Reporting Child Abuse
The Child, Family and Community Service Act requires that anyone who has reason to believe that a child (anyone under the age of 19) may be abused, neglected, or is for any other reason in need of protection, must report it to the Director or a delegated social worker.
If you know of a child who needs help call 310-1234. TTY: 1-866-660-0505
or the Office of the Ministry of Child and Family Development in the blue pages of your telephone book.
Penticton: 250-770-2200 Princeton: 250-295-7585 Summerland: 250-404-3000
Oliver: 250-485-6001 www.gov.bc.ca/mcf
Child & Youth Officer for BC
Provides direct advocacy services for children and youth in extraordinary circumstances. In other circumstances, works directly with children and youth who contact them about specific concerns, providing them with information about available services, complaint processes, and people they can contact, and coaching them to advocate effectively for themselves. www.gov.bc.ca/cyo
Toll-free: 1-800-476-3933 Fax: 250-356-0837 email: cyo@gov.bc.ca
Removal of Children From Your Home
If the Ministry of Children and Family Development removes your children from your home or says it is going to, you need to get a lawyer as soon as possible. If you cannot pay for a lawyer, you may be eligible for legal aid. Legal Aid Office in Penticton:
203, 304 Martin Street, Penticton, B.C. V2A 5K4 www.lss.bc.ca
Telephone: 250-493-7164
See Legal Services Society of BC for the publication:
Parents’ Right, Kids’ Rights: A Parent’s Guide to Child Protection in BC.
www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca
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