Key Takeaways
- Anyone with reasonable grounds to suspect a child is in need of protection must immediately report to a children’s aid society (CYFSA, s. 125(1)).
- Professionals must report directly, not through someone else (s. 125(3)).
- Failing to report information obtained in professional duties can be an offence (s. 125(5)–(6)).
- The duty applies even if information is confidential, except solicitor-client privilege (s. 125(10)–(11)).
Who Must Report
The Act lists health care professionals, teachers, early childhood educators, school principals, social workers, family counsellors, operators and employees of child care settings, religious officials, lawyers and others (CYFSA, s. 125(6)).
Licence Consequences
A failure to report may also be treated by your regulator as professional misconduct. Colleges may consider it in complaints and discipline.
Practical Points
- Report directly and promptly.
- Document what you knew and when you reported.
- Follow your employer’s policies, but do not rely on them to report for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about 16- and 17-year-olds?
The mandatory duty does not apply, but a report may be made (s. 125(4)).
Can I be sued for reporting?
Not for a report made in accordance with the section, unless made maliciously or without reasonable grounds (s. 125(10)).
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, s. 125 — Checked November 10, 2026.