Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Youth Help and Support

Government of British Columbia
This page guides you to information, services, and resources available for children and youth who are victims or witnesses.
Last reviewed August 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with title and logo, illustrated with a photo of three generations of women's hands one on top of the other, with the elder's hand at the bottom and the youngest at the top.

Women’s Right to Be Safe

Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia
This resource introduces Indigenous children, girls, and women to community services that provide culturally-appropriate support for safety concerns.
Last reviewed July 2024
Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

Sexual Abuse — What Happens When You Tell: A Guide for Children and Parents

Government of Canada
This booklet is designed to help children who have experienced sexual abuse. It outlines why a child should tell about the abuse and who should be told. It explains how family members might react and what social workers and police do when they are told about sexual abuse.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing four images in a circular frame: a house, a family, a child reading, and a teen on a skateboard.

Responding to Child Welfare Concerns: Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report

Government of British Columbia
Booklet explains when to report child abuse and neglect, and what to report. Includes what child abuse and neglect is, warning signs, what to do if a child tells you about the abuse, and what to do if you suspect abuse. It also explains what to expect when you make the report and what happens next.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Reporting Child Abuse in BC

Government of British Columbia
Information about where to report child abuse, the duty to report abuse and suspected abuse, how to report, what to report, and what happens next.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with title, text, and Nidus logo.

Refusing Health Care: What Are My Rights?

Nidus Registry
This fact sheet answers questions based on BC law about health care consent. Can I refuse health care? What does it mean to be capable of informed consent? Can I request assistance with dying? If I’m incapable, who can consent on my behalf? How can I be proactive and plan?
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Protecting Children — Your Role as a Relative

Government of British Columbia
Provides information about what you can do if there is a child protection concern in your family and contacts for getting legal help. It also explains your role as a relative in a child abuse case, such as being involved in developing a comprehensive plan of care and providing a safe home for the child.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo shows the letters "PGT" in shades of blue and green, with the organization name to the right.

Protecting a Vulnerable Adult From Abuse, Neglect or Self-Neglect

Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
Describes what abuse, neglect, and self-neglect are, what a designated agency can do, and how the community-response network aims to provide a coordinated response to these complex problems.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Parents Legal Centres

Legal Aid BC
Describes Parents Legal Centres (PLCs), a Legal Aid BC service that provides a free lawyer and an advocate to help parents address child protection issues early on. The service is available to eligible parents any time after the social worker contacts them.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Mediation — Child Protection and Aboriginal Families

Legal Aid BC
Describes the role of mediators in the child protection process, how they can help Aboriginal families, and how to find a mediator. Mediators are professionals who are specially trained to help people reach an agreement. They are also trained to not take sides.
Last reviewed March 2024