Reporting Abuse

Duty to Report

Protecting children and young people from abuse and neglect is everyone’s responsibility.

Under Ontario law, Children’s Aid Societies are mandated by the Child, Youth and Family Services Act to investigate allegations or evidence that a child or youth under the age of 16 may be in need of protection.

This means that anyone who knows or suspects that a child or youth may be at risk of abuse or neglect must report this information to their local Children’s Aid Society.

For Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk Counties, as well as the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, please call: 519-753-8681 or 1-888-753-8681 (toll free). This is a 24-hour service.

Caregiver and young child

Information That May Be Helpful When Making a Report

To assess and investigate concerns, a child protection worker may ask for the following information, if known:

  • The child or youth’s first and last name

  • The name(s) of the caregiver(s)

  • The child or youth’s age

  • Home address

  • The child or youth’s school

You do not need to have all of this information to make a report—share what you know.

Learn More

TOGETHER WE CAN KEEP CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE FROM HARM!!

After Hours

For all child protection concerns outside regular business hours, please call our 24-hour support line: 519-753-8681 or 1-888-753-8681 (toll-free).