Adequacy Standards
Child Abuse And Neglect
Policy No: 02/00-29
Effective Date: July 26, 2000
Legislative/Regulatory Requirements
Section 29 of the Adequacy Standards Regulation requires a police services board to have a policy on investigations into the physical and sexual abuse of children. In addition, section 12(1)(a) requires the Chief of Police to develop and maintain procedures on and processes for undertaking and managing investigations into the physical and sexual abuse of children.
Furthermore, the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) mandates that the paramount purpose of any child abuse and neglect investigation is to promote the best interests, protection and well-being of the child.
Board Policy
It is the policy of the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board with respect to child abuse and neglect investigations that the Chief of Police will:
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in partnership with the local Crown, Children’s Aid Societies, municipalities, school boards and other appropriate service providers, including hospital staff, work to establish a committee to develop a local strategy to prevent, and respond to complaints of, child abuse and neglect;
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develop and maintain procedures on and processes for undertaking and managing child abuse and neglect investigations;
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enter into a child abuse protocol with their local Children’s Aid Societies with respect to investigations into complaints of child abuse and neglect, and the sudden unexpected death of any child; and
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if the alleged child abuse fits the definition of a major case, require officers to comply with the procedures set out in the Ministry’s designated Ontario Major Case Management Manual.