How the ministry assesses risk

This section covers the following topics:

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Risk assessment model

When someone raises a concern with, or makes a complaint to, the Ministry of Children and Family Development about a child's safety, social workers from the ministry must investigate. A social worker from the ministry who investigates a complaint must follow a standard procedure called the Risk Assessment Model for Child Protection in BC.

For a copy of the model, check your local library, ask your advocate where to borrow one, or link to the BC government's Publications Index. You can also order a copy by contacting Government Publication Services at 250-387-6409 or 1-800-663-6105 (call no charge).

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Initial evaluation

The ministry must first decide if the child is in immediate danger and if a full investigation is required. The social worker's first step in the case is to evaluate your situation. That is, the social worker collects information about the complaint and your circumstances.

Next, the social worker makes sure that the complaint comes from a believable source. He or she then decides if the complaint fits the legal conditions for investigating abuse or neglect. Details of these conditions can be found in the Child, Family and Community Services Act. The fact that someone made a complaint about your parenting isn't enough for the ministry to start an investigation. Additional proof must show that a complaint is valid.

While assessing the risk to your child, the social worker may talk to you and your child. See our Tips on responding to a social worker's questions.

In addition, the social worker can talk to anyone who may have information about the complaint. For example, teachers, neighbours, or others who have contact with your child may be asked for their observations.

The social worker may also look at medical or other records that might prove or disprove neglect or harm, so he or she might talk to your doctor, psychologist, or therapist. The social worker also has the right to contact other government departments to share information that might help to protect your child.

After this initial evaluation, the ministry will respond in one of two ways:

• It might close your file, satisfied that your child is safe and that you're providing proper care, or
• It might carry out a complete investigation because the initial assessment raises concerns about your child's safety.

The possible results of a risk assessment

When the initial assessment is complete, the social worker will draw one of two possible conclusions:

• Your child doesn't need protection, meaning that no further action is required, or
• The ministry needs to investigate further.

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