Child Protection Guidelines PDF

## 5. Duty to Report ### ParentPulse Child Protection Guidelines What is your prior knowledge of current child protection guidelines? Let's discuss. ### Discretion to Disclose: Age of Protection - In 2018, the age of protection was raised to include youth up to 18 years old. - Youth aged 16 and...

## 5. Duty to Report ### ParentPulse Child Protection Guidelines What is your prior knowledge of current child protection guidelines? Let's discuss. ### Discretion to Disclose: Age of Protection - In 2018, the age of protection was raised to include youth up to 18 years old. - Youth aged 16 and 17 are now eligible for protection services from Children's Aid Societies. - Reporting for 16 and 17-year-old youth is not mandatory but is encouraged if concerns arise. Retrieved from: https://www.oacas.org/childrens-aid-child-protection/duty-to-report/ ## PPC Key Takeaway RE: Discretion to Disclose "The saying 'it takes a village to raise a child' is never more true than when we talk about protecting children. Keeping the most vulnerable members of our community safe is the responsibility of everyone. Once you have *reasonable grounds* to suspect abuse or neglect, your duty is to report not investigate. A Child Protection Agent will investigate" (para 1). When in doubt, consult our Parent Pulse Social Worker for child protection concerns. Content Retrieved from: https://www.oacas.org/childrens-aid-child-protection/duty-to-report/ ## Discretion to Disclose: Mandatory Reporting Section 125 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act: Every person with *reasonable grounds* to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection must promptly report it to a Children's Aid Society. **Reasonable Grounds** is defined as: "your belief about something is based on more than a feeling or suspicion. There must be reliable information to support your belief. And another person could also have that belief based on the information" (Retrieved from: https://stepstojustice.ca/glossary/reasonable-grounds/ July 4, 2024). This may include professionals like healthcare workers, teachers, child care staff, police, and lawyers. Retrieved from: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/17c14