Child Protection Services
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aids Societies (OACAS) has asked all Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario to remind our communities that although changes in services have been necessary in response to COVID-19, all CAS’s continue to deliver child protection services. As Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County has communicated, we are available 24/7 if you have a concern about a child or youth and can be reached at 613-735-6866.
Reporting a Concern
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aids Societies (OACAS) has asked all Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario to remind our communities that although changes in services have been necessary in response to COVID-19, all Children’s Aid Societies continue to deliver child protection services. As Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County has communicated, we are available 24/7 if you have a concern about a child or youth and can be reached at 613-735-6866.
In 2018, the age of protection was raised to include youth up to 18 years old, which means Youth who are 16 and 17 years old are now eligible to receive protection services from Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County. While reporting for 16- and 17-year-old youth is not mandatory, we encourage you to please contact us if you have concerns so that we can help.
A concern over a child or youth should be reported if you suspect one or more of the following:
- Physical abuse
- Neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
What You Should Know About Reporting
- You can report anonymously, unless you are a professional such as a teacher or a doctor.
- It is not your responsibility to determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred; Family and Children’s Services is responsible for investigating and assessing the need for protection or involvement.
- Filing a report to Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County does not prove abuse or neglect, but allows authorities to take the appropriate measures to determine the risk of each situation.
- Each report is investigated and the situation evaluated to ensure both the child and family receives the support necessary to keep the child safe.
- There are times when some parents may mistreat or harm their children due to problems they are having in their family. When a request for help or a report is made to Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County, a Child Protection Worker will become involved by working with everyone in the family to determine what is happening and what services may be of help to protect the child.
How to Reach Us
There is someone available to take your call, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you have a concern, please call us at 613-735-6866 or toll free at 1-800-267-5878.
