The pages accessible in English concern access to services and security in regard with health and social services, in accordance with the Charter of the French language regulations. 

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- Interpreter services - To obtain the services of an interpreter, speak with your doctor or staff when scheduling an appointment.- 
- Service navigators and liaison officer - In order to support and accompany Indigenous people in their care and service experience and promote mutual understanding of the information exchanged between caregivers and patients, there is a resource available in Val-d'Or.
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Concerns about a child: how to report to the DPJ (Youth Protection Services)?

The Youth Protection Direction (DPJ) is responsible for enforcing the Youth Protection Act (LPJ) . Its mandate is to protect children and adolescents between the ages of 0 and 17 whose safety or development is threatened. Based on reports received, the DPJ intervenes with young people in compromising situations.

 

What is a report to the DPJ?

When someone makes a report to the Youth Protection Services (DPJ), they are sharing a description of a concerning situation they have observed involving a child or adolescent with professionals in their region. This communication, which can be done by phone at 1-800-567-6405 or in person, is confidential. Each report is analyzed by the DPJ, which determines whether the described situation poses a risk to the safety or development of the child in question.

 

When should a report be made to the Youth Protection Directorate?

Do you believe that a child or adolescent aged between 0 and 17 is experiencing a problematic situation, but you are not sure whether or not you should report it to the DPJ?

Here are some reasons why you might want to report this to the relevant authorities in your region.

  • Abandonment;
  • Negligence;
  • Psychological abuse;
  • Sexual abuse ;
  • Physical abuse ;
  • Serious behavioral problems;
  • Exposure to domestic violence.

 

In such cases, contact the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Youth Protection Services (DPJ) immediately at 1-800-567-6405 . Their service is available 24/7, 365 days a year . They are responsible for intervening in families and providing assistance to children and youth when such situations arise.

Note, however, that you don't need to be absolutely certain a child needs protection to report a situation to the Youth Protection Services (DPJ). If you have any doubts, contact them. A staff member will be able to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

If you are a professional and you observe one of the situations mentioned above, the Youth Protection Act requires you to immediately notify the DPJ.

 

How to report to the DPJ: what are the steps to follow?

When you make a report, the Youth Protection Services (DPJ) will ask you for certain information. To help you with this process, here is a checklist outlining the steps to follow and the information you will need to submit:

  1. Contact the DPJ by phone at 1 800 567-6405;
  2. Provide your name and contact information. This information will remain confidential. However, it will allow stakeholders to obtain additional information about the child's situation if needed.
  3. Identify the child or young person to the best of your knowledge. Provide as much information about them as you can;
  4. Describe the worrying situation observed. Explain what leads you to believe that the safety or development of the child or adolescent is compromised.

 

What happens after the report to the DPJ has been made?

Once the DPJ has gathered all the information it needs, the interveners are responsible for analyzing the file and determining whether the report should be upheld or not.

To do this, they must take certain elements into consideration:

  • The presence, nature, severity, chronicity and frequency of the reported events;
  • Vulnerability (the age and personal characteristics of the child or adolescent);
  • The parents' ability and willingness to correct the situation;
  • Community resources that can help the child and their parents.

Report accepted or not accepted

If the report is not substantiated, the Youth Protection Directorate will end the intervention and inform the person who made the report. It should be noted that the information related to the report will appear in the child's file for a period of two years or until the child reaches the age of 18, whichever is shorter.

If the report is deemed valid, the Youth Protection Services (DPJ) must determine the urgency of intervention and then assess the child's situation to determine if their safety or development is compromised. The child and their family will meet with a social worker authorized by the DPJ. Subsequently, other individuals will be contacted to complete the assessment.

If, after the assessment is complete, the caseworker determines that the child's safety or development is not compromised, the Youth Protection Services (DPJ) will end its intervention and notify the person who made the report of its decision. Sometimes, the child or their parents may need help that falls outside the scope of the DPJ's intervention. In such a situation, the caseworker may refer the family to another resource, such as a food bank, an employment assistance agency, or any other program or service that could meet the needs of the child or their parents.

However, if the assessment determines that the child's safety or development is compromised, the Youth Protection Services (DPJ) takes charge of the child's situation. Working with the parents and the child, the caseworker identifies the most appropriate measures to end the compromised situation and prevent its recurrence.

 

To learn about all the services available to children and teenagers experiencing difficulties, visit the Youth and Family Support Resources page