Name the decision
Write one sentence describing what needs to be decided now. Separate immediate issues from longer-term ones.
A guide for B.C. parents and caregivers
Support for the hard parts of parenting.
Start with the pressure you are facing. These are practical entry points for separation, family conflict, child protection involvement, safety concerns and a child who needs more support.
Turn a family-law problem into the next manageable decision.
If parents cannot agree about schedules, decisions, support or communication, a Family Justice Centre is often a useful first call. Services are free and available in person or virtually.
Collect the essentials
Keep current orders or agreements, important dates, income information and a short parenting history together.
Choose the right help
Use a counsellor or mediator when safe and appropriate; get legal advice for urgent, complex or court-bound matters.
Family Justice Centres
Free help with parenting arrangements, support, mediation and navigating Provincial Court.
Find a centre or virtual service →Parenting After Separation
A free course about children’s needs, communication and family-law options after separation.
See course options →Legal Aid BC
Find family-law information, advice services and help for people who may qualify for representation.
Explore family-law help →Child support starting point
Estimate the federal guideline table amount for British Columbia before a conversation or appointment.
Use the B.C. calculator →You do not need a crisis to ask for support.
Peer support, community programs and a trusted professional can help when conflict, caregiving strain or a child’s behaviour is becoming difficult to manage.
Parent Support Services Society of BC
Parenting support circles, kinship caregiver help and information about family services.
Find parent and caregiver support →FamilySmart
Peer support for parents and caregivers helping a child or young person with mental-health or substance-use challenges.
Connect with FamilySmart →Family Support Institute of BC
Volunteer peer mentors help families navigate disability and support systems across the province.
Find peer support →211 British Columbia
Search for local food, housing, counselling, family and community services by location.
Search community services →If child protection contacts you, act early and keep a clear record.
Ask what the concern is, what is expected next and what timeline applies. Child protection proceedings are different from parenting disputes between parents, and early legal advice can matter.
What is the specific concern?
Ask the worker to explain the immediate safety concern, the next decision and what information they need from you.
Keep dates and documents
Note calls, meetings, names and commitments. Keep safety plans, agreements, court documents and relevant messages.
Contact Legal Aid BC
Find out quickly whether duty counsel, advice or representation may be available for your situation.
Parents’ Rights, Kids’ Rights
Legal Aid BC’s plain-language guide to investigations, court, agreements and parents’ rights.
Read the guide →Representative for Children and Youth
Independent advocacy for young people who need a designated service or feel they are not being heard.
Ask an advocate for help →MCFD complaint process
Raise a concern about a ministry service, decision or process and learn about external review options.
See complaint options →Give a young person more than one way to reach help.
A young person may prefer in-person care, virtual support, text or a confidential phone conversation. Offer choices and let them keep some control over how the first contact happens.
Foundry BC
Free, confidential mental-health, substance-use and wellness services for ages 12–24, with no referral required.
Find a centre or virtual care →Kids Help Phone
24/7 support across Canada by phone and text, with online resources for children and youth.
See ways to connect →Use the fastest safe route when someone may be at risk.
Immediate danger
Call 911 for urgent police, fire or medical help.
Call 911 →VictimLinkBC
Confidential, multilingual crisis support and referrals for family violence and crime, 24 hours a day.
Call or text 1-800-563-0808 →Report child abuse or neglect
Call B.C. child protection at any time if you have reason to believe a child may need protection.
Call 1-800-663-9122 →Helpline for Children
Children and youth can call anonymously for help if they or someone they know is being abused.
Call 1-877-631-8282 →