reporting child abuse and neglect: It's your duty

We all share a responsibility to protect children from harm.  This includes situations where children are abused or neglected in their own homes.  Ontario's Child, Youth and Family Service Act, 2017 (CYFSA) provides for protection for these children.

Section 125 of the CYFSA states that the public, including professionals who work with children, must promptly report any suspicions that a child is, or may be, in need of protection to a children's aid society.  The CYFSA defines the phrase "child in need of protection" and explains what must be reported to a society.  It includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, and risk of harm.

This link to the brochure explains the "duty to report" section of the CYFSA and answers common questions about reporting responsibilities.

https://files.ontario.ca/pdf-3/mccss-report-child-abuse-and-neglect-en-2022-03-31.pdf