Last reviewed February 2023 by the Clicklaw Editors

Grandparents can often become involved in raising their grandchildren. In most cases your grandchild may come into your care through an agreement (informal or court ordered) between you and the child’s parent(s) or between you and the Ministry of Children and Family Development (who may have removed the child due to a child protection concern). The resources below explain your rights and the benefits you may be able to receive depending on the type of agreement you have.

• Child protection, from the Legal Aid BC, has a section that describes how grandparents (or other relatives) who are raising a relative’s child may be able to get government benefits. This information page includes a chart that describes the kinds of benefits they might get and under what conditions, as well as links to other sites that explain how and where to apply for these benefits.
• The Extended Family Program, from the Ministry for Children and Family Development, describes services and financial supports if you are taking care of your grandchild.

Need more help?

• Kinship Care Help Line, from the Parent Support Services Society of BC, is a support line that provides support, advocacy, and information to grandparents and other relatives raising a family member's child.
• Find an Advocate, from PovNet, provides a list of community advocates who may be able to provide information or assistance regarding your rights and government benefits.
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap: Welfare or Clicklaw HelpMap: Family Law. 

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about family law
• See all common questions about pensions, benefits & welfare

tags

child protection, removal of a child from the home, custody, guardianship, grandparents, grandparents as parents, raising children, support for grandparents