Criminal Allegations or Charges

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Home > Advice For Members > PRS Matters Bulletins > Criminal Allegations or Charges

Criminal Allegations or Charges

Introduction

At the first hint an allegation has been made that could lead to a criminal charge against you, contact ETFO’s provincial office immediately. ETFO will be there for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

During Office Hours

During office hours, if you are contacted by the police or the Children's Aid Society (CAS) regarding an allegation against you:

Do not participate in or consent to an interview.
Make no statement to anyone regarding the allegation or charges.
Say, "I am willing to co-operate but I am unable to comment until I contact my federation and legal counsel."
Call Professional Relations Services at 1-888-838-3836 or 416-962-3836. Say your call is urgent. You will be put through to the professional relations services counsellor on call, who will provide you with the necessary assistance.

"After Hours" Emergency Legal Assistance

An emergency is when:

Police are on the scene, or on the way.
You are facing criminal charges for an alleged criminal offence directly related to the performance of your professional duties.
You are at risk of being arrested and/or incarcerated.

Call 1-888-838-3836 or 416-962-3836. After hours, a voice message will provide the necessary instructions to put your call through to an operator. You will be asked a few important questions.

Where appropriate, a criminal lawyer will be contacted and you will be connected immediately.

Criminal Allegations and ETFO Support

To qualify for legal support, an allegation must arise directly from your employment responsibilities.

When necessary, legal counsel will be appointed by the provincial office. If you wish to hire a lawyer other than the one appointed by the provincial office, you will be responsible for any and all expenses of that lawyer.

If you are requested or required to attend an interview with any agency (school board, police, CAS, etc.,) both the PRS counsellor and assigned legal counsel should be made aware of this request prior to the interview. This ensures advice can be provided, and a decision made about who should attend the meeting with you.

Criminal Allegations Against a Colleague

Working with School Staff

When a member is accused of abuse, assault, or theft, and is either reassigned or placed on leave by the school board, the ETFO school steward may be called on to reassure staff colleagues that due process is being served and that the federation is assisting the member.

It is the responsibility of the principal, on behalf of the school board, to provide staff with specific advice for responding to student, parent, and media enquiries relating to the colleague who is being investigated or accused of a criminal offence.

Supporting Your Colleague

The stress on a member facing allegations is enormous and should not be underestimated.

If possible, and taking care not to encourage the colleague to make any statements about the circumstances surrounding their case, staff should attempt to maintain regular communications with the member. This will help reduce their acute sense of isolation and despair, especially if the colleague has been suspended.

If you have any questions or concerns about criminal allegations or charges, contact your local president or call Professional Relations staff in Protective Services at 1-888-838-3836 or 416- 962-3836

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