Indicators do not prove that a child has been abused. They are clues that alert one that abuse may have occurred. On the other hand, a lack of indicators also do not prove the absence of abuse. The individual must report suspicions to a child protection agency and record the information. The final assessment of the indicators is the role of a child protection agency.

 Everyone, including individuals who perform professional or official duties with respect to children, has a legal duty in Canada to report a child’s need for protection. Everyone is required to report suspicions of child abuse or family violence to a child protection agency.

 An individual who performs professional or official duties with respect to children, is responsible for making observations, reporting any suspicions of child abuse or family violence, and documenting information. They are NOT responsible for proving whether or not abuse/violence has occurred. It is the role of the child protection agency to investigate, with police where necessary, gather evidence, assess the child and family’s situation, and decide on the appropriate action to be taken on behalf of a child.

 It is not the role of the individual to interview the child or the parent, to prove or disprove child abuse or family violence. In situations where there is uncertainty as to whether or not the indicators support suspicions of abuse/violence and reporting requirements, consult with a child protection agency.

 It is the responsibility of the person who initially suspected child abuse or family violence to report directly to a child protection agency. Any additional suspicions must be reported, even if previous reports with respect to the same child have been made.

 If child abuse or family violence are suspected, and not reported to a child protection agency, the child(ren) may be at further risk. The individual(s) who suspects abuse/violence and does not report is colluding with the family and/or alleged abuser in continuing to keep it a secret. The individual and/or the agency they belong to may be criminally and civilly liable.