Protecting Children

As a Children’s Aid Society, Linck has a legal mandate to promote the best interests, protection, and well-being of children and youth. Interventions by Linck’s child protection staff involve working with families with a focus on child safety while providing support to families to promote and strengthen their ability to keep children and youth safe.

Linck acknowledges that systemic racism creates barriers for children, youth, and families. Awareness of systemic biases and racism will inform our service delivery. We deliver excellent and inclusive service and accept reports of all children and youth in need of protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Working with families and communities to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect is critical to ensuring that children can reach their full potential, free from physical and emotional harm. A parent or a child may contact us directly. A relative, friend, neighbor, teacher, nurse, doctor, or other professional must make a report when they are concerned for the safety and well-being of a child or youth.

What Happens When You Call

Anytime you call us regarding a concern that a child or youth may be harmed, or are at risk of harm, you will be able to speak to a child protection worker who will listen to your concerns to assess and determine if a response is required and what type.

Learn More About What Happens When You Call

Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)

Children’s Aid Societies are regulated by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and governed by the Ontario Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA).

Learn More About the CYFSA

Duty to Report & Support

In Ontario, it is the law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Section 125 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, states that members of the public, including professionals who work with children, must promptly report any suspicions that a child is, or may be, in need of protection to a children’s aid society.

Learn More About the Duty to Report & Support

Recognizing Maltreatment

Children exhibit signs of maltreatment in many different ways, indications may be physical or behavioural, and can often be subtle. You do not need to prove that a child has been harmed or is unsafe, you just need to let us know about your concerns.

Learn More About Recognizing Maltreatment

Protecting Children and Youth from Human Trafficking

In Ontario, most reported cases of human trafficking involve sexual exploitation, referred to as sex trafficking. In Chatham-Kent, we are actively collaborating with our community partners on raising awareness, identifying risk, intervening early, and providing support and care for survivors. If you suspect that a child or youth is being sexually exploited, call us to report your concerns.

Learn More About Human Trafficking in Canada