Legal Resources

When a temporary placement for a child is not possible, the alternative could be transferring custody to the caregiver by adoption or a court order. This page briefly describes the conditions, guardian’s responsibilities, financial support, rights, access orders, and future legal matters.

Describes Parents Legal Centres (PLCs), a Legal Aid BC service that provides a free lawyer and an advocate to help parents address child protection issues early on. The service is available to eligible parents any time after the social worker contacts them.

Written for parents whose child has been abducted and taken out of the country, or who are concerned that their child may be vulnerable to such abduction. It reviews prevention issues and steps to take in cases of international abduction.

For people facing a complicated child protection hearing who have been denied legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer. Explains why you can ask for a court-appointed lawyer and how to apply. Includes forms and what to say to the judge in court.

Provides information about the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, what BC central authority can do if your child is abducted across international borders, and how most cases would proceed. Includes useful contacts and links to forms.

Sometimes people responsible for a child disagree with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Aboriginal child and family service agency about a child’s safety. Child protection mediation is a way to make a plan for a child’s safety with the help of an impartial person called a mediator.

Provides brief description about mediation, family group conferencing, and cultural/traditional decision-making. These are alternatives to court for planning and making decisions about child welfare. Links to relevant information sheets are also available.

This describes BC’s network of care, which includes kinship care, and fostering. The network of care also includes community social service agencies who provide care for children and youth with complex needs in a specialized environment.

Describes what can happen if the ministry thinks your child’s safety is at risk, including your responsibilities and rights as a parent, how you can be involved in making decisions for your child’s future, and how to avoid having to go to court.

Explains what delegated Aboriginal agencies are and what their role is in the Aboriginal community. Also includes information for Aboriginal parents on what they can do if they’re being investigated for a child protection matter.