Judgement in trial

[torontokids]

Here's my letter minus the personal info. Sometimes a sample encourages others to write one (or copy and paste the relevant stuff).

To: Mr. Smith,
I am a Social Worker and I have worked alongside The CAS throughout my career. I recently left Social Work to open a home daycare in order to have the opportunity to spend my days with my own young children. It has come to my attention that a home childcare provider has been sued and found guilty by an Ontario Court Judge after making a report of suspected neglect. This is extremely concerning to me not only as a home childcare provider but also as someone who has worked closely with children who have been abused and neglected. This case will make me hesitate before filing a report, even anonymously for fear of financial repercussions. I have a “duty to report” and it is my obligation to make this report and leave the investigation to the CAS. This judgment goes against what I was taught in school and on the job. I can’t tell you the number of times a supervisor advised me to make a report to CAS because it is safer for that child if any suspicions are investigated rather than “waiting and seeing.”
My hope is that with The Children’s Aid Society’s support and guidance, this case will get appealed. Tammy Larabie did not do anything wrong; she was doing her job and ensuring the children in her care were safe.
Sincerely,

Torontokids

[bright sparks]

Here's my letter minus the personal info. Sometimes a sample encourages others to write one (or copy and paste the relevant stuff).

To: Mr. Smith,
I am a Social Worker and I have worked alongside The CAS throughout my career. I recently left Social Work to open a home daycare in order to have the opportunity to spend my days with my own young children. It has come to my attention that a home childcare provider has been sued and found guilty by an Ontario Court Judge after making a report of suspected neglect. This is extremely concerning to me not only as a home childcare provider but also as someone who has worked closely with children who have been abused and neglected. This case will make me hesitate before filing a report, even anonymously for fear of financial repercussions. I have a “duty to report” and it is my obligation to make this report and leave the investigation to the CAS. This judgment goes against what I was taught in school and on the job. I can’t tell you the number of times a supervisor advised me to make a report to CAS because it is safer for that child if any suspicions are investigated rather than “waiting and seeing.”
My hope is that with The Children’s Aid Society’s support and guidance, this case will get appealed. Tammy Larabie did not do anything wrong; she was doing her job and ensuring the children in her care were safe.
Sincerely,

Torontokids

Great letter Torontokids. I'm going to do a little research on the law and exactly what is and is not when it comes to "duty to report" and then compose a letter over the weekend. I am up to my eyeballs with my 2nd job right now and on a tight timeline by end of day tomorrow and the last thing I want to do is rush it and write it full of emotion or do a half ass job. I'm a little puzzled that a teacher commented on here about not ever being told or taught about "duty to report" yet social workers are. You'd think that teachers would be the majority who report. Regardless I'd like to have my letter be educated and fact based when I write it. I'll email a copy to you before I send it to CAS too.

Just out of curiosity, did your paralegal say why they did not call the CAS to the stand to verify whether there was due cause to report? Aren't they the ones with the legal training to make that call not a judge?

[Teagansmom]

Bright sparks thanks for your support. It means a lot, no rush.

[Teagansmom]

Here is a link to a great fact sheet from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services on reporting.

http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs...ndneglect.aspx

[bright sparks]

Here is a link to a great fact sheet from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services on reporting.

http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs...ndneglect.aspx

Honestly, this really leaves me with such a loss of faith in our justice system. This judge needs a bollocking and significant consequences. The link clearly states that the "public" have a duty to report. It also lists professionals which include child and youth service providers which would include our profession. ABSOLUTLY NOWHERE does it say that those professionals must be licensed, also it says that the public have as much responsibility as a professional. It also states clearly that the person who files the report, should a civil case be brought against them, will be fully protected.

How the hell has this happened???? This judge is going against Ontario Provincial laws WTF!?! And why have CAS not been along side you through this entire trial? They are also responsible in part for this. I am so furious.....I wish I was your lawyer, this is outrageous. I'll write my letter and back it up all they way home. Anything else I can help you with please feel free to message me!

[adaycarelady]

Here is a link to a great fact sheet from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services on reporting.

http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs...ndneglect.aspx

The judge isn't following Ontario laws, it says right there:

"Who is responsible for reporting a child in need of protection?

Anyone who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection must promptly report the suspicion and the information upon which it is based to a CAS."(Doesn't say people have to be qualified/certified or must speak with the family involved or doctor).

"What are "reasonable grounds" to suspect child abuse or neglect?

It is not necessary for you to be certain a child is or may be in need of protection to make a report to a CAS. "Reasonable grounds" refers to the information that an average person, using normal and honest judgment, would need in order to decide to report." (Daycare providers have experience meeting daily needs of children. We have the common sense to identify if a child's well being is at risk. Plus it's better to be safe than sorry.)