Abuse and Neglect

What is Abuse and Neglect | When to Contact Us | Who to Contact | How FACS Responds

Call Kitchener OR Cambridge FACS office and ask for an intake screener. When calling FACS to report a child protection concern, do not leave a voice mail. At all times, press 0 to be connected to an administrative assistant.

• Make any preparations necessary before calling
• Give your name and location, or you may remain anonymous
• State that you are making a report of a child in need of protection or that you wish to consult
• State your relationship to the child and family
• Indicate what you heard from the child and/or what you observed (you may want to keep some written notes)
• Offer any facts such as dates, descriptions of the child and identifying information about the family
• Share knowledge of other agency or community involvement if known
• Provide any relevant background information
• You may have questions to ask us

Daytime
During the day Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
call 576-0540 and speak with an intake screener.

After Hours
After hours Monday to Thursday 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. and Friday 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. Monday morning call 576-0540 ext 5000. This number is a pager number only. When prompted, leave your name and phone number at which you can be reached, when you can be reached, and a brief statement outlining the purpose of your call. The after hours worker will return your call shortly.

Daytime
During the day Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
call 623-6970 and speak with an intake screener.

After Hours
After hours Monday to Thursday 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. and Friday 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. Monday morning call576-0540 ext 5111. This number is a pager number only. When prompted, leave your name and phone number at which you can be reached, when you can be reached, and a brief statement outlining the purpose of your call. The after hours worker will return your call shortly.

Gather the following information if you can before calling:

• If you are a professional working with children, know the full name of the child, date of birth, parent(s) name, sibling(s) name and date of birth, address, telephone number, work number of parent(s), etc.
• Be prepared to describe in detail any visible injuries (e.g. bruises—location size, and colour?)
• Keep notes on what you saw and heard
• If you are a teacher consult with Principal or Social Worker, (although do not allow this to delay the report)
• Share relevant background information such as language, culture, etc.
• DO NOT inform the parent or alleged offender about the report

• Record the first and last name of the intake worker for your records
• Ask if there are any steps you should take at this time (who will contact the parents?)
• Ask if you should inform the child of any plan at this time
• You may request that the FACS contact you when they have a plan of action (however depending on confidentiality, they may or may not be able to share this information with you)
• Ask if it is safe to send the child home at lunch or the end of the day