What is child abuse?
Who is a perpetrator under the CPSL?
A perpetrator of child abuse can be a child's parent, the person responsible for the welfare of a child such as a babysitter or day care staff person, an individual residing in the same home as the child who is at least 14 years of age, or the paramour of a child's parent. Even if the person does not meet the definition of perpetrator under the CPSL, you must report suspected child abuse.
Who is a mandated reporter?
A person who, in the course of employment, occupation or practice of a profession, has reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis of medical, professional or other training and experience, that a child under the care, supervision, guidance or training of that person or of an agency, institution, organization or other entity with which that person is affiliated is a victim of child abuse, including child abuse by an individual who is not a perpetrator. It is not necessary for mandated reporters to determine if an individual is a perpetrator under the CPSL and a report shall be made to Childline regardless of the status of the individual.
Anyone can and should report suspected child abuse; mandated reporters must report suspected abuse.