What Happens When I Call CAS?

CAS Response:

• The CAS accepts referrals of children and youth in need of protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 613 264-9991 or 1-866-664-9991.
• Referrals are from a health practioner, educator, another professional, or extended family member, or someone in the community. Often a family member will also contact CAS to request assistance.
• Our workers do a follow-up on all reports of a child or youth who may be in need of protection. Minimally, this involves a record check.
• If the report suggests that the risk of harm or danger to a child or youth is immediate, or where there is suspicious injury, CAS workers must see the child or youth as quickly as possible – within 12 hours. A safety assessment and plan is completed.
• In other reported protection matters CAS workers begin to determine the facts within 7 days. A safety assessment and plan is completed.
• The CAS must complete either a Risk Assessment or a Strength Based Child and Family Assessement within sixt (60) days in cases where child protection concerns have been confirmed.
• A service plan is developed involving all parties and reviewed quarterly.

When do the Police get involved?

If the information received alleges that a criminal offence has been perpetrated against a child, the CAS will inform the police. Depending upon circumstances, the CAS and Police may investigate separately or together to determine the facts.

The prime responsibility of the CAS is to determine if a child or youth requires protection and what the plan for protection will be.

The prime responsibility of the police is to determine if a criminal offence has occurred and to lay charges under the Criminal Code.

Interviewing the child, youth and parent

All family members are interviewed privately and individually. Depending upon the seriousness of the report, the child or youth may be interviewed without a parent’s prior knowledge or consent. Other persons such as caretakers, neighbours, community professionals, may be interviewed when the CAS consider them to have information relevant to the reported situation.

When does a medical professional become involved?

When abuse is suspected, a medical examination of the child or youth and his or her siblings may be necessary. Every effort is made to locate the parents and obtain their consent to the examination. When that is not possible, the child or youth may be taken into care of the CAS under the authority of the CFSA (Child and Family Services Act). Efforts are on-going to connect and involve the parent.

How the CAS concludes its investigation

The CAS protection worker informs the parents and, when appropriate, the child or youth of the result of the investigation.