This workshop, presented by Boost for Kids, will assist participants in the early identification of and effective intervention with children who have been abused, or are at risk for abuse. Legal and moral responsibilities with respect to reporting suspicions of child abuse will be highlighted. This will include assisting participants in understanding when a call to a Children’s Aid Society is necessary. Strategies that assist staff in overcoming their fears of reporting will be emphasized, as well as suggestions for how to maintain the client relationship when a report to child protection authorities has been made. The information and discussion shared in this workshop will support agencies in developing proactive policies and procedures for responding to children and families when abuse and violence are suspected.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate child abuse and family violence in legal and social contexts, including how culture relates to child abuse and family violence in a Canadian context.
• Describe strategies for responding to a disclosure of child abuse or family violence, within one’s professional role.
• Develop an understanding of how the child protection system operates in Ontario, including the roles of a Children’s Aid Society and police.
• Determine when to consult about and report suspicions of child abuse to a child protection agency, specifying legal reporting responsibilities.
• Identify fears to reporting suspicions of child abuse, recognize how these impacts on children and families, and discuss how to overcome fears.