Family Handbook 2019-20

Reporting Abuse and Neglect of Students

Duty to Report

Under section 125 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, every person who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection must promptly report the suspicion and the information upon which it is based to a Children’s Aid Society. This includes persons who perform professional or official duties with respect to children, such as healthcare workers and teachers. In 2018, the age of protection was raised to include youth up to 18 years old. Youth who are 16 and 17 years old are now eligible to receive protection services from Children’s Aid Societies. While reporting for 16 and 17-year old youth is not mandatory, please contact your local Children’s Aid Society if you have concerns about a youth. It is not necessary to be certain that a child is or may be in need of protection to make a report to a children’s aid society. “Reasonable grounds” refers to the information that an average person, using normal and honest judgment, would need in order to decide to report. This standard has been recognized by courts in Ontario as establishing a low threshold for reporting. The role of the Children’s Aid Societies is to investigate calls made by the public using a professional and standardized process. The person making the report should bring forward their concerns and Children’s Aid will determine if there is a sufficient basis to warrant further assessment of the concerns about the child. ● Visit this government website ​ ​ for more information, as published by the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services ( ​ http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/childrensaid/reportingabuse/abuseandn eglect.aspx ​ ) ​ . ● Visit this website ​ for more information as published by the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies ( ​ http://www.oacas.org/childrens-aid-child-protection/duty-to-report/ ​ ). Havergal College (the “school”) is committed to providing each and every student with a safe, nurturing, positive and respectful learning environment. Every year, thousands of cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to child welfare authorities in Ontario cities. Both the Ontario Child and Family Services Act and the Criminal Code of Canada demonstrate our society’s commitment to protecting children from abuse and neglect. The employees of the school have a special role and responsibility in the protection of children and students of all ages.

Last Edited: August 20, 2019 Havergal College Family Handbook 2019–20

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