Duty To Report

We all share a responsibility to protect children from harm. You can do your part in helping to protect children from potential abuse and neglect by ensuring you know your duty to report and who to call if you have a concern.

The purpose of Ontario’s Child and Family Services Act (CFSA), which mandates all of Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies, is to promote the best interests, protection and well-being of children. The Act states clearly that members of the public, including professionals who work with children, have an obligation to report promptly to a local Children’s Aid Society if they suspect that a child is, or may be, in need of protection.

For more information, please read the brochure What Is Your Duty to Report?

If you know or suspect a child is in need of protection, call The Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton at 905-522-1121.

Call the After Hours Emergency Services at 905-522-8053 after 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, on weekends and holidays.

If you are unsure as to whether or not you should report a concern, you may contact the Society for a private consultation. This process allows you to speak with a Child Protection Worker and anonymously provide non-identifying information about the child and/or family and a brief scenario about your concern. Through this process, the Child Protection Worker can recommend whether or not you should report your concern.