Reporting child abuse and children in need of protection

If this is an emergency, call 911 or contact your local police emergency number.

If you think a child is being harmed or neglected, or you are a child experiencing abuse or neglect, contact Child and Family Services (CFS) at 1 (866) 345-9241. In Winnipeg, contact (204) 944-4200.

If you are a parent in need of support with your children, contact the numbers above to get information about CFS in your area or click here for the contact information for the CFS Authorities and their mandated CFS agencies.

On This Page:

I Am a Child Who Needs Help

If you are a child or youth and need to report abuse, call the designated intake agency at 1 (866) 345-9241, in Winnipeg (204) 944-4200 at any time of the day or night.

If you need someone to talk to someone, call the Kids Help Phone: 1 (800) 668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

If you're experiencing a crisis, call The Link Youth 24-hour Crisis Service Winnipeg: (204) 949-4777 or 1 (888) 383-2776 (24/7). When calling these numbers, you do not need to provide your name or information and can call these numbers at any time of the day or night.

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

Child abuse happens when someone's actions harm a child. This harm can be physical or emotional, and it could have long or short-term impacts on the child.

In addition, any situation that involves using a child for sexual purposes is child abuse/exploitation; this is with or without the child's permission.

Child neglect happens when a child’s basic needs are not met. These needs most often include, but are not limited to, access to food, safe shelter, access to education, weather appropriate clothing and providing proper emotional support. Neglect can make it hard for a child to stay safe, healthy, and well.

The Reporting of Child Protection and Child Abuse: Handbook and Protocols for Manitoba Service Providers (PDF) was developed to help you protect children in Manitoba. The handbook provides detailed guidelines on how to recognize and report child abuse and how to identify children in need of protection. The handbook includes helpful information, such as: how to recognize different types of child abuse information about legislation how to take action if you suspect that a child under 18 is being abused or needs protection.

How to Report Child Abuse and Neglect

It is everyone's legal responsibility to protect children.

To report child abuse/neglect or possible child abuse/neglect call the Designated Intake Agency in your region.

If unsure of your region’s Designated Intake Agency, call the province-wide intake and emergency after-hours child and family services telephone number 1 (866) 345-9241, in Winnipeg (204) 944-4200, and they will direct you to the appropriate agency. You can also view the Designated Intake Agency Map.

Considerations when reporting

Child abuse reports must be made immediately to protect the child from any possible further danger or consequences of delay. You are not required to know for certain if abuse and/or neglect is occurring before reporting.

Under CFS legislation it is best practice to let the child's parent or guardian know if you believe the child is being abused or neglected by a third party. If you don't know the parent or guardian or suspect that they may be part of the concerns, then you need to call a Designated Intake Agency. If you think that a child may be in immediate danger, call the police.

FAQs on Child Abuse

What information do I need to make a report?

When making a report to a designated intake agency, you will be asked questions about the situation. Answer them to the best of your ability. 

Do your best to include the following: 

  • The child's or youth's name and location
  • Whether there are any immediate concerns about the child's or youth's safety
  • What led you to believe the child or youth is at risk
  • Any statements or disclosures made by the child or youth
  • The child's or youth's age and vulnerability
  • Information about the family, parents and alleged offender
  • Information about siblings or other children or youth who may be at risk
  • Whether you know of any previous incidents involving, or concerns about the child or youth
  • Information about other persons or agencies closely involved with the child, youth and/or family
  • Information about other persons who may be witnesses or may have information about the child or youth
  • Information about the nature of the child's or youth's disabilities, his or her mode of communication, and the name of a key support person
  • Any other relevant information concerning the child, youth and/or family, such as language or culture
 
Am I required to provide my name?

No. You do not have to give the intake agency staff your name and can make an anonymous report. If you do give your name, you are not legally responsible for information provided in good faith. Your identity will remain confidential except where required by the court, or with your consent. Know that you are also protected from anyone harassing you for giving the information. 

 
What happens with the report after it is made?

Designated intake agencies are required to follow-up. They will review the report, and depending on the situation, may initiate an investigation, provide support services, or, if deemed necessary, remove the child from the home.