We have a moral obligation to protect our children from harm, so that they can live in safety and grow up to become our community’s leaders.

Every adult in Ontario has a legal obligation to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to a Children’s Aid Society. Tikinagan Child and Family Services is the Children’s Aid Society for First Nations children in our catchment area (see Our Communities), so if you know or suspect that a child is being abused, you can also call us at 1-800-465-3624, 24-hours a day.

We’re always available to talk about your concerns, and the information you give us, including your identity, will remain confidential whenever possible.

You don’t need to be sure!

Definition of a Child in Need of Protection

• Physical harm/risk of physical harm
• Sexual harm/risk of sexual harm
• Medical treatment
• Emotional harm/risk of emotional harm
• Mental, emotional or developmental condition
• Abandonment
• Less than 12 years and killed or seriously injured another person or seriously damaged property

Duty to Report

Everyone has a duty to report. Those who work closely with children have a special awareness of the signs of abuse and neglect.

Any professional who fails to report a suspicion that a child is or may be in need of protection, where the information on which that suspicion is based was obtained in the course of his or her professional or official duties, is liable on conviction to a fine of up to $5,000.

CONFIDENTIALITY

• Referral sources are confidential.
• Under the provincial Act, revealing a referral source is an offense, unless required by the court or with informant’s consent.
• You can make anonymous referrals.