Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

People’s Law School
Explains that the law protects children from physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Learn how child protection laws work and what to do if you think a child is being abused. It explains your legal duty to report child abuse, and how you make a report of child abuse.
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
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Questioning Witnesses in a Supreme Court Trial

Legal Aid BC
A five-and-a-half-minute video that gives tips for using witnesses as evidence in a Supreme Court family law trial, including choosing your witnesses, planning your questions, and the procedure at trial. Also discusses the cross-examination process.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Provincial Court Remote Proceedings

Legal Aid BC
Tips to help you prepare to attend a remote Provincial Court proceeding.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Protecting Yourself & Your Family

Legal Aid BC
Explains peace bonds, family law protection orders, and things you can do to help you and your family stay safe from an abusive or violent person.
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 with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Permanent Transfer of Custody of a Child to Someone Familiar in BC

Government of British Columbia
When a temporary placement for a child is not possible, the alternative could be transferring custody to the caregiver by adoption or a court order. This page briefly describes the conditions, guardian’s responsibilities, financial support, rights, access orders, and future legal matters.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and an illustration of a child’s hand holding and adult’s hand, and the Legal Aid BC logo.

Parents’ Rights, Kids’ Rights: A Parent’s Guide to Child Protection Law in BC

Legal Aid BC
Explains what happens if the Director of Child Protection has concerns about a child's safety or plans to remove them. Describes collaborative (shared) planning, decision-making options, and presentation and protection hearings. Includes information for Indigenous families, where to get help, and definitions.
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 the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Parenting Coordinators

Government of British Columbia
Explains that a parenting coordinator helps parents carry out their parenting agreement or order. A parenting coordinator does not create or change parenting arrangements. They help parents resolve disagreements about how parenting agreements or orders are put into effect. It also explains how to find a parenting coordinator.
Last reviewed March 2024