Duty to Report

The safety and well-being of British Columbia's children and youth are a shared responsibility among families, communities, and service providers. This collective duty requires collaboration and action. 

Suppose there are concerns regarding the safety or well-being of a child or youth, as outlined in Section 13 of the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA). Reporting these concerns to a child welfare worker is essential in that case. (Government of B.C. Child Abuse Handbook). 

A “Reason to believe” simply means that, based on what you have seen or information you have received, you believe a child or youth has been or is likely to be at risk. You do not need to be certain. It is the child protection worker’s job to determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred or is likely to occur.

It is mandatory to report any suspected child abuse or concerns that a child may be at risk of harm. As a manager, it is crucial that you ensure that staff understand their duty to report. As long as a report is made in good faith, no action may be brought against anyone for reporting information under the Government of British Columbia's (BC) Child, Family and Community Service Act.

Read the B.C. Handbook for Action on Child Abuse and Neglect, and answer the questions provided.  

Questions to consider 

  • Name 3 possible indicators of neglect.
  • What number should you call if a child is in immediate danger?
  • What is the number you should call if you suspect a child is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed?
  • List 6 circumstances that must be reported (p. 41).

Scenario

Raj, a new educator, has just come to your office. She sits quietly in the chair beside your desk, as you turn your attention to her, you notice that she looks visibly upset. You ask her if she is ok, and she starts to cry. 

She tells you that a child disclosed to her that last night she heard her Dad yelling at her mom and that the mom was crying and screaming and that after the yelling stopped there was blood on her mom's face and that her mom couldn't get out of bed today to make breakfast, so Dad made breakfast. 

  • What are your next steps?
  • Who needs to make the report to the Ministry of Children and Families? 

Reference

British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development. (2017). B.C. handbook for action on child abuse and neglect: For service providers. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/public-safety/protecting-children/childabusepreventionhandbook_serviceprovider.pdf

Government of British Columbia. (1996). Child, Family and Community Service Act, RSBC 1996, c. 46. https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96046_01