For more help

Here are some websites and programs that may provide additional or alternative help in dealing with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Advokids
Information on children's rights, including the rights of youth in foster care in BC.

British Columbia College of Social Workers
Contains information about how to make a complaint about a registered social worker.

BC Council for Families
Working for the well-being of families, this non-profit organization provides extensive information for parents. Reach the BC Council by phone at 604-660-0675 or 1-800-663-5638 (call no charge).

Child, Family and Community Service Regulation
Contains a detailed list of Aboriginal organizations and their designated representatives.

Community Living BC (CLBC)
Information on training, support, and residential programs for people with developmental disabilities.

Dispute Resolution Office (DRO)
Information on mediation and other forms of dispute resolution to prevent court actions. Also provides a list of mediators and links to other resources.

Ending Violence Association of BC
Information and publications on family violence, victims' rights, and more.

Extended Family Program
Describes the Extended Family Program, which replaced the Child in the Home of a Relative benefits program offered by the Ministry of Housing and Social Development. Offers services and financial supports to help improve outcomes for children and youth.

Family Mediation Canada
Information on standards and ethics in mediation. Also provides educational materials and referral services. Their provincial affiliate is the Mediation Development Association of BC. Call the affiliate at 604-926-6652 (Greater Vancouver) or at 1-800-663-7053 (toll free).

Federation of BC Youth in Care Network
For youth 14 to 24 years old who are or have been in the care of the government.

A Guide to Aboriginal Organizations and Services in British Columbia
Contains a list of Aboriginal family services.

Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), Child Protection Publications
Child protection publications and reports.

Nobody's Perfect program
A free six- to eight-week program for parents of children up to age five, held in many communities throughout the province. Check your local public health office for referral information. To find a health unit in your area, look in the blue pages of the telephone book under the "Health Authorities" section, which comes after the British Columbia listings and before the Local & Regional Governments listings. Or call the Health Information Line: 604-683-7151 (Greater Vancouver); 250-952-1742 (Victoria); or toll free at 1-800-465-4911 (elsewhere in BC).

Ombudsperson: BC’s Independent Voice for Fairness
Information about what the Ombudsperson’s office can do to investigate complaints about decisions, actions, or procedures of public bodies, such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Parent Support Services Society of BC (formerly BC Parents in Crisis Society)
This organization provides information on investigations into child abuse or neglect. For referral information, call 604-669-1616 (Greater Vancouver) or 1-800-665-6880 (call no charge).

The Red Book Online (BC211)
This is a comprehensive directory of Lower Mainland community, social, and government services. Start your search by typing in the word "parenting." For referrals to services and organizations, you can also call the Red Book's information line at 604-875-6381 or 604-875-0885 (TTY for deaf and hard of hearing callers).

South Island Dispute Resolution Centre (Victoria)
Provides information, conflict resolution services, and resource materials.