When a report is made, Child Protection Workers will gather as much information as possible in order to evaluate and assess the concern. Questions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Family name, address and phone;
• The name(s) of the child(ren) of concern;
• The information the caller has (i.e., what is the cause of their concern);
• How the caller knows the information causing concern;
• How long the issue has been a concern;
• Any known family strengths (i.e. family/community ties, problem-solving skills, ability to accept support);
• Any information regarding involvement in the community or other agencies; • Any relevant background information;
• Any known history of domestic violence;
• Where the child is at the time of the call (i.e., school, daycare, home).

You will be asked a variety of questions since some people who call will have extensive information about a child or family. You may not have the answers to certain questions. If you do not know the answer to a question, it is acceptable to say that. Do not feel that you should or have to know more than you do.

Private consultations are available to callers. A professional or anyone calling to report child abuse or neglect can ask for a private consultation over the phone. This consultation allows the caller to anonymously give non-identifying information about the child or family and a brief scenario on why he/she is calling. Through the process of this private consultation, the Child Protection Worker can recommend whether or not the caller should report.