Children

Children's Bill of Rights

Every kid has rights, particularly when mom and dad are splitting up. Below are some things parents shouldn't forget -- and kids shouldn't let them -- when thefamily is in the midst of a break-up. children

You have the right to love both your parents. You also have the right to be loved by both of them. That means you shouldn't feel guilty about wanting to see your dad or your mom at any time. It's important for you to have both parents in your life, particularly during difficult times such as a break-up of your parents.

You do not have to choose one parent over the other. If you have an opinion about which parent you want to live with, let it be known. But nobody can force you to make that choice. If your parents can't work it out, a judge may make the decision for them.

You're entitled to all the feelings you're having. Don't be embarrassed by what you're feeling. It is scary when your parents break up, and you're allowed to be scared. Or angry. Or sad. Or whatever.

You have the right to be in a safe environment. This means that nobody is allowed to put you in danger, either physically or emotionally. If one of your parents is hurting you, tell someone -- either your other parent or a trusted adult like a teacher.

You don't belong in the middle of your parents' break-up. Sometimes your parents may get so caught up in their own problems that they forget that you're just a kid, and that you can't handle their adult worries. If they start putting you in the middle of their dispute, remind them that it's their fight, not yours.

Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are still part of your life. Even if you're living with one parent, you can still see relatives on your other parent's side. You'll always be a part of their lives, even if your parents aren't together anymore.

You have the right to be a child. Kids shouldn't worry about adult problems. Concentrate on your school work, your friends, activities, etc. Your mom and dad just need your love. They can handle the rest.

It's not your fault, so PLEASE don't blame yourself!

EVERYONE Has a Duty to Child Protection

Ontario's Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) recognizes that each of us has a responsibility for the welfare and well-being of children. The Act states clearly that members of the public, including professionals who work with children, have an obligation to report promptly to a children's aid society if they suspect that a child or youth under the age of 16 is or may be in need of protection.The Act defines the term "child in need of protection" and sets out what must be reported to a children's aid society. This definition is set out in s.37(2) of the CFSA and further explained here and here. It includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and risk of harm. If you have questions about a given situation, you should consult a lawyer or a Children's Aid Society.

Children's Aid Societies
Children's Aid Societies Directory ---------

• Catholic Children's Aid Society - Toronto (416) 395-1500
• Children's Aid Society of Toronto (416) 924-4646
• Jewish Family and Child Service - Toronto (416) 638 7800
• Navtive Child & Family Services (Toronto) (416) 969-8510
• Children's Aid Society - Dufferin (519) 941-1530
• Children's Aid Society - Durham (800) 461-8140
• Children's Aid Society of Halton - Burlington (905) 333-4441
• Children's Aid Society of Halton - Milton (905-876-1682)
• Chilldren's Aid Society of Halton - Oakville (905) 333-4441
• Children's Aid Society of Hamilton (905)572-6465
• Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton (905) 525-2012
• Children's Aid Society of Simcoe County (800) 461-4236
• Children's Aid Society of Peel Region (905) 363-6131
• Children's Aid Society of York Region (800) 718-3850

Links

• Children's Lawyer
• Child Welfare Resource Centre
• Ontario Government
• SCAN
• Children's Mental Health Ontario
• National Clearing House on Public Violence

Abduction

Help Now!

• Child CyberSearch
• Child Find
• Foreign Affairs - Canada
• Hague Conference Homepage
• International Social Service
• Missing Children Society
• National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children
• North American Missing Children Society
• RCMP - Our Missing Children

International Abduction

• Manual for Parents - Canadian Government (pdf)
• US State Department
• The Hague Convention - Main Site
• The Hague Convention - Text
• The Hague Convention Child Abduction Homepage
• Contracting States (Members) to the Hague ConventionInterpol

• Ontario Reciprocity Office - Hague Convention
• Ministry of the Attorney General
• 1201 Wilson Avenue
• 5th Floor, West Tower
• P.O. Box 640
• DOWNSVIEW ON M3A 3A3
• Tel: (416) 240-2411 -- Fax: (416) 240-2405