Mandatory reporting of child abuse (Section 20) The Children’s Act 1998

1) Every person who has information indicating that a child is suffering or has suffered significant harm, shall forthwith report that information to the Director (Child & Family Services).

2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) or any statutory provision, a person who performs professional or official duties with respect to a child including-

a) a physician, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, psychologist or other health care professional;

b) a school principal, teacher, counselor, social worker, youth or recreational leader, member of the clergy or child care worker; or

c) a police officer, probation officer or youth care worker, who, in the course of that person’s professional or official duties, has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is suffering or has suffered significant harm, shall forthwith report the suspicion to the Director together with the information upon which it is based.

Confidentiality Exemption Clause 

We are committed to respecting and maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals receiving or seeking our services. We shall only disclose confidential information without the consent of the individual only as mandated by the Children’s Act 1998 for the purpose of reporting knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect.

Disclaimer

This content is for general guidance purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice.

How To Report Child Sexual Abuse

If you have been sexually abused or you know a child that is or
has been sexually abused, report the abuse to the:
Child & Family Services or the Bermuda Police Service

Child & Family Services
294-5882 (9:00am – 5:00pm) or Kids Line: 278-9111
After Hours: 295-0011 (This is the Police Service – they will contact a social worker
from Child & Family Services)

Magnolia Place
45 Victoria Street
Hamilton HM12

OR

Bermuda Police Service
 Vulnerable Persons Unit
Telephone:  211 or 295-0011

Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building
52 Victoria Street
Hamilton HM12
www.bermudapolice.bm