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Child abuse and neglect includes physically or emotionally hurting a child, sexually molesting a child, failing to provide proper care for a child, and depriving a child of support, medical care and affection.
The signs of abuse
and neglect vary greatly from one child to another.
Often children exhibit a number of behavioural
and physical indicators. Signs can include physical
indicators such as bruises (that are inconsistent
with a child's explanation), broken bones, and
injuries in varying stages of healing. Emotional
signs can include depression, fear and withdrawal.
Behavioural indicators can include age inappropriate
talk or actions, extreme aggression, and extreme
attention seeking behaviour. There many possible
signs of abuse and neglect. For a more detailed
definition, please see the section 'What
is child abuse?'
- If you are being or have been abused or neglected, or you are afraid you will be.
- If you are aware of a child or youth who may be abused or neglected.
- If you believe on reasonable grounds that a child or youth under 16 is or may be in need of protection the law requires you to report this to the Children's Aid Society.
- If you know or suspect that a child is exposed to domestic violence.
- If, as a parent, you find the pressures of family life becoming overwhelming and you are afraid you may take it out on your children.
- If you need help regarding a pregnancy.
- If, as a teenager, you are experiencing serious conflict in your family.
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If you have any concerns about a child, any suspicions that the child is or
is at risk of being abused or neglected, please
call us. You don't have to be positive. We
will talk with you about your concerns, and answer
your questions. We will investigate and determine
if the child is at risk. Regardless of whether
the child is at risk or not, you'll know that
you did the right thing by calling.
You will speak with a social worker who will determine if an investigation is warranted. If so and investigation will begin. The investigation will reveal what, if any, services are appropriate for CAS to offer the child and family. How DCAS responds.
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Information given to a CAS is confidential and can be shared only with the permission of the person to whom it relates, or by a court order or subpoena.
Be prepared to work at it. Children often misbehave to test the limits and learn what kind of behaviour will be tolerated. Be patient; talk and listen to your child.
As soon as you realize that you are getting angry, stop what you are doing and make an effort to calm down. Take a deep breath to help regain your self-control. If you can, find a reliable person to babysit for a few minutes, go for a walk.
After you have calmed down, think about what made you angry. What are the reasons behind your child's misbehaviour? Is there anything you can do to prevent this situation from happening again? Think about ways you can reduce the stress on you and your child.
When you have problems that you can't solve alone, it is okay to ask for help. Talk to other parents and childcare experts in your community. Violent outbursts, setting fires, hurting pets, and stealing are all signs of trouble. Get help with these problems from an expert before the problems get worse.
Encourage good behaviour. Try to prevent misbehaviour from happening in the first place.
(For more information, please visit the Positive
Discipline section).
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It is very important that you start by trying to resolve the issue with your assigned social worker and his/her supervisor. If you are not satisfied following discussion with your social worker and their supervisor, then you can file a formal complaint.
Additional information is available from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. There are two pamphlets which may be helpful:
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