Child and Family Services Act

In April 2000, the Child & Family Services Act was amended and a new law came into effect concerning our obligation to report concerns about children who may be 'in need of protection'.  As in the Board's practice, we will continue our duty to ensure your child's safety this year.

Within our school system, every person who has reason to believe that a child is or may be abused or neglected MUST report his/her suspicions directly to the Children's Aid Society.

The definition of 'child in need of protection' because of suspected child abuse or neglect has been expanded for Children's Aid Societies.

The law states:

·         School staff does not have a choice if they suspect that a student is or may be in need of protection.  Staff must report their suspicion to a Children's Aid Society.

·         Staff can be fined $1,000 for failing to report that a student is or may be in need of protection.

·         It is not the school's responsibility to investigate suspicion, evaluate the situation or assign blame.

·         When a report is made to Children's Aid Society, school staff is required to share information about their concern which might otherwise be confidential.

·         Parents and guardians need to be aware that it is not necessary for school staff to be sure or to have proof  'that a student is in need of protection'.   The law states that school staff must only have reasonable grounds to suspect child abuse or neglect.  'Reasonable grounds' is defined as beign what the average person would expect given his/her training, background and experience.