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Understanding Abuse


By Pearl Rimer A


tion to immediately call a child protection agency. • Do not tell a parent about your suspicions or the report until you have asked a child protection worker/police officer if it would be okay to tell. Telling could jeopardize the investigation or put the child in danger. • Although anonymous calls can be made, it is more difficult for authorities to fol- low-up, gather information and protect the child. It is in the best interest of the child to leave identifying information. • Complete documenta- tion. No one else reads or signs off on the documenta- tion as input from anyone else is a contaminating factor.


s tens of thousands of children and youth head for camp over the upcoming summer months, staff,


campers and their parents are hoping that everyone has a terrific time. However, camp staff must be prepared for campers and staff who come to camp with a history of child abuse or family violence. They must also understand that abuse can and does happen at camp. In fact, the reality is that most children are harmed by someone known and/or trusted — not strangers! Each province and territory in Canada


has its own legislation with respect to child abuse. Each one addresses: the age of a child who is entitled to protection under the law, the duty to report, confidentiality and failing to report. It is imperative that all camps be familiar and up-to-date with their current provincial/territorial legislation with respect to child protection. Jurisdictional legislation forms the basis


of policies and procedures with respect to suspicions of child abuse. Consideration and inclusion of the following best practices


20 Canada Camps Spring 2010


in the camp environment will show a com- mitment to proper supervision, safety and fun for campers, staff and volunteers.


REPORTING • Child protection agencies provide serv- ice every day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. • The person who suspects the abuse should call the local child protection agency. Do not ask anyone else to make the report for you or to help you decide if a report should be made. Although it is nor- mal for fears and concerns to be raised when someone is faced with reporting a suspicion of abuse or violence in the life of a child, only a child protection worker and police officer are in a position to determine if an investigation is appropriate. Asking others for their opinion may result in failure to report, or may contaminate the case. If there are doubts or concerns about making a report, consult with a child protection worker. • Inform the camp director of the inten-


Also, suspicions of abuse are highly confi- dential and others should not be privy to these records. • No one should ever advise another per- son not to report suspicions of abuse, or try and stop the person from reporting/consult- ing with a child protection agency/police. There should be no sanctions or repri- mands for staff who follow through on the legal duty to report/consult. • If the allegation is against another camper, the camp director should consult with a child protection worker as to how to best protect, supervise and support both the victim and the alleged abuser, and the other campers. • If a staff member/volunteer is suspected of abusing a child(ren), he or she should not be told by anyone about the suspicion, the intention to report or that a report has been made until after the camp director has con- sulted with a child protection worker/police officer for direction, including what, if any- thing, should be done to protect a child from further contact with the alleged abuser.


Child abuse is real and it happens at camp, which is why camps must have policies in place to effectively deal with any situation that may arise


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