Duty to report

Child abuse and neglect include acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that result in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. The five primary forms of maltreatment are physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, emotional maltreatment and exposure to domestic violence. Abandonment and caregiver capacity are concerns that also need to be reported. Failure to report is a provincial offence in Ontario. A study published in 2014 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that 32% of Canadians had experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, exposure to intimate partner violence or a combination of these while they were young — a number that includes behaviour once deemed socially appropriate forms of discipline, such as spanking with an object and slapping. All types of child abuse were associated with all mental disorders, including suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, according to the study author Tracie Afifi, and professor of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. In 2005, UNICEF estimated that between 133–275 million children worldwide are exposed to violence in the family. Among the types of emotional maltreatment, verbal abuse in the form of name-calling is the most commonly experienced. A Red Cross study published in 2003, found that neglect was the most common form of child maltreatment reported to social workers in Canada. Kelly-Ann Williams, Community Engagement Worker for Peel Children’s Aid presents an outline of the CAS mandate in Ontario. Her specific focus in the video is with the legislation related to child welfare and the Duty to Report. Kelly-Ann provides the viewer with an understanding of the mandate and the services provided by the CAS to support children and families in our communities. CAS is a valuable agency resource for distress and crisis line responders and others providing information and help to individuals and families. Questions for Further Consideration: 1. What is considered ‘neglect’ and how can one recognize this in children? Neglect happens when a child's parent or other person in charge does not provide for a child's physical, developmental, emotional or psychological needs. Some examples of neglect can include: Failing to provide: proper food clothing suitable for the weather supervision a home that is clean and safe medical care, as needed emotional support, love and affection A child who is neglected may not wear clothing that's suitable for the weather, be dirty or unbathed, be very hungry or may not be properly supervised. What should you do if child abuse or neglect is suspected? Here are some guidelines offered by the Canadian Red Cross, to help a person respond to and report child abuse. If you suspect or know about child abuse, take action. When violence is suspected or when violence is disclosed, adults have a responsibility to take action. ACTION 1: Acknowledge the child’s situation and feelings. Carefully listen to what the child says, but do not “interview” the child. ACTION 2: Comfort the child and ensure that they are safe. Remember that child abuse and neglect are never the child’s fault. ACTION 3: Take notes and document what the child says and/or what you see, and then take action by immediately reporting the violence to your local child protection authority or the police (https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/violence-bullying-and-abuse-prevention/educators/child-abuse-and-neglect-prevention/how-to-respond-to-a-disclosure). When in doubt, report suspected child abuse. You do not have to be 100 per cent certain that abuse has occurred. The safety of the child or youth may be at risk. The authorities have the responsibility to determine the facts and evidence, not you. The person who hears the disclosure or suspects child abuse or neglect must make the report. Reference: How to Respond to a Disclosure - Canadian Red Cross (https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/violence-bullying-and-abuse-prevention/educators/child-abuse-and-neglect-prevention/how-to-respond-to-a-disclosure) 3. What happens when you report to the CAS a suspicion of child abuse or neglect? In Ontario, all suspicions of child abuse or neglect must be reported directly to a CAS. CASs have the exclusive mandate, under the Child and Family Services Act, to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect and to deliver child protection services. When you make the call to CAS, your report will be received by a CAS worker who will assess the levels of risk and urgency for each situation based on comprehensive guidelines. As part of the assessment, the provincial database is checked for past involvement with any CAS. This information is used, along with other information, to determine the need for an investigation. The child protection worker will take the necessary action to protect the child as a result of the investigation. Glossary CFSA: acronym for Child and Family Services Act CAS: acronym for Children’s Aid Society OACAS: acronym for Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies Foster family: A family that provides custody or guardianship and care for children whose parents are unable to look after them. Children are in their care for as long as is needed.