Duty to Report

23 (1) Every person who has information, whether or not it is confidential or privileged, indicating that a child is in need of protective services shall forthwith report that information to an agency.

Restriction on civil action
(2) No action lies against a person by reason of that person reporting information pursuant to subsection (1), unless the reporting of that information is done falsely and maliciously.

Offense and penalty
(3) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offense and upon summary conviction is liable to a fine of not more than two thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both.

Limitation period
(4) No proceedings shall be instituted pursuant to subsection (3) more than two years after the contravention occurred.

Offense and penalty
(5) Every person who falsely and maliciously reports information to an agency indicating that a child is in need of protective services is guilty of an offense and upon summary conviction is liable to a fine of not more than two thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both. 1990, c. 5, s. 23; 1996, c. 10, s. 2.

You have a right to be heard:
It is important to sort out disagreements as quickly as possible so we can get back to the work at hand, helping you and your child(ren).

Family & Children's Services has procedures for complaints and appeals. These procedures lay out the steps that can be taken to address and hopefully resolve any concerns you may have. We are always looking for ways to improve our services.

Your input is important. Remember, you have a right to be heard. We are listening, and we will do our best to address your concerns. If as a result of your concern, there are issues related to how we do our work, they will be addressed.

We thank you for your willingness to come forward and help us do the best job we can of helping children and their families.

1. The first thing you should do is talk to your social worker. Explain how you feel, why you feel that way, and what you would like to see happen. Often the problem will get solved right then and there.
2. But, if the problem is not resolved, the next thing to do is contact the Casework Supervisor.Whether you call or write a letter, the Casework Supervisor will set up a meeting with you to try to help you and the worker reach an agreement. Your social worker will be invited to the meeting too. Within 10 working days of requesting a meeting, you'll get a written report on what was decided at the meeting.
3. If you feel there is still a problem, you have the right to contact the Executive Director. Call or write the Executive Director. Within 10 days of your contact, you will get a written report on what was decided.
4. If you feel there is still a problem, you have the right to contact the Regional Administrator. Call 1-902-755-7023. You can expect to receive a report about your problem in 15 working days after contacting the Regional Administrator.
5. At this point, if you still feel dissatisfied, you can contact the Director of Child Welfare at the provincial Department of Community Services. The Director will reply to you with a written report on what was decided within 20 working days of hearing from you.