If you suspect a child is in danger, report it to the Children's Aid Society under Canadian law.

If you work or volunteer with kids, you know the moment when something doesn’t feel right about a child’s situation. You notice changes, patterns, or stories that raise questions. In Canada, when there’s reasonable concern that a child is in need of protection, the right move isn’t to handle it alone or to confront the person you suspect. The proper step is to notify the local Children’s Aid Society (CAS) or the equivalent child protection agency. In short: B is the responsible answer.

Let me explain why this matters and how it plays out in real life.

Why notifying CAS is the right move

Think about how emergencies are handled in most communities. You don’t fix a serious problem with a DIY patch and a brave heart; you call professionals who are trained to assess risk, gather information safely, and connect families with support. The same logic applies to suspected abuse.

• Safety first: A child’s safety is the top priority. CAS workers can assess risk quickly, arrange protection if needed, and coordinate services that address the child’s immediate needs.

• Evidence is better handled by pros: You’re not expected to investigate or gather "proof" in the way a detective might. CAS uses trained investigators to interview the child, caregivers, and others in a way that minimizes further harm and preserves important information.

• Consistency and fairness: Reporting through CAS creates a formal record and a consistent response. It helps ensure that every child in similar situations gets a standardized level of care.

A quick note on language you might hear

Canadian law generally uses terms like “reasonable grounds to believe a child is in need of protection.” That phrase can sound technical, but the idea is straightforward: when, based on what you’ve seen or heard, you reasonably think a child is at risk, you should report it. You’re not required to be certain or to prove anything—you’re required to act on reasonable concern.

What counts as reasonable grounds? A few concrete examples

You don’t need to be a trained professional to notice something off. Here are kinds of observations that might create reasonable grounds:

• Repeated injuries with vague explanations or explanations that don’t fit the injuries.

• Significant changes in a child’s behavior, mood, or school performance that don’t have an obvious cause.

• Consistent fear or anxiety about going home, meeting a caregiver, or being alone with a certain person.

• Confiding statements from the child that suggest abuse or neglect.

• Observations of neglect, such as lack of food, clothing, medical care, or supervision.

These aren’t checkboxes to be ticked off. They’re signals that, taken together, should prompt a report to CAS or your local child protection service.

What to do in practice (step by step)

If you suspect abuse, you don’t have to decide everything on your own. Here’s a practical, compassionate process you can follow:

• Document what you’ve observed, in neutral terms. Record dates, times, what the child said, behaviors you noticed, and any injuries or neglect you observed. Keep notes factual and objective.

• Do not confront the alleged abuser or try to “solve” the problem yourself. Direct confrontation can endanger the child or escalate the situation.

• Contact CAS or your local child protection agency. If you’re in an immediate danger situation, call emergency services (911 in Canada).

• Be honest about what you know. Share your observations, your concerns, and why you’re worried about the child’s safety.

• Explain your relationship to the child and any relevant history, without breaching confidentiality for the child or family more than necessary.

• Heed guidance from CAS. They may ask you for more information, arrange to speak with you or the child, or provide safety planning resources.

• Protect confidentiality and trust. Treating information as confidential helps protect the child and maintains trust with families and colleagues.

What happens after you report to CAS?

Here’s where the process gets real, and where things can feel a little uncomfortable—but it’s all about the child’s safety and well-being.

• CAS conducts an assessment: They explore the allegations, talk to the child when appropriate, and decide what level of intervention is needed.

• Support and services: If danger is present, they may arrange temporary safeguards, family support services, counseling, or other resources to stabilize the situation.

• Follow-up: CAS may keep you informed about relevant steps and outcomes, within the bounds of privacy laws and the family's rights.

• If the situation is not substantiated: Not every report leads to a finding of abuse. CAS will still provide guidance or referrals to resources that can help.

What not to do is just as important

There are common missteps people worry about, but they can complicate a child’s safety.

• Don’t confront the alleged abuser or try to handle it yourself. You could put the child at greater risk.

• Don’t delay reporting while you “watch and see.” If there are reasonable grounds for concern, a timely report matters.

• Don’t promise secrecy or certainty to the child. Explain that you’re going to get adults who can help keep them safe.

• Don’t treat this as a personal failure or a failure of the family. It’s about protecting a child, and reporting is a responsible action.

A word about professionalism and ethics in early childhood work

If you’re an educator, caregiver, or a student in this field, you’ll notice that confidentiality, trust, and clear boundaries are central to your role. When it comes to safeguarding, your ethical obligations line up with legal duties in many places. The gist: you protect the child’s welfare, you document what you observe, and you connect with the right professionals. That often means a formal report to CAS and guidance from your workplace policy.

Where to turn for guidance and support

• Local Children’s Aid Society: Your first stop if you suspect abuse. They have trained staff who know how to handle reports, assess risk, and connect families with services.

• Provincial or territorial hotlines: Some regions offer dedicated child protection hotlines and online reporting portals.

• Emergency services: If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 without hesitation.

• Helpful resources: Organizations like Kids Help Phone can offer confidential support to children and youth who might be experiencing abuse or distress, and many communities provide counseling and family support programs through CAS or partner agencies.

• Your workplace policy: Schools and early childhood programs typically have clear reporting protocols. Following those protocols helps everyone stay aligned and the child stay safe.

A gentle reminder about language and context

In Canada, child protection laws and reporting requirements vary a bit by province and territory. The core idea remains universal: when you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is in need of protection, you should contact the appropriate child protection service. You’re not alone in this. Professionals there will guide you through the next steps, and they’ll consider the child’s safety and well-being first.

A few digressions worth keeping in mind

You might wonder how this all fits into day-to-day life in early childhood settings. Think of the classroom as both a sanctuary and a community hub. You’re watching for development, yes, but you’re also a safety net—someone trusted who can spot when a child needs extra protection and support. That dual role can feel heavy, but it’s also profoundly meaningful. By knowing when to report and how to connect with CAS, you’re helping to keep kids safe while you continue to nurture their curiosity, resilience, and sense of belonging.

If you’re new to this field or still figuring out the rhythm, give yourself credit for showing up with care. You’re not just teaching letters and numbers; you’re helping build a safer, more supportive world for children who depend on grownups to notice, listen, and act when it matters most.

The bottom line

When there’s suspicion that a child is in an abusive situation, the correct action is to notify the Children's Aid Society. It’s straightforward, it’s guided by law, and it puts the child’s safety at the center. You report, the CAS assesses, and the network of supports steps in to help. Confrontation, suppression, or ignoring the issue aren’t the right pathways. Instead, you use the system designed to protect children, and you do it with care, respect, and a solid sense of responsibility.

If you’d like, we can map out a simple checklist tailored to your setting—one you can keep handy for those moments when you’re not sure what to do next. Or we can talk through a few real-world scenarios to build confidence in recognizing red flags and knowing the right reporting steps. Either way, you’re taking a crucial, life-affirming stance—and that matters more than you know.