Difference between revisions of "Reporting Suspected Child Abuse"
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===If you have reason to believe a child is being abused=== | ===If you have reason to believe a child is being abused=== | ||
If you have reason to believe a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected, the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-46/latest/rsbc-1996-c-46.html#sec14_smooth law | If you have reason to believe a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected, the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-46/latest/rsbc-1996-c-46.html#sec14_smooth law in BC] requires you to report your concerns to a child welfare worker. “'''Reason to believe'''” means you suspect a child could be at risk, based on what you have seen or information you have. You do not need proof. Just report what you know. | ||
It doesn’t matter if you think someone else is reporting the situation or if a child welfare worker is already involved with the child — you must still make a report. It also doesn’t matter who the suspected abuser is. They could be a family member, your neighbour, or a member of your church or temple. They could be a patient or client. They could be your boss or your employee. Your duty to report your concerns takes priority over any confidentiality or privilege that might apply to your relationship with the suspected abuser. | It doesn’t matter if you think someone else is reporting the situation or if a child welfare worker is already involved with the child — you must still make a report. It also doesn’t matter who the suspected abuser is. They could be a family member, your neighbour, or a member of your church or temple. They could be a patient or client. They could be your boss or your employee. Your duty to report your concerns takes priority over any confidentiality or privilege that might apply to your relationship with the suspected abuser. | ||
It is an offence not to report suspicions of abuse or neglect. The only exception is for a lawyer who may have concerns that involve their client. | It is an offence not to report suspicions of abuse or neglect. The only exception is for a lawyer who may have concerns that involve their client. | ||
Tip | {| class="wikitable" | ||
The law protects you from being sued or prosecuted for reporting a suspected abuser. The exception is if you knowingly report false information. | |align="left"|'''Tip''' | ||
The [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-46/latest/rsbc-1996-c-46.html#sec14_smooth law] protects you from being sued or prosecuted for reporting a suspected abuser. The exception is if you knowingly report false information. | |||
|} | |||
===How you make a report of child abuse=== | |||
If a child is in immediate danger, call the police by '''dialing 9-1-1'''. A child welfare worker will determine whether the child is in need of protection. | |||
If there is no immediate danger, you can report child abuse in one of two ways: | If there is no immediate danger, you can report child abuse in one of two ways: | ||
Phone the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s screening line at 1-800-663-9122 at any time of the day or night. The team answering these calls assesses child protection reports and initial requests for Ministry service across the province, 24 hours a day. | #Phone the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s screening line at 1-800-663-9122 at any time of the day or night. The team answering these calls assesses child protection reports and initial requests for Ministry service across the province, 24 hours a day. | ||
Call a Ministry of Children and Family Development office in your area. The Ministry’s offices are listed in the provincial government blue pages of the phone book. The Ministry's offices are also listed on the Ministry website at gov.bc.ca/mcfd. | #Call a Ministry of Children and Family Development office in your area. The Ministry’s offices are listed in the provincial government blue pages of the phone book. The Ministry's offices are also listed on the Ministry website at [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/children-and-family-development/ministry-contact gov.bc.ca/mcfd]. | ||
If you make a report of child abuse | |||
===If you make a report of child abuse=== | |||
The report you make to the Ministry of Children and Family Development will be taken by a child welfare worker. The worker will want as much information as possible from you, including the name and address of the child, the parents, anyone else involved, and the reasons why you think the child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected. | The report you make to the Ministry of Children and Family Development will be taken by a child welfare worker. The worker will want as much information as possible from you, including the name and address of the child, the parents, anyone else involved, and the reasons why you think the child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected. | ||
You do not need to identify yourself | |||
====You do not need to identify yourself==== | |||
But it is helpful for the child welfare worker to have your name. Unless a criminal court hearing results from criminal charges being laid by police and you’re needed as a witness, your name will remain confidential. (However, it is always possible your identity may become known as a result of the details of the information you provide.) | But it is helpful for the child welfare worker to have your name. Unless a criminal court hearing results from criminal charges being laid by police and you’re needed as a witness, your name will remain confidential. (However, it is always possible your identity may become known as a result of the details of the information you provide.) | ||
Child welfare’s response | |||
====Child welfare’s response==== | |||
The child welfare worker will assess the information you provide. They will decide on the best way to keep the child safe. They may decide to: | The child welfare worker will assess the information you provide. They will decide on the best way to keep the child safe. They may decide to: | ||
take no further action | *take no further action | ||
refer the family to support services | *refer the family to support services | ||
use a “family development response” | *use a “family development response” | ||
conduct an investigation | *conduct an investigation | ||
In a family development response, child welfare works out a plan with the family to strengthen the family’s ability to help keep the child safe. It may be used for less serious allegations of abuse or neglect. It is an intensive, time-limited, supportive approach. It involves an assessment of the family’s strengths and problem areas, and providing support services to help the family while monitoring the child’s safety. | |||
Child welfare may decide to conduct an investigation | In a '''family development response''', child welfare works out a plan with the family to strengthen the family’s ability to help keep the child safe. It may be used for less serious allegations of abuse or neglect. It is an intensive, time-limited, supportive approach. It involves an assessment of the family’s strengths and problem areas, and providing support services to help the family while monitoring the child’s safety. | ||
===Child welfare may decide to conduct an investigation=== | |||
If you report allegations of serious abuse or neglect, the child welfare worker may decide to conduct a child abuse investigation. This involves seeing and talking to the child and people who know the child, such as parents, extended family, a teacher, doctor or child-care provider. If the child is Aboriginal, their band or community may also be involved. | If you report allegations of serious abuse or neglect, the child welfare worker may decide to conduct a child abuse investigation. This involves seeing and talking to the child and people who know the child, such as parents, extended family, a teacher, doctor or child-care provider. If the child is Aboriginal, their band or community may also be involved. | ||
If the allegations involve physical or sexual abuse, the child welfare worker will also advise the police, who may conduct their own investigation as well. | If the allegations involve physical or sexual abuse, the child welfare worker will also advise the police, who may conduct their own investigation as well. | ||