Parents Can't Protect Their Own Children

February 2, 2012 permalink

The Child Abuse Register, and other lists of malefactors, are available to social workers, but confidential to the general public. Parents cannot view the lists for the protection of their own children and remain in the dark when hiring a babysitter, coach or tutor. But when the parent allows a registered person to care for his child, children's aid can seize it on account of the parents' failure to protect.

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By Janis Ramsay, Feb 02, 2012 - 6:00 AM

Abuse register not accessible to parents

BARRIE - Parents who may have questions about a teacher’s past involvement with students may find the system fails them.

In some cases, they can only look to the Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) website where information may be difficult to find.

In some cases, discipline that involved agencies other than the OCT is hidden from parents as well.

Laura Sclater, a teacher acquitted of all charges after she sent love notes to a student, was at one point listed on the Child Abuse Register.

But this week, The Advance was unable to determine if her name is still on the registry after criminal charges against her were dropped in 2002. She is currently a teacher at Steele Street Public School.

Irene Perro, director of records with the Child Abuse Register at the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, said names on the register are confidential.

“Only authorized ministry employees, the Ontario Children’s Aid Society, counsellors, researchers, coroners, or a child’s lawyer can obtain information,” said Perro.

An individual is able to inquire if his or her own name is on the list, but a request must be filed in writing.

Separate from the Ontario Sex Offender Registry, the Child Abuse Register contains information on all verified cases of child abuse in Ontario since June 15, 1979.

Source: Simcoe Advance