We work alongside families and communities to help children and youth be safer and live their lives well.
Reporting A Concern
If you have concerns about a child, please call us immediately at
519 - 336 - 0623 or toll free at 855-436-0623.
All CAS's have emergency service 24 hours a day, everyday, so you can call anytime.
To Report A Concern via an online form,
Please see the below information and links to brochures on the ministry’s website that have been updated to reflect recent amendments to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) to strengthen Ontario’s response to child sex trafficking.
DUTY TO REPORT:
The Child Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) provides for a broad range of services for families and children, including children who are or may be victims of child abuse or neglect. The amended CYFSA includes new ground for protection to include a requirement to report where a person has reasonable and probable grounds to suspect that a child is being, or is at risk of, child sex trafficking. (s.125, CYFSA)
The paramount purpose of the Act is to promote the best interests, protection and well being of children.
The Act recognizes that each of us has a shared responsibility for the welfare of children. It states clearly that members of the public, including professionals who work with children, have an obligation to report promptly to a children's aid society if they suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection.
The Act defines the term "child in need of protection" and sets out what must be reported to a children's aid society. This definition (CYFSA s.72(1)) is set out in detail on the following pages. It includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and risk of harm.
UPDATED: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: It's Your Duty - ENGLISH FRENCH
PROTECTION SERVICES FOR 16-17 Year Olds
The CYFSA is amended to authorize child protection workers and peace officers to temporarily remove 16- or 17-year-old victims of child sex trafficking in order to offer voluntary supports and services, for a maximum period of 12 hours.
An updated brochure for Youth - ENGLISH FRENCH
An updated brochure for Youth-Serving Agencies - ENGLISH FRENCH
Read how and when to report...
Read more about your duty to report...
Read about the signs of abuse...
