Last reviewed in June 2022 by the Clicklaw Editors

If the government ministry of Children and Family Development is concerned about the safety and well-being of any child, it must investigate. This can happen if, for example, there is a complaint about child abuse or neglect. If necessary, it can remove your child from your home, and this is called child protection.

However, BC law recognizes that preserving cultural identity is essential for an Indigenous child's safety and well-being, and so if your child is to be placed outside your home, the ministry must first try to place your child with your relatives (extended family) or another Indigenous family.

Good starting points include:

• Child Protection and the Aboriginal Community, from Legal Aid BC, is an overview of what the law says, what the Ministry does, and what your options are.
• Keeping Aboriginal Kids Safe: Your Family's Rights, from Legal Aid BC, explains the child protection process for Aboriginal children and families, including information on delegated Aboriginal agencies, mediation, the court process, and the Family Extended Program. 

Need more help?

• Aboriginal Community Legal Workers, from Legal Aid BC, provides legal information and referrals to other services.
• Indigenous Justice Centres provide culturally appropriate information, advice, support, and representation for Indigenous people. 
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap.

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about Indigenous peoples
• See all common questions about family law

tags

child protection, removal of a child from the home, kith and kin care agreements, living with relatives, Indigenous peoples