Telling the ministry what you need

When you contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development, it's important to be clear about what you want.

• Give brief and clear information about your situation so that ministry staff can make an appropriate referral or recommendation.
• Don't exaggerate your distress to get what you want. The staff may think there are child protection risks that don't exist.
• Be clear about what you and your children need, and what is best for everyone concerned.
• Develop a plan of what you want to do and what help you may want from the ministry.
• Think about what is least disruptive for your children and be prepared to show the social worker that you've considered your plan carefully. Include your children in the decisions if they're old enough to contribute.
• Talk to an advocate or lawyer before signing a written agreement. Written agreements are legal documents.
• Make sure your plan includes the following:
  • Strategies for protecting your child's safety
  • Arrangements for dealing with your current difficulties and the time limits you face
  • The role you want for grandparents and other relatives
  • What to say to your child's teachers
  • Goals for the ministry services you may receive