Child protection/removal
Frequently asked questions
Can I get legal aid for my family law problem?
Legal aid in BC, provided by the Legal Services Society (LSS), can take one of three possible forms: legal representation (a lawyer paid by legal aid to take your whole case), legal advice (brief legal advice on just a specific part of your case), or legal information (publications, websites, answers to email questions, etc.).
If you are financially eligible, you may be able to get legal representation and most legal advice for free. The eligibility guidelines for legal advice and for legal representation are separate. Legal information (plus some kinds of legal advice) is free to all British Columbians. If you're reading this page, you've already received a form of legal aid.
To find out more about legal representation for family law problems and what's covered, see the Serious family problems or Child protection matters pages on the LSS website. If you don't qualify for legal representation, you may still be eligible for legal advice services. To find out for sure whether your particular case qualifies for legal representation, go to your local legal aid office (or call the provincial LSS Call Centre) to apply.
What is an Aboriginal delegated agency?
Aboriginal delegated agencies provide child welfare services to Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal delegated agencies are part of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
If a social worker contacts you or visits your home to ask questions about your family, he or she may be working for an Aboriginal delegated agency.
Aboriginal delegated agencies may have the authority to:
- remove your child from your home, and
- place your child in foster care.
See also the Aboriginal child protection fact sheet Understanding Aboriginal Delegated Agencies.
The ministry's website has a full list of Aboriginal delegated agencies in BC.
Still got a question
If your legal information question isn't answered here, please send us an email. Provide some background information for your question, including where you live in BC and the level of court involved (Provincial or Supreme), if applicable. Your question (without your name or identifying details) and its answer may be added to our FAQ pages.
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