Responding to Suspected Child Abuse
Guidelines for Documenting and Reporting Suspected Abuse
Sep 17, 2009
“More than half of Ontarians surveyed would not report suspected child abuse,” says the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies in a September 2005 survey entitled “Use Your Voice.”
Given the extent of child abuse in Canada - as well as the complexity of this issue and its enormous impact - effectively preventing, identifying and responding to child abuse is an enormous but essential task. Addressing this issue requires the ongoing commitment and collaboration of community members, practitioners, and policy makers across Canada. Community supports and services for victims and their families are essential.
A child who is being abused is usually in a position of dependence on the abuser, be that for love, food, shelter, attention, etc.. The power imbalance between the child and the abuser often increases the burden of disclosure (Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies). Children who are sexually abused, for example, may not tell anyone for a long time, or ever. All forms of child maltreatment can have significant and lifelong adverse effects on the child’s mental health and development.
How to Document Concerns About Child Abuse or Neglect
- Record concerns immediately. Always include the date and time of the incident.
- Document facts, not opinions. If a child has a bruise, for example, write down the colour, location and size of the bruise.
- Collect the names and contact information of everyone involved in the incident.
- Sign, date and include the time of each entry.
- Report concerns to the appropriate child protection agency and write down the name of the person taking the report. Also, write down the date and time of the formal report.
Tips & Warnings
- Always document concerns using a pen. It is important to stay away from using white out to correct entries.
- Keep written recordings in a safe place. The court system or investigator may request them during a formal investigation.
- If there is any suspicion whatsoever that a child is being abused or neglected it is imperative local child protective services are called immediately.
- Documentation can be used as a means for supporting concerns in the event of a formal child abuse investigation.
- If the child is injured or the situation requires immediate attention, do not take the time to document concerns. Call 911 right away.
“Each of us has a responsibility to ensure that children and youth are safe,” says Joe Aitchison, President of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies. “Abused children are often silent, powerless victims.”
The effects of child abuse are life long, affecting future relationships, self esteem, and sadly putting even more children at risk of abuse as the cycle continues. All types of child abuse and neglect leave lasting scars. Some of these scars might be physical, but emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child’s sense of self and ability to have healthy relationships. Help break the cycle of child abuse.
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