I need a push !

[torontokids]

Hey Crafty,

I am new here but I read your post and I wonder if your concerns around termination might be connected with your desire to be able to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of the child? Or perhaps you are the one stable/organized thing for this child right now?

Unfortunately you have an obligation to report the neglect as a child care provider. It isn't our job to decide whether or not the neglect is a "safety concern" but for the CAS to investigate and figure things out. Maybe they are just overwhelmed but there is still support out there for them. I have had families in the past as a result of CAS involvement get connected to all sorts of programs, subsidies, camps etc just for having gone through the intake. The CAS isn't in the business of "snatching" kids anymore as is their reputation but they have changed their mandate to help keep families together by offering support to prevent that breakdown. They may hate you for it (they will be scared to get the call from CAS of course)but that shouldn't be your concern. I wonder, if they are sending the child to your program with dried feces (this is what they are showing you) what is happening at home?

Here's some info for you re: reporting neglect, abuse etc.

http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs...andneglect.pdf

I don't know how old the child is but it is our job to speak up for children as they can't speak for themselves.

You can always call intake and do a "consult" where you share your concerns anonymously and they will let you know if a formal report needs to be made or if they will just encourage you to continue offering support for this family. If you are considering terminating the family then who knows what will happen to this child with no one looking out for them.