Any member of the SelfDesign Learning Community who has a reason to believe that a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected has a legal duty under the Child, Family and Community Service Act to report the matter.
How to Report
We must report to a child protection social worker at the Ministry of Children and Family Development office.
There are three ways to call:
- Toll free: 1 800 663-9122
- Helpline for Children: dial 310-1234 (no area code needed). This toll-free service operates 24 hours a day.
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- You can also give this number to the child if you think it appropriate to do so.
- Long-distance (if calling via skype from outside the province, for example): 1-604-660-4927
The child welfare worker will:
- Determine if the child needs protection;
- Contact the police if a criminal investigation is required; and
- Coordinate a response with other agencies, if necessary.
If we determine that a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1: the police should be contacted to determine whether the child is in need of protection.
What to report
The report will include the reporter’s name, telephone contact and relationship to the child; any immediate concerns about the child’s safety; the location of the child; the child’s age; information about the situation including all physical and behavioural indicators observed (this could include details shared in a child’s Observing for Learning submission); information about the family, parents, and alleged offenders; the nature of the child’s disabilities, if any; the name of a key support person; other children who may be affected; information about other persons or agencies closely involved with the child and/or family; and any relevant information concerning the child and/or family such as language and culture.
For more detailed guidance and support, please refer to:
Reporting Abuse – Guidance for SelfDesign Educators and Contractors which includes information on communicating with the Appointed School Official (Principal Catherine Dinim) or Alternate Appointed School Official (Vice Principal Clarissa Tufts).
Support Resources
How to determine if there is sufficient reason to suspect abuse:
- Please refer to the BC Handbook for Action Child Abuse and Neglect.
- and Supporting our Students: A Guide for Independent School Personnel Responding to Child Abuse.
Change Log
- Policy page updated: January 16, 2024
- Last reviewed/updated: January 16, 2024