Reporting Child Abuse

If you have concerns about a child, please call your local CAS immediately. All CASs have emergency service 24 hours a day, so you can call anytime.

Ontario's Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) provides for a broad range of services for families and children, including children who are or may be victims of child abuse or neglect. 

The paramount purpose of the Act is to promote the best interests, protection and well being of children. 

The Act recognizes that each of us has a responsibility for the welfare of children. It states clearly that members of the public, including professionals who work with children, have an obligation to report promptly to a children's aid society if they suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection.

The Act defines the term "child in need of protection" and sets out what must be reported to a children's aid society. This definition (CFSA s.72(1)) is set out in detail on the following pages. It includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and risk of harm.