How does a CAS hear that a child might not be safe?
If anyone has good reason to believe that a child under 16 has been harmed or might be harmed, they must tell a CAS. This includes relatives, friends, and neighbours. This is sometimes called a duty to report.
Some people who work with children also have a duty to report, or the police can charge them with a crime. For example, teachers, doctors, nurses, daycare workers, family counsellors, social workers, and religious leaders.
Only your lawyer does not have a duty to report.
If the child is 16 or 17, people can choose to report their concerns to a CAS, but they do not have to.
Previous page Next page