Child Abuse

Question 1

Supervision

• Supervisory Officer attendance mandatory upon receiving a complaint of a suspected child physical or sexual abuse
• Officer in Charge notification mandatory upon receiving a complaint of a suspected child physical or sexual abuse

Question 2

The CYAC will investigate
• physical assaults, emotional abuse, or neglect occurrences when the victim is under the age of 16 and the suspect is a caregiver, parent or a person in a position of trust or authority
• physical assaults when the victim is under the age of 16 years and the suspect is a known adult
• sexual offences when the victim is under the age of 18 years, the suspect is known and the offences are not within the mandate of the Sex Crimes investigative office
• occurrences entitled Child in Need of Protection or Child Left Unattended

Question 3

The CYAC shall be notified when investigating a sudden unexpected death of a child under the age of 16. The attending Divisional Detective shall consult with a member of the CYAC prior to leaving the scene and/or conducting a formal interview of caregivers.

Question 4

If the alleged offender is a school employee, consideration must be given by the Unit Commander or designate of the investigating unit as soon as practicable of notifying the respective Director of Education or designate, responsible individual or body.

School officials shall be advised not to interview or advise the alleged offender prior to the police interview.

Question 5

A team response

• all allegations of child abuse
• where circumstances could include a Crim Code violation and render the child in need of protection.
• when the alleged offender whether adult or child has some element of charge over the child victim.
• in all circumstances where the child has a suspicious injury.

Question 6

Jan 01, 2018 - increased age of protection to under 18.

16 & 17 year old who believe that they are in need of protection may be eligible to enter the new Voluntary Youth Services Agreement.

Question 7

Prepubertal (under 12) - within 72 hours- advise victim/parent of the importance of attending a hospital for medical evaluation to gather potential forensic evidence.

After 72 hours- contact SCAN to discuss medical attention

Pubertal Adolescents (12-18)- within 12 days - advise on importance of attending a hospital for evidence gathering

After 12 days - contact Scan for medial attention

Question 8

OIC

Upon receiving notification of a case of suspected child physical or sexual abuse, or circumstances where child abuse cannot be ruled out shall,

• contact CYAC to request a designated investigator
• ensue eReport number is distributed in accordance with Unit Policy