Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 123 sassk.ca If you suspect that a child may be abused or neglected If you suspect that a child may be abused or neglected, call Child Protection Services at the nearest office of the Department of Social Development. Reports may be made during regular office hours, or emergencies may be reported during the after hours, weekends and holidays. All residents of New Brunswick have a DUTY to report suspicions that a child may be abused or neglected. It is mandatory to report suspected child abuse and neglect of children under the age of sixteen (16), and of disabled persons under the age of nineteen (19). What happens following my report? If the report is accepted for investigation, the Department of Social Development is obligated by the Family Services Act to investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect to determine if the child has been harmed or is at risk of harm. The child protection social worker will gather as much information as possible by talking to the child, family members and, if necessary, others in the community. If the abuse or neglect is substantiated, a plan must be put in place to ensure the safety of the child. If the child is at immediate risk of harm, the social worker will act right away to keep the child safe. If the child is not at immediate risk, work will begin with the parents to improve their ability to care for the child. Both of these processes may require the use of other family members, friends or community resources. Planning and decision-making processes such as immediate response conference, family group conference, child protection mediation, or traditional ways of bringing families and communities together can be used to make plans to keep children safe with their families. Children are removed from their homes only if nothing less disruptive will protect them. Such decisions could be made by the family at an immediate response conference, a family group conference, child protection mediation or if necessary a court process starts. In a court process, a family court judge hears evidence from all sides, and then decides where the child will live until he/she can safely return home. Who do you contact? If you suspect that a child may be abused or neglected, please contact the nearest Office of Department of Social Development: 1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835) After hours – After hours (Monday to Friday 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., and all day Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays), call After Hours Emergency Social Services (AHESS) at 1-800442-9799. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police. Early reporting of child abuse and neglect is vital. You may prevent a child from suffering further harm. Be vigilant. www.gnb.ca/socialdevelopment gnb.ca
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==