Search and Rescue Dogs Overview

Dogs specifically trained to locate human remains, both above and below ground. They can detect even small traces of dead tissue or blood.

A type of cadaver dog trained to locate human remains in water. They can detect human scent in water currents, even when divers struggle to see.

Dogs trained to find people buried under snow avalanches. They can locate human scents even under over 15 feet of snow.

Dogs used by law enforcement to assist in tracking criminals and restraining them. They are often large breeds capable of physical strength.

A type of therapy that uses animal interaction to improve human physical, social, emotional, or cognitive function. It is often used alongside other therapies to achieve specific goals.

Activities involving animals to provide recreational, emotional, or social benefits to people.

The use of animals in a therapeutic setting to address specific mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

A type of animal-assisted therapy that involves pairing a trained dog with a child who has experienced trauma, such as child maltreatment.

A broad term encompassing various forms of harm to children, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect.

These dogs detect human scents in the air, following the strongest concentration to find lost individuals.

Trailing dogs follow the scent of skin cells left behind by a person, tracing their path.

Tracking dogs use visual cues and physical signs left behind by a person, rather than just scent, to follow their path.

These dogs are trained to find living people in difficult environments, like collapsed buildings during disasters.

Involves harm or the risk of harm due to a lack of proper care or supervision. This encompasses various forms, such as failing to provide basic needs, neglecting medical attention, or permitting harmful behavior.

Physical abuse involves inflicting physical harm, such as hitting, kicking, or burning, or creating a risk of harm. There are subcategories like Shaken Baby Syndrome and inappropriate punishment.

This category encompasses a wide range of behaviors that negatively impact a child's mental and emotional development. It includes hostile treatment, a lack of nurturing, and a failure to address developmental delays. It is also called emotional neglect.

A child's failure to thrive and develop normally can be a sign of physical abuse. This is often due to inadequate nutrition and may present with marked developmental problems. It is a form of physical abuse.

Occurs when a caregiver fails to provide adequate nutrition, clothing, or housing for a child. It's about meeting the child's basic physical needs.

Includes situations where a caregiver allows a child to engage in criminal activities or encourages their behavior, either through inaction or actively participating in harmful activities.

This category deals with situations where a child is not provided with proper education. It includes chronic truancy and failure to enroll in school. Caregiver fails to cooperate with treatment for the child's misbehavior, mental or emotional problems.

This refers to instances where a caregiver fails to provide appropriate treatment for a child's mental and emotional needs. This can include neglecting to address issues like withdrawal, anxiety, self-harm, and aggression.

Physical abuse can lead to a child failing to thrive, meaning they do not grow and develop as expected.

Children exposed to family violence, even if they are not directly abused, may experience emotional and developmental difficulties.

Sexual abuse is a serious issue impacting many children, with a wide range of perpetrators, including family members and strangers.

Sexual abuse can include various acts, ranging from attempted to completed sexual activities, touching, and exposing genitals, to voyeurism and sexual exploitation.

Sexual exploitation involves using a child for financial gain or profit through activities like prostitution or pornography.

Sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, suggestions, or behavior, even without physical contact.

Child sexual abuse can leave lasting scars, leading to mental health issues, relationship difficulties, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common consequence of child sexual abuse, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and extreme anxiety.

Canadian law recognizes that families are the basic unit of society and should be supported, but also recognizes that children have the right to be protected from abuse and neglect. Governments have a responsibility to protect children from harm.

Canadian child protection legislation requires any individual who suspects child maltreatment to report the incidence to the appropriate authorities.

Every jurisdiction in Canada grants immunity from civil action against those who report suspicions of child abuse or neglect in good faith.

Canadian child protection legislation requires all suspected cases of abuse to be reported to child protection authorities. Some provinces also allow reporting to police.

The Criminal Code of Canada defines a range of offenses related to sexual abuse and exploitation of children. This includes offences like sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, sexual exploitation of a young person, and incest.

The Criminal Code of Canada includes offenses related to child pornography, corrupting morals, and luring children.

The Criminal Code of Canada imposes penalties for individuals who procure or permit sexual activity with a child, as well as those who commit indecent acts or exposure involving children.

The Criminal Code of Canada includes provisions for criminal harassment and sexual assault, which can be aggravated if a weapon is used or bodily harm is caused. Sentencing guidelines emphasize the protection of children.

Canadian laws aim to protect children from harm and ensure their well-being. This includes protection from physical and sexual abuse.

The estimated annual cost of child abuse in Canada is over 15 billion dollars, spanning various sectors like judicial, social services, health, education, and employment.