A parent’s guide to child protection law in BC
This resource explains child protection law in BC. It gives you an overview of what happens when someone makes a report about your family to the Director of Child Protection (also known as the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development, ministry, director, or social worker). Your social worker acts for the director or ministry. What happens next and how long things take may be different — depending on where you live in BC — because of court access and local support.
This resource can help you if:
- you’re currently dealing with the director
- a social worker is worried about your child’s safety or well-being
- you think a social worker may contact you
- you want to ask the social worker about support services
This resource is for parents, extended family, advocates, and members of the community who need to know about the rights of parents and children during the child protection process.
| This resource uses the term Indigenous (First Nations, Nisga’a, Treaty First Nations, Métis, Inuit) instead of Aboriginal. The term Indigenous reflects changes in child protection law. An Indigenous child has been defined in child protection law in BC to include children who are First Nations, Nisga’a, Treaty First Nations, Métis, Inuit, under 12 of a biological parent of Indigenous ancestry and considers themselves Indigenous, or over 12 of Indigenous ancestry and considers themselves Indigenous. |
604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver)
1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC)
1-888-522-2752 (Parents Legal Centre)
Social workers have the power to remove (take) children from their home. They don’t need a court order to do that. If a social worker contacts you or visits your home, you have the right to get legal advice. Call Legal Aid BC immediately to find out if you qualify for a free lawyer. Ask about Parents Legal Centres. This Legal Aid BC service helps parents with their child protection matters early on.
If you’re pregnant and worried the director may get involved because of your current circumstances or history with them, get legal advice as soon as possible. You can apply for a free Legal Aid BC lawyer at any time before your baby is born.
