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Child Welfare - FAQ
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How does the Government of Canada help to protect the welfare of Canadian children abroad?
- What can be done if a Canadian child is at risk in another country?
- Is financial assistance available to help Canadian children victimized abroad?
- Where can I learn about efforts to combat the sexual exploitation of foreign children?
- Where can I get more information on children and travel?
1. How does the Government of Canada help to protect the welfare of Canadian children abroad?
Consular officials abroad work closely with local authorities to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of Canadian minors overseas. Consular officials also seek the cooperation of provincial and territorial child welfare authorities to ensure the protection of a child from harm.
2. What can be done if a Canadian child is at risk in another country?
If a Canadian child is the victim of sexual assault, neglect, forced marriage, physical violence, or other abuse overseas, consular officials at the nearest Canadian government office abroad are available to provide assistance in requesting the local authorities to investigate the case.
If you wish to report a child welfare situation, contact our Emergency Operations Centre.
- For calls originating in Canada and the United States, phone 1-800-267-6788 or 613-944-6788.
- Canadian citizens overseas can call collect to 613-996-8885 (where available).
- Some countries also have toll-free numbers to contact our Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa.
3. Is financial assistance available to help Canadian children victimized abroad?
The Department of Justice Canada provides financial assistance to Canadians, including children, who are victims of violent crimes abroad, in situations of undue hardship where no other source of financial assistance is available. The specified crimes are homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, or assault with serious personal violence.
See our FAQs on Financial Assistance for further information.
4. Where can I learn about efforts to combat the sexual exploitation of foreign children?
Some Canadians travel abroad for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations with foreign children. They not only cause irreparable harm but also take advantage of the poverty and powerlessness of children overseas, expecting to exploit weaknesses in law enforcement. For information on efforts to combat the sexual exploitation of foreign children, see our publication Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime.
5. Where can I get more information on children and travel?
For further information, consult our related FAQs, including Children and Travel, Child Abductions and Custody Issues, and International Adoptions, as well as our publications on children’s issues.
