WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CALL US

When you call, you will speak to an intake worker who is specially trained to listen to your concerns and ask questions before deciding how urgent the situation is and what type of intervention is needed. Every report we receive is reviewed by a child protection worker and his or her supervisor to determine the appropriate response.

Is there always an investigation?

If a child is in imminent danger, a social worker will respond immediately.

If the protection worker determines that the child is not in immediate danger or risk of harm, he or she will be able to help the family by connecting them with resources at NCFST or other community resources. Many times, issues can be resolved over the phone.

While your call may not result in an investigation, if we receive other calls about the same family, this may indicate a pattern of concerns that needs further assessment. Also, if you have made a previous call about a child and have additional concerns, you must call us again.

Do I have to give my name?

The worker you speak to may ask you to identify yourself. If you are a friend, neighbour or relative, and not a professional (such as a teacher or doctor), this is not usually required. If you are a professional, you are required by law to identify yourself.

We know it’s not always easy to make this kind of call, but we urge you to do so, even if you’re not sure if abuse or neglect is happening. A child’s safety could be at risk.

Will the child be taken from his or her home?

We believe that children are almost always better off growing up in their own homes. We work with families to make sure they have the support and resources they need to look after their children in a safe environment.

In a small number of cases, the best solution is to remove a child from his or her home and place them in a safe, nurturing home with other relatives or foster parents. When this happens, we continue to provide counselling and assistance so that the family can be reunited if and when it is safe for the children.