If you and the social worker can’t reach an agreement that says your child can stay with you, a family member, or someone you trust, the director may decide to remove your child from your home.
If that happens and you’re an lndigenous parent, it’s very important to tell the social worker right away if your child is lndigenous, even if they don’t belong to a band or First Nation. The ministry or delegated Aboriginal agency must:
- notify your child’s lndigenous organization (may be a band, friendship centre, Treaty First Nation, lndigenous community, lndigenous organization as listed in the Child, Family and Community Service Act regulations, or the Nisga’a Lisims government) as soon as possible
- protect your child’s family ties and lndigenous identity
- support your child to learn about and practise their Indigenous traditions, customs, and languages
- consider your child’s family ties and Indigenous identity when choosing a foster home
A representative of your child’s band or Indigenous community can also be involved in the process. The representative has a right to:
- receive all records and information
- attend court
- take part in any mediation. See also Collaborative planning and decision making
- ask about ways to get help for you