The COVID-19 crisis has led to widespread temporary school closures and a deep economic recession. School closures have threatened children's ability to learn and later return to school well prepared. The impact of the economic recession is going to be even more devastating: first for students, but also for the ability of some Catholic schools to…

A clear, well defined policy can help empower school personnel to make informed decisions on how to handle cases of suspected child abuse. This article presents an analysis of (N = 64) school board child abuse reporting policies and procedures in Ontario and explored what training, resources, and support school boards state they will provide to…

The paper describes a federally funded project of the University of Alberta (Canada) addressing sexual assault and sexual abuse of people with disabilities. Written in outline style, the paper briefly describes project activities and general conclusions. Phase I of the project documented the nature and extent of the problem. It was concluded that…

Knowledge of, compliance with, and attitudes toward mandatory child abuse reporting were studied for 216 elementary and secondary school teachers in British Columbia (Canada). Teachers were aware of the law's existence but not its particulars. The tendency to report abuse varied as a function of the type of maltreatment. (SLD)

Discusses the problem of violence against women in Canada. Argues that recent government efforts to address the problem deal with the symptoms only. Cites findings indicating that child and sexual abuse are among the foremost fears of Canadian girls. Concludes that society pays too little attention to violence against women. (DK)

Describes a Newfoundland (Canada) Supreme Court case overturning a teacher's conviction for assault for slapping an unruly child. Discusses the Canadian Criminal Code's "justification" provision that allows parents and teachers to use "reasonable" force to correct a child, and efforts to abolish the provision that argue it…

The handbook details British Columbia's policies and systems to coordinate services for child abuse. The initial chapter presents an overview of the issue, focusing primarily on child abuse and the law, and considers such aspects as obligation to report and confidentiality. The remainder of the handbook specifies responsibilities and procedures…

Presents a workshop model to heighten awareness of child abuse among staff members. The minimum amount of time required is three hours. Small group workshops consist of a brief presentation by workshop leaders followed by question and answer periods. These presentations should not exceed 15 people. Follow-up is recommended. (Author/BEF)

Presents legal paths counselors can take in protecting a student-client, often contrary to desires of parents. Counselors should be aware of legal responsibilities, student needs, and dynamics of family interaction patterns. Awareness of subtle signs of abuse and potentially neglectful situations will enable decisions on when and how to act.…

This document presents a systematic, comparative review of three reports: (1) "Community Consultation on Prostitution in British Columbia: Overview of Results" (released in March 1996 by the Ministry of the Attorney General in British Columbia); (2) "Children Involved in Prostitution" (from Alberta in January 1997); and (3)…

Future school responses to child sexual abuse (CSA) should occur within a community context. As Canadian schools try to implement CSA prevention programs, changes in the community such as improved child care programs should occur simultaneously. A summary of CSA facts, new initiatives at the national level, and the role of the community, school,…

Psychological abuse hits a child from many different sources. It is also the most difficult to counter. The counselor is in a delicate position when faced with the child she/he knows is being harmed by his parents. These students need help. (Author/BEF)

The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program for Deaf Children, a program of the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf in British Columbia (Canada), plans to conduct a needs assessment of children ages 8-15 in the Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon regions; develop prevention resources; and develop a comprehensive national distribution plan for the…

This handbook, in English and French, provides guidelines for reporting and investigating child abuse and neglect by child care providers, law enforcement officials, social workers, health care providers, educators, and others as required by Alberta's Child Welfare Act. The handbook addresses: (1) how to recognize abuse and neglect; (2) how to…

This document contains guidelines developed by the Alberta Ministries of Social Services and Education to expedite the identification and treatment of child abuse. It contains discussions of child protection legislation, duty to report, the role of educators, and an integrated and cooperative approach to child abuse prevention. A section on…