Legal Resources

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.

This booklet is for service providers assisting “mothers without status” — women who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents. It gives an overview of the issues they face and options they can take. It includes information on where to get help.

This page contains links to what you need to know if you’re preparing to work in BC, including the rights of caregivers and farm workers coming to BC. It explains the steps you need to take to work in BC temporarily, and to extend your work permit. It also includes the steps caregivers can take if they have a problem at work.

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.

Provides definitions of child abuse according to the law, the warning signs of child abuse, and what to do when a child tells you about it. Includes tips about keeping children safe and where to get help.

This chapter provides an overview of the ways some laws apply differently to specific communities regarding family law problems. It covers Indigenous families, newcomers to Canada, same-sex relationships, and issues affecting transgender and transsexual people.

An online practice test for Canadian citizenship. Has multiple choice questions from the book on which the test is based.

Explains your rights if you’re a young person facing a criminal trial. Learn about what to expect if you appear in court on a criminal charge, from alternatives to trial, what happens if there is a trial, to possible sentences if a judge finds you guilty. It includes who can help finding lawyer, and who can help if you’re in police custody.

Explains the rights a young person has in dealing with the police or if they’re charged with a crime. Topics include what you should know about the legal framework, if the police stop and question you, if you’re arrested, and if you’re charged but not arrested. It includes how to find a lawyer, and help you can get if you’re in police custody.

A youth record sets out a young person’s involvement in Canada’s youth justice system. This booklet contains public legal information on frequently asked questions about a youth record, access to and closure of a youth record, and consequences of a record.