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Make the call if a child appears in trouble by Melanie Cummings Special to the Beaver 5 | Thursday, October 17, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Join the chorus of the concerned -- all 4,434 of them, urges the Halton Children's Aid Society (CAS). That's how many times someone spoke up last year on behalf of children and youths whose safety they feared was in jeopardy. In light of October's designation as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the local CAS reminds residents they, too, have a responsibility to protect the youngest members of society. "It takes a community to keep children and youths safe from fear, harm and violence," said Halton CAS Executive Director Nancy McGillivray. "We need people to speak up for people who don't feel they have a voice that can be heard." Throughout the year, CAS workers regularly spread this message, through 60-70 presentations, to those who work with children including teachers, daycare workers, camp counsellors and police officers. While 90 per cent of CAS staff work in Halton's schools, services agencies, police stations and elsewhere, the agency "can't be everywhere all of the time," said McGillivray. As a result, there were 4,434 referrals about possible abuse and neglect of children and youths to the CAS in 2012, which led to 2,310 investigations. And as Halton continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the province, with a 12 per cent increase in its child population -- to 100,762 in 2011 from 89,975 in 2006 -- more and more, residents will be expected to help shoulder this responsibility to report, too. Some of the signs of neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse people should look for include: frequent absences from school, listlessness, poor hygiene, injuries such as bruising, cuts and welts that are inconsistent with the explanation for them, extreme aggression or withdrawal, ageinappropriate sexual knowledge, seductive behaviour, severe depression and frequent psychosomatic complaints, such as headaches and nausea. Jennifer Binnington, director of Community Protection Services at the Halton CAS, works with families before significant abuses occur. She helps de-escalate situations and builds connections in the community so parents and their children feel supported, instead of alone, ashamed and isolated. The Halton CAS provided services to more than 300 families in 2012 and referred 472 families to community partners for service. "Ninety-nine point nine per cent of parents want their children to do well," said Binnington who has known many parents to self-refer or request help on their own. "Similarly, children don't want to leave their family," said McGillivray, which is why 95 per cent of the cases handled by the agency result in children staying at home. "Kids do better in their own homes." McGillivray is hoping this reality will remove some of the anxiety residents have about reporting, and eliminate the common equation people draw that reporting means removal. Only five per cent of children are brought into CAS care, she added. "It can be messy," admits McGillivray. "Our agency has a lot of power and authority to take kids away, but we wrap services around family," adding there are plenty of success stories in the Halton Children's Aid Society's nearly 100-year history. The agency reaches that milestone next year, on Feb. 15. If you have concerns about a child, call the Halton Children's Aid Society at 905333-4441. Do you have Type 2 Have you had Heart Disease? Or are you at risk for Heart Disease? You may be eligible to participate in a research study involving an investigational medication. Study related medication, supplies and compensation for time and travel will be provided. DIABETES ? LMC.ca Contact LMC's Diabetes Specialists at: 866-701-ENDO (3636) research@lmc.ca TORONTO · OAKVILLE · ETOBICOKE · THORNHILL · BARRIE · MARKHAM · BRAMPTON · CALGARY · MONTREAL FREE INSTALLATION SAFETY COVER SALE!! 12'x24' RECT $599 *Installed SAFETY COVER SALE 14' x 28' RECT $799 16' x 32' RECT $899 18' x 36' RECT $1099 20' x 40' RECT $1199 *Installed Similar Savings On Shaped Pools INGROUND POOLS FACTORY DIRECT 12'x24' Inground Kidney Shaped Pool $24,995 INSTALLED* Vinyl & Fiberglass Available WINTER COVERS 12'x24' Rect 1/G $49 14'x28' Rect 1/G $59 16'X32' Rect 1/G $79 15' Round A/G $29 18' Round A/G $39 21' Round A/G $49 24' Round A/G $69 FACTORY DIRECT VINYL LINER SALE! SAVE BIG! 12'X24' $999 14'X28' $1,099 16'X32' $1,299 18'X36' $1,499 20'X40' $1,799 REPLACE YOUR LINER THIS FALL AND 18'x36' Rect 1/G $99 + many more sizes ORY BUY FACTT! DIREC · 4 Person Spa · Plug n' play 110v · Just Plug It In! Free Installation $15,999 Swim Spas installed* $ 1,999 Pools, Spas, Billiards *Limited Time Offer, No Dealers Please, Quantities Limited. *Not applicable on prior sales orders. Restrictions apply. Check in store for details. FACTORY DIRECT FACTORY DIRECT 504 IROQUOIS SHORE ROAD, UNIT #1 OAKVILLE www.leisureindustries.ca 905.815.5252