Who is responsible for reporting concerns about
children? 
What will happen when I report concerns about
a child/children?
Where do I call to report my concerns?
When should I call to report my concerns?
Why does the Children’s Aid Society become
involved with families?
Feeling nervous about making a report?
Do parents make reports about their own children?
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPORTING CONCERNS ABOUT CHILDREN?
Neighbours
Family Members
Police
Teachers
Doctors
Counsellors
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I REPORT CONCERNS ABOUT A CHILD/CHILDREN?
You will be connected with a worker trained to take reports regarding
the welfare of children, who will help you through reporting your concerns
by asking questions and clarifying that they understand correctly.
You will be asked to describe your concerns about the child/children and
how you came to have concerns – what did you see or hear?
You will be asked to provide any information you can.
WHERE DO I CALL TO REPORT MY CONCERNS?
Children's Aid Society of Northumberland
905-372-1821 or
TOLL FREE 1-800-263-7902
WHEN SHOULD I CALL TO REPORT MY CONCERNS?
Call as soon as you have concerns
It is the responsibility of the Children's Aid Society of Northumberland
to investigate concerns … you should NOT wait to
call so that you can gather evidence or find proof!
If you have called already, but have NEW concerns … Call again!
The Children's Aid Society is available for you to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year! A worker is always available to take your call and respond if necessary.
WHY DOES THE CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY BECOME INVOLVED WITH FAMILIES?
There are many reasons why we might become involved with a family, which could include:
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Neglect
Domestic Violence
Drug or Alcohol abuse by the caregiver
Mental Health problems experienced by the caregiver
Abandonment of a child
Caregiver does not have the capacity or skills to parent a child
Caregiver does not respond to a child’s medical or dental needs
The Children's Aid Society will respond appropriately to all reported concerns about the welfare of children under the age of 16.
WILL THE FAMILY INVOLVED BE TOLD WHO REPORTED THE CONCERNS?
The Children's Aid Society makes all efforts to keep the identify of
the referral source CONFIDENTIAL
You may be asked for your name and contact information so that a worker
can follow-up in the future if they have any questions about your report
It is possible that identification of who reported concerns may be required
by a court of law
FEELING NERVOUS ABOUT MAKING A REPORT?
This is completely normal
The worker will support you through the process and make sure to ask questions
so that all relevant information is gathered
Don’t let being nervous prevent you from helping a child who you are concerned about! It is your legal DUTY to report your concerns.
DO PARENTS MAKE REPORTS ABOUT THEIR OWN CHILDREN?
Yes, absolutely!
Parents may report abuse of their child by another caregiver or concerns
that they are unable to parent effectively
Being a parent can be very stressful. The Children's Aid Society can work
together with parents voluntarily, to face the challenges of parenting
and support them in caring for their children appropriately and accessing
supportive resources in the community.
Parents often report concerns about:
Parenting difficult teens
Managing children with mental health issues and/or developmental disabilities
Parenting through an illness or hospital stay
Preparing for a baby before it is born
1005 Burnham Street
Cobourg, ON K9A 5J6
1-905-372-1821
1-800-263-7902
