Child Protection

In Ontario, child protection services are delivered by Children’s Aid Societies.

Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Neglect means that the child’s basic needs for food, clothing, shelter and sleep are not met. If a child is found to be in need of protection, a Children’s Aid Society will provide the child’s family services and support to prevent the child from being apprehended. If it is determined that the child is not safe in their home, the Children’s Aid Society will place the child in care. The type of placement is determined based on the child’s needs, views and wishes and identity.

A Children’s Aid Society will consider a number of factors when assessing if a child is being harmed or at risk of being harmed:

• Are the parents being violent to each other and placing the child in danger of emotional or physical abuse?

• Are the parents hitting or tying up the child?

• Are the parents providing the child with basic needs?

• Are the parents touching the child in a sexual way or are knowledgeble of the fact that their child is being touched in a sexual way and failing to protect them?

• Are the parents leaving the child alone without care?

• Are the parents exposing the child to a dangerous situation?

If a Children’s Aid Society contacts you for concerns of child abuse or neglect, you can seek the advice of a lawyer. Child protection cases are covered by Legal Aid Ontario and you may be eligible for a certificate to pay for your lawyer. We accept Legal Aid Certificates.

For more information concerning child protection, visit the Government of Ontario’s page on “Children’s Aid Societies”.