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.
 

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...

Document