Tips on responding to a social worker's questions

The following tips will help you protect your rights and those of your child if a social worker contacts you.

Prepare yourself

• Think immediately about what is best for your child (and you) and the help you may need.
• Be honest with ministry workers, yourself, and your child.
• Get an advocate to attend your first interview. If that is not possible, have a friend or family member present to take notes.
• Take responsibility for your words and actions. If necessary, find a way to get help with a problem.

Respond to the investigating social worker

• Listen to the social worker's concerns and advice. Decide what is right for you and your child.
• Ask for explanations if you do not understand something.
• Show the social worker that you are willing to cooperate and to do everything necessary to protect your child.
• Remember that you have choices. If the social worker simply wants to talk to you about the ministry's concerns, you can choose to do one of the following:
  • Agree to listen and answer questions
  • Agree to listen to gather accurate information only
  • Ask for an appointment for another time so that you can speak to a lawyer, or get an advocate or interpreter to attend the interview
• Provide social workers with only the information they have a right to know to keep your child safe and healthy. Keep it clear and brief so that the social workers can make the best decision in assessing your child's safety.

Participate effectively

• Do everything you can to clear the matter up quickly if there is absolutely no case of abuse or neglect.
• Start taking detailed notes as soon as you can. Use one notebook or file for everything. Here is what to include in your notes:
  • The social worker's name and phone number
  • The date and time of the social worker's call or visit
  • What the social worker said
  • What you and your child said
  • The dates your lawyer visits and his or her advice
  • The dates you are in contact with your advocate
• Remember that the social worker will be taking notes too, and that everything you say and do can be used in court.
• If you believe you know who reported you to the ministry, and the intent was malicious, write out your reasons in a factual way, even though you might be upset. Give your notes to the investigating social worker.
• Keep a copy of any papers you give to the social worker. And always try to get an advocate or lawyer to review what you have written before you hand it over. Ask the social worker to keep your statements on file.
• If the initial assessment determines there was no abuse or neglect, get it in writing from the social worker.