional?
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE DAY TO CALL!
Brockville: 613-498-2100 Kemptville: 613-258-1460 Toll Free: 1-800-481-7834