Procedure 05-06 Child Abuse

Questions and Answers

What is the mandatory action for a supervisory officer upon receiving a complaint of suspected child abuse?

Contact the victim's family

Attend the scene (correct)

Complete a full investigation immediately

File a report to the Chief Coroner

Which organization collaborates with the CYAC in investigations of child abuse?

Toronto Public Health

Ontario Provincial Police

Canadian Mental Health Association

Toronto Children’s Aid Society (correct)

Which of the following categories does the CYAC NOT investigate?

Child in Need of Protection allegations

Sexual offences against victims over 18 (correct)

Physical assaults involving known adults against children under sixteen

Emotional abuse of children under sixteen

What protocol governs child abuse investigations in the City of Toronto?

Protocol for Joint Investigations of Child Physical and Sexual Abuse Signup and view all the answers

What must occur when a child's unexpected death is reported?

Notification of the CYAC if under sixteen Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a victim of child abuse requires medical attention?

Consult a divisional child abuse investigator to determine the next steps. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation may a child protection agency or worker disclose personal information?

If there's a reasonable belief that a child is at risk and the Joint Protocol does not apply. Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered when a team investigation is planned?

The past conduct of the alleged offender towards children. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action for a prepubertal victim who has reported an incident within seventy-two hours?

Encourage the victim to attend a hospital for medical evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

When should an investigator notify the SCAN on-call clinician?

Before attending SickKids ER or SCAN. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the primary investigator in a major child abuse case?

To take charge and comply with directions in the Ontario Major Case Management Manual. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done regarding forensic evidence after a medical examination?

Evidence must be appropriately packaged and labeled according to procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What should be advised to the victim regarding changes to their clothing?

They should avoid changing clothes until after the medical examination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time frame for advising a pubertal adolescent to attend a hospital for evaluation following an incident?

Twelve days. Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure when firearms are involved in a case being investigated?

Notify the Organized Crime Enforcement – Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force. Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken if an investigator suspects a child may be in need of protection?

Document all referrals in their memorandum book. Signup and view all the answers

When determining whether there is a threat to safety, what information is necessary for police to gather?

Personal information about all involved parties and any relevant threats. Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when transporting a victim to the hospital?

Using an unmarked vehicle if ambulance transport is not needed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of consulting with Sex Crimes upon receiving a complaint of suspected child abuse?

To receive guidance on the appropriate investigative procedure. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can investigations take place on school premises without prior notification to parents?

When abuse is disclosed at school and reported to CAS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about notifications to school officials during investigations is accurate?

School personnel should be informed of any delays in the investigation as soon as practicable. Signup and view all the answers

What requirement must be met for a Team response in child abuse cases?

For all allegations involving a Criminal Code (CC) violation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following injuries necessitates immediate transportation of a child or youth to a hospital emergency department?

Inconsolable crying in an infant Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Child Abuse Investigations

Police responsibilities encompass investigations of physical and sexual child abuse.
Procedures to follow include various protocols and memorandums specific to Ontario's child protection processes.

Key Protocols

Joint Investigations of Child Physical and Sexual Abuse in Toronto.
Toronto Police Service Criminal Investigation Management Plan.
Ontario Major Case Management Manual for applicable cases.
Chief Coroner’s protocols for sudden deaths in children under five and one year old.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Mandatory attendance of Supervisory Officers upon receiving abuse complaints.
Officer in Charge (OIC) must be notified immediately regarding suspected child abuse cases.

Role of Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC)

A specialized division within Detective Operations – Sex Crimes focused on child protection and support.
Operates in collaboration with various aid organizations and hospitals.
Investigates cases of physical and sexual abuse of children under 16 based on specific criteria.

Investigation Conduct on School Premises

Investigations may occur on school property without parental notification in certain circumstances, particularly if abuse is disclosed there.
Schools must be informed promptly about interviews conducted without prior notification.

Team Response in Child Abuse Cases

Any suspicion of abuse requires a coordinated Team response, particularly if potential law violations or protective needs arise.
Assigning responsibility for investigations depends on the incident's location and circumstances.

Increased Age of Protection

As of January 1, 2018, Ontario protects individuals under 18 years.
Sixteen and seventeen-year-olds may access the Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA) for support when needed.

Best Practices for Police Officers

Non-uniformed child abuse investigators should handle initial victim interactions when possible.
Safety and welfare of the victim are primary concerns during investigations.

Response Protocols for Child Victims

Briefly interview complainants and consult with investigators regarding child transport for medical evaluation.
Specific conditions warrant immediate medical attention, prioritizing children showing signs of severe distress or injury.

Examination and Evidence Protocols

Follow the Center for Forensic Sciences guidelines for evidence collection regarding sexual assault cases.
Medical assessments must be prioritized within prescribed time frames for evidence collection.

Collaborative Investigation Strategies

Investigators should engage with Child Aid Society workers to facilitate timely and safe decisions for children at risk.
A collaborative approach promotes continuity and efficiency during the investigation process.

Victim Interviewing Guidelines

Aim for a child-friendly environment for victim interviews.
Utilize available resources, like the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, to ensure a supportive setting.

Documentation and Reporting

Investigators must accurately document all interactions, decisions, and actions taken during investigations.
Evidence collection, including photographic documentation of injuries, is critical for case substantiation and legal processes.### Contact Information
West Division contact: 416–255–5900; post hours and weekends, reach out to 22 Division.
SickKids Hospital SCAN unit: 555 University Avenue, contact 416–813–7500; on-call clinician available via switchboard.

Support During Interviews

A support person may be present during a victim's interview, with consideration of potential influence.
Support individuals must be aware they might be subpoenaed to testify.
Electronic recordings should follow Procedure 12–08 for storage and handling.

Victim Impact and Legal Procedures

Encourage victims and non-offending caregivers to submit a Victim Impact Statement in line with Procedure 04–24.
If CAS is absent during an interview, they can later view the electronically recorded statement.

Interactions with CAS

Upon CAS request for recorded statements, inform them to acquire a subpoena or court order.
Each additional/potential victim or witness must be interviewed separately and privately.
After interviewing the alleged offender, disclose results to the CAS which includes whether charges were filed and caution about information confidentiality.

Immediate Protection and Risk Assessment

If immediate protection is needed, prioritize child safety over the alleged offender's presence in the home.
Work with CAS to assess risks to other children after a child's death suspected to involve foul play.

For cases posing risks to individuals or groups, consider disclosing personal information per applicable guidelines.
Take proper steps when laying criminal charges, including ensuring offenders do not access firearms, and request prohibitions if safety is a concern.

Victim Services and Court Coordination

Refer victims to Child Victim Witness Support Program for court prep, and to Victim/Witness Assistance Program for support.
Prior to the accused's first court appearance, ensure coordination with the crown attorney about the child's capability to testify.

Documenting and Investigating Abuse Cases

Complete Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS) report as applicable.
Upon suspected child abuse notifications, request a designated investigator from CYAC and ensure proper documentation is distributed.

Release Procedures for Offenders

Before releasing a prisoner, conduct thorough inquiries regarding possession of firearms or related items, ensuring safety for the victim through item surrender.

Definitions of Child Abuse

Child Abuse: Involves inflicting harm or neglect leading to risk of serious impairment to a child's development (Child, Youth and Family Services Act ss.136 (1)(2)).
Child Physical Abuse: Refers to violations involving physical harm or neglect from a caregiver towards a child below eighteen.
Child Sexual Abuse: Involves an adult using a child for sexual purposes, constituting potential violations of criminal law or placing the child in need of protection.

Roles in Investigation

Designated Child Abuse Investigator: Specially trained officer for child physical and sexual abuse investigations.
Designated CAS Worker: Specialist responsible for child protection investigations.
Child Abuse Investigation Team: Collaboration between a police investigator and a CAS worker for effective case management and communication.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the mandatory actions for supervisory officers when they receive complaints of suspected child abuse. This quiz covers the role of the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) in investigations, the categories they do not investigate, and the protocols in place in Toronto concerning child abuse and children's unexpected deaths.