the resource project
Working With The Children's Aid Society
What Does Children's Aid Society Do?
Many parents worry that CAS is coming to remove their child.
In reality, the primary role of Children's Aid Society is to help keep children safe.
Depending on the situation, CAS may:
assess immediate safety
meet with family members
interview caregivers
coordinate with police
develop a safety plan
connect families with counselling and community supports
monitor the situation while concerns are addressed
Most investigations do not result in children being removed from loving, protective caregivers.
When parents act to protect their child, CAS often works alongside them to strengthen safety and support.
If there is any immediate physical danger, call 911.
Do I talk to the Police or Children's Aid First?
Many parents wonder which agency they should contact first. The answer is simple: Either one.
If you contact the police first, they will notify the Children's Aid Society when required.
If you contact Children's Aid Society first, they will involve police whenever a criminal investigation is appropriate.
The agencies routinely work together to coordinate investigations while reducing the number of times a child needs to tell their story.
Learning that your child may have experienced sexual abuse can be one of the most overwhelming moments in a parent's life. It is normal to feel frightened, angry, confused, or unsure of what to do next.
The good news is that you do not have to navigate this alone. In Halton Region, police, Children's Aid Society (CAS), medical professionals, victim services, and trauma therapists work together to help protect children and support families.
Do I Need to Report?
In Ontario, protecting children is everyone's responsibility.
If you have reasonable grounds to believe that:
a child under the age of 16 has been sexually abused,
a child may currently be at risk of sexual abuse,
another child may still be at risk,
…you should make a report to the Children's Aid Society.
You do not need proof before making a report. It is the responsibility of investigators to determine what happened.
What Happens When I Call?
The person answering the phone will ask questions to determine how urgent the situation is.
You may be asked:
Your child's name and age
Your contact information
What your child disclosed
When the abuse happened (if known)
Whether the child is currently safe
Whether the alleged offender still has access to the child
Whether medical care is needed
It is okay if you do not know all of the answers. Simply tell them what you know.
What Should I Tell Them?
Share only factual information.
It is perfectly acceptable to say:
"My child told me..."
"I am concerned because..."
"I don't know exactly what happened."
Avoid guessing or adding information you are unsure about.
If possible, write down your child's exact words before calling.
Should I Ask My Child More Questions?
Generally, no. Parents naturally want to understand exactly what happened, but asking many questions can unintentionally influence a child's memory or make later interviews more difficult.
Instead:
Listen calmly.
Believe your child.
Thank them for telling you.
Let trained professionals conduct the detailed interview.
Helpful questions include:
"Can you tell me more?"
"What happened next?"
"Is there anything else you want me to know?"
Avoid leading questions such as:
"Did he touch you here?"
"Did this happen more than once?"
"Was it Uncle John?"
Questions for Children's Aid Society
What is your role?
What happens during your investigation?
How often will you contact us?
Will my child need another interview?
What services can you connect us with?
What happens if the alleged offender lives with us?
Will you work with the police?
What should I tell my child?
Will CAS take my child away?
Most children are able to remain safely with their protective caregivers. CAS focuses on helping families create safe environments whenever possible.