Tips about entering into a Voluntary Care Agreement

Before you enter a Voluntary Care Agreement:

• Get legal advice. Remember that entering such an agreement is a serious step. Agree to it only if no other options will work for you and your children.
• Talk to the ministry social worker about the available options under such an agreement.
• Get advice from an advocate to plan for the care of your children.
• Be realistic about the agreement. Agree only to what you know is helpful. Make the agreement for the shortest possible time. Make sure your children see you and important family members while they are in the ministry's care. Always put your children's best interests first.
• Keep in mind that entering into a formal agreement with the ministry means that your home and your parenting are open to ministry scrutiny.
• Contact an advocate or lawyer immediately if the ministry decides that child protection concerns warrant further investigation and the ministry opens a "protective" file. If you are financially eligible and your case is covered, legal aid can help. See How to get help if someone reports you to the ministry for more information.