Reporting Concerning Behaviour

If you observe or hear about concerning behaviour or an inappropriate situation between an adult and a child within an organization, such as a school, daycare, sports, or church program, report your concerns to the organization. Flagging the concerning behaviour to the organization should trigger a review in an effort to correct and stop the possible misconduct.
If you have contact with the child outside of the organization (i.e. you know the parents/caregivers), you should still report to the organization and then also report your concerns to the child’s parents so that they can follow up with the organization and discuss it with their child if appropriate.

In some circumstances, particularly if your concerns are not addressed or you become aware of more information, you may wish to consider involving the appropriate authorities such as law enforcement or child welfare.

Remember, questioning concerning behaviour does not mean you’re making an allegation of sexual abuse.

Did you know?

A reporting person is protected against legal action if their report is made in good faith.*

Child protection legislation in various provinces and territories states that a person who reasonably believes the information reported and who reports in good faith cannot be sued.
However, if a person:

  1. Knowingly reported false information; OR

  2. Reported maliciously; OR

  3. Makes the report in bad faith; OR

  4. A combination of the reasons above, that person may be subject to legal sanctions.

*In “good faith” refers to an honest and sincere intention to deal fairly with others. In this context it would refer to sincere belief or motive that is without malice or any desire to harm others.

Disclaimer: Daughter Project Canada (a program of Global Family Care Network, a registered Canadian charity) is not guaranteeing the anonymity of any reporter. We are only sharing public information that was collected through legislation and provincial/territorial protective services websites.