In Ontario, the Child and Family Services Act describes what to do if you suspect that a child was abused or is at risk of abuse.

In York contact one of the agencies below:

1. York Children’s Aid Society at (905) 895-2318 or 1-800-718-3850
2. Jewish Child & Family Services (JF&CS) at 416-638-7800.
3. York Region Police Services at 866-8POLICE or 1-866-876-5423 (non-emergencies only)

For elsewhere in Ontario & Canada:
Contact Information for a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) can be found:

       Under “Emergency Numbers” in the phone book;

       In the business listings of the telephone directory;

       By calling 411 for directory assistance;

       In Ontario, online at http://www.oacas.org;

Call 911 for police.

If a person reports suspected child abuse, he/she cannot be held liable if it can be proven that the report was made in good faith and not to cause trouble for anyone. 

You can report a suspicion of child abuse anonymously.

Some relationships are normally considered confidential or private, for example, between a doctor and patient or clergy and congregation. However, a confidence cannot be kept if child abuse is suspected. No matter what the relationship is between people, one must always follow through on the legal duty to report suspicions of child abuse. The only confidential relationship is that between lawyer and client.

Refer to Understanding Child Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers for further information.