Reporting a Child In Need
Local Office Printable Contact List
Trust your instincts - if you have a suspicion or a "gut feeling" that a child is being abused or neglected, please contact Edmonton and Area Child and Family Services to discuss these suspicions.
The main kinds of child abuse are physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. See What is Child Abuse and Indicators of Child Abuse for more information.
To report a child who may be in need of intervention, you can call an Edmonton CFSA local office, or you can call the Crisis Unit (after hours, weekends and holidays)at 780-422-2001, 780-427-3390 or 1-800-638-0715.
What happens after I call?
- After a call is received and assessed for assignment, a caseworker will meet the child to determine if there are problems that may require support.
- If there is a caseworker already involved with the child/family, the concerns will be forwarded to that caseworker.
- In situations involving confirmed sexual or physical abuse, the police are notified and when possible, joint interviews by the caseworker and the police will be arranged.
- If appropriate, family enhancement services may be offered to the parent, family and/or child, which may include in-home support or professional counselling.
- In a case where the child cannot remain in the home, the caseworker will develop an intervention plan for the child. If the removal is temporary, the plan must include helping not only the child, but also the family to overcome the difficulties they have for caring for the child. If the removal is permanent, a plan for adoption or other permanent arrangements will be made.
It is your duty to report child abuse and neglect. When making a report, your name will be kept confidential. No legal action will be taken against you unless the reporting is done maliciously or without grounds. Failure to report child abuse or neglect could result in a fine, imprisonment or both.
