In Saskatchewan, every individual has a legal duty to immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reports must be made without delay to child protection authorities or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). For families from any of the nine (9) Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) Nations, all reports must be directed to MLTC Child & Family Services (CFS) as the designated child protection authority.

Who Must Report

Under Saskatchewan law, any person who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare is being, or may be harmed by abuse or neglect, is legally required to report it. This duty applies to everyone, including members of the public, professionals, and service providers. The duty to report applies even if you believe someone else has already made a report or if you do not have complete information about the situation.

Types of Abuse Covered
The duty to report encompasses various forms of child maltreatment, including:

• Physical abuse: Intentional use of force causing injury, pain or risk.
• Emotional abuse: Words, actions, or behaviors that harm a child’s emotional development, self-worth, or psychological well-being.
• Sexual abuse: Any sexual activity or exploitation involving a child.
• Neglect: Failure to provide a child’s basic needs, including food, shelter, medical care, supervision or protection from harm.
• Exposure to intimate partner violence: Witnessing abuse between caregivers, which can have long-term emotional and physical impacts.

How to Report

Reports must be made immediately when there are reasonable grounds to suspect abuse or neglect. You arenot required to provide your name when making a report.

Reporting Within MLTC First Nations
For children and families from any of the 9 MLTC First Nations, reports must be directed to:

MLTC CFS Intake
Phone: 306-236-8287
Email: [email protected]

Reporting Outside MLTC First Nations
For situations occuring outside of MLTC First Nation communities, contact:

• Your local Ministry of Social Services office; and/or
• Your local police service or RCMP.

Do not attempt to contact the alleged perpetrator.

Reporting Guidelines

Provide all relevant information you have, even if incomplete.
Do not investigate or ask leading questions; report the child’s statements in their own words.
The duty to report overrides professional confidentiality codes when abuse is suspected windows.netwindows.net.
Legal and Professional Implications
Failure to report suspected abuse can result in professional or legal consequences.
Good faith reports are protected, and there are no legal consequences for reporting honestly and responsibly windows.netwindows.net.

After the Report
Once a report is made, child protection workers and/or police will assess the situation and determine next steps. Other professionals may assist in the investigation, support the child, and provide follow-up services.

Understanding and fulfilling the duty to report is critical to protecting children and preventing further harm in Saskatchewan.

For more information please visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/justice-crime-and-the-law/child-protection/child-abuse-and-neglect