the resource project
Working with the Children's Aid Society
This page describes the child-protection process in Ontario.
In Ontario, if you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child under 16 is or may be in need of protection, you must immediately report your suspicion and the information it is based on directly to a Children’s Aid Society. Concerns about youth who are 16 or 17 may still be reported, although Ontario’s general mandatory duty to report does not apply in the same way. For more information check Do I Need To Report This?
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
A child-protection investigation does not automatically mean that a child will be removed from their home. CAS works with families to address safety concerns and, where possible, to help children remain safely with their families.
If there is any immediate physical danger, call 911.
Do I talk to the police or Children's Aid first?
Police and Children’s Aid often work together, but their roles are different. If you have a legal duty to report a child-protection concern, that report must be made directly to a Children’s Aid Society. If you believe a criminal offence may have occurred or there is immediate danger, police may also need to be contacted.
The agencies may work together to coordinate investigations and reduce unnecessary duplications.
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, if you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child under 16 is or may be in need of protection, you must report that concern directly to a Children’s Aid Society. Concerns about youth who are 16 or 17 may still be reported, although the general mandatory duty does not apply in the same way.
You do not need proof before making a report. CAS will assess the information and determine what child-protection response is needed.
What happens when I call?
When you call, a child-protection worker will assess the information you provide and determine what response is appropriate.
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 what your child told you, using their own words as closely as you can. Don’t ask them to repeat it.
I wish I had known how prevalent an issue CSA was. I wish parents would be less afraid of offending someone, and be willing to stand up for their kids' safety.
Should I ask my child more questions?
You do not need to get the whole story from your child. Your role is to listen and support them, not investigate what happened.
If your child is talking, let them speak in their own words. It is okay to use a simple, open-ended prompt to help them continue, but avoid asking for details or trying to confirm what you think may have happened.
Focus on:
Listening calmly.
Believing your child.
Thanking them for telling you.
Making sure they are safe.
Letting trained professionals conduct any detailed interview.
If your child wants to keep talking, you can say:
“Tell me more about that.”
“What happened next?”
“Is there anything else you want me to know?”
These are different from questions that introduce information, suggest an answer or ask your child to confirm a specific detail.
Avoid questions such as:
“Did he touch you here?”
“Did this happen more than once?”
“Was it Uncle John?”
You don't need to fill in the gaps. It is okay if you don't know exactly what happened, when it happened or how many times. Those details can be explored later by professionals trained to interview children.
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?
A child-protection investigation does not automatically mean that a child will be removed from their home. CAS works with families to address safety concerns and, where possible, to help children remain safely with their families.
The Essentials
CAS’s priority is your child’s safety.
CAS may speak with your child and family to assess safety and determine next steps.
CAS and police have different roles, although they may work together.
Ask questions. You can ask why CAS is involved, what happens next, and what is expected of you.
Listen and reassure your child. Leave detailed questioning to trained professionals.
Additional Reading & Listening
Children’s Aid Societies — Government of Ontario
An overview of the role of Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario, how child-protection concerns are assessed, and what may happen when an investigation is required.
Report Child Abuse and Neglect — Government of Ontario
Information about Ontario’s duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect, what happens after a report is made, and how Children’s Aid Society determines whether an investigation is needed.
Child Advocacy Centres / Child and Youth Advocacy Centres — Department of Justice Canada
Explains how child protection, police, medical and mental-health professionals may work together through Child and Youth Advocacy Centres to provide a more coordinated and child-friendly response to abuse.