Role of Bruce Grey Child and Family Services:
Bruce Grey Child and Family Services (BGCFS) investigates reports of child abuse and neglect, as outlined in the Child Youth and Family Services Act of Ontario.
Bruce Grey Child and Family Services (BGCFS) will:
Provide the non-offending parent with information about choices and options for service provision for their child(ren) in cases of child abuse, including an information package with contact numbers and descriptions of services,
Provide appropriate interventions for children, in order to ensure that they are adequately protected from harm or risk of harm,
Use a trauma and violence informed approach with all victims of sexual and domestic violence that includes: a focus on victim safety, establishing trust, using a sensitive, compassionate and non judgmental approach that demonstrates caring and understanding, and consideration of the impact of trauma on memory and the behavior of victims. Additional information under Trauma Informed Response.
Use interventions and appropriate justice and community service and First Nations service systems to hold the perpetrator of the child sexual abuse or domestic violence accountable for the abuse,
Provide interventions in accordance with the Child Youth and Family Services Act and the current provincial Standards for Child Protection, when the worker becomes involved with a child who has been sexually assaulted, is at risk of being sexually harmed, or has been harmed or is at risk of harm because of domestic violence,
Immediately assess all cases requiring a protection investigation for urgency of response, and the need for police involvement, developing an investigation plan, in accordance with the severity of the allegation, to ensure the immediate safety of the child,
Follow existing protocols with local shelters and sexual assault centre programs, GBHS Sexual Assault / Partner Abuse Care Centre, police services and schools,
Work with Policing Services at Saugeen (OPP) and Nawash First Nations, Native Child Welfare Program, Anishnabek Child and Youth Services, Health Care Services and Kabaeshiwim Respite – Women’s Shelter to coordinate services that will keep victims safe and provide collaborative and consistent services to support children and meet their identified cultural and other needs,
Refer to the Grey Bruce Situation Table for rapid mobilization of resources and service connections to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing acutely elevated levels of risk
Ensure that the Crown attorney has pertinent information related to their plans to support the non-offending parent(s) and children (especially information related to access),
Appoint one point of contact for police services, the Crown attorney and Probation and Parole, in order to ensure effective and efficient communication for each case,
Confirm with police services, the Crown attorney and Probation and Parole whether a case is open and/or if it is a file in which there have been repeated concerns about the perpetrator when there is a release of information, warrant or a joint investigation,
Inform the Crown attorney and Probation and Parole if there are any conflicts or potential conflicts with current criminal court proceedings and family court matters, especially as this relates to bail conditions, conditions of release and access matters.
Roles & Responsibilities of the Protocol Partners
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