Duty To Report

Every person must report to a CAS when they have "reasonable grounds to suspect" that a child is in need of protection.

You must call the CAS immediately if any of the following are true:

You suspect that a child has suffered physical or sexual harm
as a result of a caregiver's actions.

You suspect that a child has been harmed because a caregiver
failed to provide adequate care, supervision or protection.

You suspect that a child has been abandoned by a caregiver--
willfully or unintentionally.

You suspect that a child has been harmed emotionally because
of a caregiver's specific behavior, a pattern of neglect or the
failure of a caregiver to take care of the child's emotional
needs.

You suspect that a child is at risk or likely to suffer physical,
sexual or emotional harm.

You suspect that a caregiver is unable to protect a child.

You suspect that a caregiver has a problem that interferes with
his or her ability to parent. Problems might include drug or
alcohol abuse or mental illness.

You suspect that a caregiver lacks adequate parenting skills.

A child under 12 years of age commits a serious act such as
hurting another person or an animal.

A child under 12 years of age causes serious damage to
property.

An individual must report any additional information, even if that person has reported previous concerns about the same child or family. A detailed pamphlet on reporting child abuse and neglect has been developed and is available from any CAS office or on the internet.

For more information about Ontario's child protection laws and your Duty to Report, Contact Us.

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