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→Reporting a protection concern to MCFD or an Indigenous authority
Section 14 of the ''CFCSA'' says that any adult who has reason to believe a child needs protection must report the protection concern to MCFD. Only lawyers in a solicitor-client relationship are exempt from this duty to report. It is an offence not to report a protection concern to MCFD. In other words, anyone who thinks a child needs to be protected from abuse, neglect, harm, or the threat of harm, must report the problem to the MCFD.
In the case of Indigenous children, the ''CFCSA '' says that if a person has reported the protection concern to an Indigenous authority, then the person is not required to report the protection concern to MCFD if the Indigenous authority confirms it will assess the report. An ''Indigenous authority'' is one that is authorized by an Indigenous governing body to provide child and family services according to Indigenous law.
Once they receive a report, the MCFD must assess it and determine whether an investigation by a social worker is necessary. The ''CFCSA'' gives the social worker fairly broad authority to investigate the alleged problem and determine if the child is in need of protection.
* keeping their safety a parallel consideration through MCFD proceedings.
If a non-abusive parent, usually the mother, is concerned that the other parent may commit violence, they should prioritize their safety and the safety of their children. As outlined at the beginning of this chapter, if the non-abusive parent is in immediate danger they can call 911. The non-abusive parent can also contact VictimLINK at 1-800-563-0808 to access safety planning resources. The non-abusive parent also has an obligation to report the child protection concern to MCFD. In any of these cases, it is critical to obtain legal advice as soon as possible about options available.
==The child protection process==