What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse can take different forms. Violence is when someone hurts another person, either by accident or on purpose. There are many different forms of violence that happen to people. It may be physical, sexual, or emotional. Abuse can also be neglect, which is when parents or guardians don't take care of the basic needs of the children who depend on them.

It’s called child abuse when any of these acts of violence are against a child. In B.C., a child is anyone under the age of 19.  For more information, see this Help Starts Here infosheet.

What is Child Protection?

In British Columbia, the law that protects children from abuse and neglect in their homes is the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA). This law says that anyone who has concerns about a child’s safety and well-being must report that concern to a child welfare worker.

Children who suffer abuse and neglect are also often victims of an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Police respond first when a child is in immediate danger, or when someone has committed a crime.

What if I Think a Child is at Risk?

If the child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you there is no immediate danger, call your local police. You do not need proof to report a child at risk of abuse or neglect. Just report what you know.

You can also phone the Helpline for Children at 310-1234 at any time of the day or night. The Helpline call is free and confidential. The person you speak to will be a child welfare worker who is trained in responding to reports of child abuse and neglect.

Your Duty To Report

Under B.C. law, you have a duty to report your concerns if you have reason to believe a child has been, or is likely to be, abused or neglected. “Reason to believe” means that, based on what you have seen, or information you have, you believe a child could be at risk.

How Can I Contact a Child Welfare Worker?

Contact Enquiry BC, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call: 1-800-661-8773. Ask for your local Ministry of Children and Family Development office.

The child welfare worker will ask you for basic information, such as:

The child’s name, age and location

Any immediate concerns for the child’s safety

Why you think the child is at risk

What the child has said

Any information about the child’s parents and/or the alleged offender(s)

What Happens After I Make a Report?

A child welfare worker will look into your report and decide on the best way to keep the child safe. If the child is at immediate risk of harm, the child welfare worker – and others, such as police, family and community members – will act right away to keep the child safe.

If the child is NOT at immediate risk but needs help, the child welfare worker may offer support for the family, or connect them with others who can help in their community.

Wherever possible, a child welfare worker will work out a plan with the family that will strengthen the family’s ability to help keep the child safe. If necessary, a child welfare worker may also start an investigation. This involves seeing and talking to the child and people who know the child, such as parents, extended family, a teacher, doctor or child-care provider.

Children can only be removed from their homes if nothing else will protect them. If this happens, a court process starts. A family court judge hears evidence from all sides and then decides where the child will live until the child can safely return home.

If the child welfare worker removes your child from your home or you think this may happen, get a lawyer right away. A lawyer can help you work out an agreement for your child’s care, explain papers you’re asked to sign, and go to court for you. If you can’t pay a lawyer, legal aid may pay for one for you.

Learn More

Legal Services Society of BC (Legal Aid): Legalaid.bc.ca. Phone: 1-866-577-2525

Parent Support Services of BC: ParentSupportBC.ca. Phone: 1-800-665-6880

BC Council for Families: BCCF.bc.ca. Phone: 1-800-663-5638

BC Representative for Children and Youth - Legal Resources

Canadian Centre for Child Protection: ProtectChildren.ca

Some information in this document is taken directly from the Legal Services Society publication:

“If Your Child is Taken: Your Rights as a Parent”.

Last reviewed: March 2016