This page is an excerpt from:

Helping Children Thrive: Supporting Woman Abuse Survivors as Mothers

Knowing When to Report Child Maltreatment

This information pertains to Ontario, Canada. Members of the public in Ontario, including professionals who work with children, have a legal obligation to report promptly to a Children's Aid Society when they suspect a child is or may be in need of protection. If you have concerns about a child, call your local CAS immediately. All CASs have emergency service 24-hours a day.

The Child & Family Services Act defines the term "child in need of protection" and it includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, and risk of harm. Being exposed to woman abuse is not by itself sufficient grounds to suggest that a child is in need of protection, especially if the abuser is no longer in the home.

Who makes the report?

The person who has the reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection must make the report directly.

What if I am not sure?

You do not need to be sure that a child is or may be in need of protection to make a report. "Reasonable grounds" are what an average person, given his or her training, background and experience, exercising normal and honest judgment, would suspect.

You can call the CAS and provide the details of your concerns, without giving any information to identify the family. They will say if you have to make a formal report.

For more information, read the information sheet called How & When to Report Abuse or Neglect produced by the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies. Your local CAS and the agencies providing violence against women services in your areas will have negotiated a conciliation agreement to guide reporting in cases of woman abuse. Consult that document for guidance.