2,553
edits
Difference between revisions of "Reporting Suspected Child Abuse"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse (view source)
Revision as of 04:50, 1 October 2023
, 04:50, 1 October 2023no edit summary
Drew Jackson (talk | contribs) |
|||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|align="left"|'''Alert!''' | |align="left"|'''Alert!''' | ||
This information has been updated to reflect [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/the-divorce-act-is-changing changes to the ''Divorce Act''] that took effect on March 1, 2021. | This information has been updated to reflect [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/the-divorce-act-is-changing/ changes to the ''Divorce Act''] that took effect on March 1, 2021, as well as [https://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/enews/enews-27-04-2021 new Provincial Court Family Rules] that took effect on May 17, 2021. | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
'''Physical abuse''' means any action or physical force by a parent or adult that could or does hurt a child. It includes: | '''Physical abuse''' means any action or physical force by a parent or adult that could or does hurt a child. It includes: | ||
* hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, and choking | * hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, and choking | ||
* locking a child in a room or out of the house | * locking a child in a room or out of the house | ||
| Line 37: | Line 36: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|align="left"|'''Tip''' | |align="left"|'''Tip''' | ||
[https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-46/latest/rsbc-1996-c-46.html#sec14_smooth The law] protects you from being sued or prosecuted for reporting a suspected abuser. But your concerns must be genuine. The law | [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-46/latest/rsbc-1996-c-46.html#sec14_smooth The law] protects you from being sued or prosecuted for reporting a suspected abuser. But your concerns must be genuine. The law does not protect you if you '''knowingly''' report false information, such as saying that someone has abused a child when they haven’t. | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 84: | Line 83: | ||
Another option is for the ministry to place the child with a relative or other person who has a significant relationship with them. | Another option is for the ministry to place the child with a relative or other person who has a significant relationship with them. | ||
If a child is removed from their home without the parents’ agreement, a court process starts. For details, [ | If a child is removed from their home without the parents’ agreement, a court process starts. For details, [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/child-protection/ see our information on child protection and removal]. | ||
===What about criminal charges?=== | ===What about criminal charges?=== | ||
| Line 90: | Line 89: | ||
===What could happen in a family court proceeding?=== | ===What could happen in a family court proceeding?=== | ||
Under the provincial ''Family Law Act'' and the federal | Under the provincial ''Family Law Act'' and the federal Divorce Act, family violence, which includes child abuse, is a factor for the court to consider when making decisions about what’s best for a child. The court must also take into account whether the child was directly or indirectly exposed to other family violence in the home. | ||
If there has been violence by a family member, the suspected abuser may: | If there has been violence by a family member, the suspected abuser may: | ||
| Line 98: | Line 97: | ||
* be given time with a child on conditions, such as supervision. | * be given time with a child on conditions, such as supervision. | ||
It’s also possible that a court could grant a '''protection order''' against the suspected abuser. This kind of order helps protect the well-being of someone at risk of family violence, including a child. It typically prevents the suspected abuser from contacting the child. The other parent can apply for a protection order on behalf of their child who they believe is at risk of family violence. For more on protection orders, [ | It’s also possible that a court could grant a '''protection order''' against the suspected abuser. This kind of order helps protect the well-being of someone at risk of family violence, including a child. It typically prevents the suspected abuser from contacting the child. The other parent can apply for a protection order on behalf of their child who they believe is at risk of family violence. For more on protection orders, [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/family-violence/ see our information on family violence]. | ||
==Who can help== | ==Who can help== | ||
| Line 104: | Line 103: | ||
===If you are a victim of abuse=== | ===If you are a victim of abuse=== | ||
A child (anyone under 19 years old) who would like to talk to someone about their situation can call the '''Helpline for Children'''. This confidential service operates 24 hours a day. | A child (anyone under 19 years old) who would like to talk to someone about their situation can call the '''Helpline for Children'''. This confidential service operates 24 hours a day. | ||
:Call 310-1234 (toll-free) | |||
A child can also call or text the '''Kids Help Phone''', another confidential service that operates 24/7. | A child can also call or text the '''Kids Help Phone''', another confidential service that operates 24/7. | ||
:Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) | |||
:Text CONNECT to 686868 | |||
:[https://kidshelpphone.ca/ Visit website] | |||
If you or someone you know has been a victim of child abuse, there may be an organization in your community that can provide help and support. If you don’t know who to contact, call the 24-hour helpline at '''VictimLinkBC'''. | If you or someone you know has been a victim of child abuse, there may be an organization in your community that can provide help and support. If you don’t know who to contact, call the 24-hour helpline at '''VictimLinkBC'''. | ||
:Call 1-800-563-0808 (toll-free) | |||
:[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc Visit website] | |||
===With more information=== | ===With more information=== | ||
The '''Ministry of Children and Family Development''' has information on their website about keeping kids safe. They also have a booklet [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/public-safety/protecting-children/child_abuse_prevention_handbook-general_public_booklet.pdf | The '''Ministry of Children and Family Development''' has information on their website about keeping kids safe. They also have a booklet ''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/public-safety/protecting-children/child_abuse_prevention_handbook-general_public_booklet.pdf Responding to Child Welfare Concerns: Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report]''. | ||
:[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/protecting-children/keeping-kids-safe Visit website] | |||
The '''Representative for Children and Youth''' advocates for and supports children and youth. It works to protect their rights and make the child protection system more responsive. | The '''Representative for Children and Youth''' advocates for and supports children and youth. It works to protect their rights and make the child protection system more responsive. | ||
:Call 1-800-476-3933 (toll-free) | |||
:[https://rcybc.ca/ Visit website] | |||
{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox|type=families}} | {{Dial-A-Law_Navbox|type=families}} | ||
{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}} | {{Dial-A-Law Copyright}} | ||