Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, a photo of a close-up of a woman's face with her hand on her cheek, and the YWCA logo.

Stopping the Violence: A Guide for Women Facing Domestic Violence

YWCA Vancouver
Brochure about abuse of women in relationships. Explains what abuse is and what the warning signs are, and provides resources for help and support.
Last reviewed July 2026
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Reporting Child Abuse in BC

Government of British Columbia
Information about where to report child abuse, the duty to report abuse and suspected abuse, how to report, what to report, and what happens next.
Last reviewed July 2026
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

People’s Law School
Explains that the law protects children from physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Learn how child protection laws work and what to do if you think a child is being abused. It explains your legal duty to report child abuse, and how you make a report of child abuse.
Last reviewed July 2026
Thumbnail of the booklet cover illustrated with an Indigenous family of two children, two parents, and two grandparents with trees and stars in the background.

Keeping Aboriginal Kids Safe: Your Family’s Rights

Legal Aid BC
Illustrated booklet that explains the child protection process for Aboriginal children and families. Describes delegated Aboriginal agencies, mediation, the court process, and the Family Extended Program. Has a flow chart of the child protection process.
Last reviewed July 2026
Thumbnail of the cover with a photo of a woman and young boy, and the YWCA and Legal Aid BC logos.

Mothers Leaving Abusive Partners: Information on Custody and Access for Women with Children

Legal Aid BC
This resource is for women with children who’ve been abused by their intimate partner. This includes a spouse or someone with whom they share a child but were never in a relationship with. The booklet explains how to get help and protection, and how to handle parenting arrangements.
Last reviewed July 2026
Logo with a green geometric design resembling two peaks of a roof that is repeated upside-down, above the text "FamilyLaw" in black with the tagline "Legal help for people in BC" below.

Keeping Kids Safe When You Have a Protection Order

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
When you have a protection order against your children’s other parent, plan how to keep yourself and your children safe during parenting time and at handover.
Last reviewed July 2026
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Permanent Transfer of Custody of a Child to Someone Familiar in BC

Government of British Columbia
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.
Last reviewed July 2026
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Parents Legal Centres

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC (Legal Aid BC)
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.
Last reviewed July 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, the Government of Canada logo, and a photo of a child’s toy rabbit on its back on a swing.

International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents

Government of Canada
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.
Last reviewed July 2026
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, with a photo of an toddler in rainboots mostly hidden by the large umbrella they are carrying.

If You Can’t Get Legal Aid for Your Child Protection Case

Legal Aid BC
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.
Last reviewed July 2026