Child Protection
Child Protection
Children Need Protection
Sometimes parents don’t take care of children (all those under the age of 19). Maybe they leave the children alone, or hurt them or don’t give them enough food. The law says that if a neighbour, a teacher, a doctor, or a relative knows about this, they must phone a social services office. Then a social worker will visit the family to check on the child.
If the social worker thinks that the child is in danger, the social worker can remove the child from the home to a safe place. The social worker and the parents will have to go to court. The social worker has to prove in court that the child was in danger.
The parents have the right to argue that their child should not be taken away from them. The parents should have a lawyer. If they can’t afford a lawyer, they should go to a Legal Services Society office before the first court hearing. The law is to protect children. The judge has to decide if the child needs protection. Then the judge will decide what will happen to the child.
Helpline for Children
Sometimes adults hurt children. Parents, relatives, or other people hit or beat a child. Sometimes an adult does sexual things to a child. This is a form of child abuse. It is against the law. Phone Helpline for Children: 310-1234(toll-free in BC, no area code needed). You do not have to give your name. Just give the child’s name. Say what’s wrong. Children of all ages, or parents who want help, can call this number, too. People at this number will get help for the child.