- Ascertain the safest way to contact the sponsored person, who is subject to the condition
- Check whether the sponsored person can contact the department in future discreetly
- Avoid disclosure of any information concerning the sponsored person, without the express consent of the sponsored person (except where the officer is reporting to the Provincial Child Welfare Authorities)
- Confirm that the computer systems reflect the sponsored person’s contact address to ensure that notices are not sent to the wrong person
- Check whether the sponsored person continues to live with the perpetrator or if they are living in a secure environment for future contact
- Include notes in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) about whether the sponsored person:
- Can speak English or French fluently or,
- Needs an interpreter
- Document all attempts at contacting the sponsored person in the GCMS
- Ensure that the Government of Canada contact information does not appear on the call display by blocking the caller id information (for preventing the perpetrator from discovering that the sponsored person is obtaining assistance) [Dial *148 followed by the number from a Government of Canada telephone for blocking the caller id]
- Speak directly with the sponsored person about the case after verifying the individual’s identity by asking security questions
- Do not leave messages on voicemail or with family members unless the sponsored person instructs you to do so
- When leaving a message, do not:
- Give your last name and,
- Disclose that you are calling from:
- The Government of Canada or
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- Establish code words with the sponsored person to identify any danger (this would help you ascertain whether it is safe to talk at the time or not, as the perpetrator might be present)
- Remind the sponsored person to prepare explanations for the time spent with officers and to limit the children’s knowledge (for preventing the perpetrator from discovering the imminent legal actions or an upcoming separation in advance)
- Recommend the sponsored person to use a computer outside the house (in case the perpetrator is monitoring the sponsored person’s computer)
- Do not disclose any information concerning allegations of domestic abuse that could imperil the sponsored person
- Notify the police in case the sponsored person’s life is in danger
- Exercise caution when discussing details of the case with other members of the sponsored person’s family or community to avoid endangering the sponsored person and,
- Give the sponsored person some personal safety advice including a referral to:
- The police
- Shelters and,
- Local counselling services
Source: Citizenship and Immigration
