Who is responsible for reporting concerns about children?

What will happen when I report concerns about a child/children?

Where do I call to report my concerns?

When should I call to report my concerns?

Why does the Children’s Aid Society become involved with families?

Feeling nervous about making a report?

Do parents make reports about their own children?

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPORTING CONCERNS ABOUT CHILDREN?

Neighbours
Family Members
Police
Teachers
Doctors
Counsellors

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I REPORT CONCERNS ABOUT A CHILD/CHILDREN?

You will be connected with a worker trained to take reports regarding the welfare of children, who will help you through reporting your concerns by asking questions and clarifying that they understand correctly.

You will be asked to describe your concerns about the child/children and how you came to have concerns – what did you see or hear?

You will be asked to provide any information you can.

WHERE DO I CALL TO REPORT MY CONCERNS?

Children's Aid Society of Northumberland
905-372-1821 or
TOLL FREE 1-800-263-7902

WHEN SHOULD I CALL TO REPORT MY CONCERNS?

Call as soon as you have concerns

It is the responsibility of the Children's Aid Society of Northumberland to investigate concerns … you should NOT wait to call so that you can gather evidence or find proof!

If you have called already, but have NEW concerns … Call again!

The Children's Aid Society is available for you to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year! A worker is always available to take your call and respond if necessary.

WHY DOES THE CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY BECOME INVOLVED WITH FAMILIES?

There are many reasons why we might become involved with a family, which could include:

Physical Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Neglect

Domestic Violence

Drug or Alcohol abuse by the caregiver

Mental Health problems experienced by the caregiver

Abandonment of a child

Caregiver does not have the capacity or skills to parent a child

Caregiver does not respond to a child’s medical or dental needs

The Children's Aid Society will respond appropriately to all reported concerns about the welfare of children under the age of 16.

WILL THE FAMILY INVOLVED BE TOLD WHO REPORTED THE CONCERNS?

The Children's Aid Society makes all efforts to keep the identify of the referral source CONFIDENTIAL

You may be asked for your name and contact information so that a worker can follow-up in the future if they have any questions about your report

It is possible that identification of who reported concerns may be required by a court of law

FEELING NERVOUS ABOUT MAKING A REPORT?

This is completely normal

The worker will support you through the process and make sure to ask questions so that all relevant information is gathered

Don’t let being nervous prevent you from helping a child who you are concerned about! It is your legal DUTY to report your concerns.

DO PARENTS MAKE REPORTS ABOUT THEIR OWN CHILDREN?

Yes, absolutely!

Parents may report abuse of their child by another caregiver or concerns that they are unable to parent effectively

Being a parent can be very stressful. The Children's Aid Society can work together with parents voluntarily, to face the challenges of parenting and support them in caring for their children appropriately and accessing supportive resources in the community.

Parents often report concerns about:

Parenting difficult teens

Managing children with mental health issues and/or developmental disabilities

Parenting through an illness or hospital stay

Preparing for a baby before it is born