MCFD Child Protection Services - Castlegar

The Castlegar  MCFD office offers the following services: 

• Child Protection
• Guardianship
• Youth Justice
• Child/Youth Mental Health

Any concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children must be reported to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) by calling 1-800-663-9122 (24/7).  Callers will receive appropriate information or referrals.

Children or youth with concerns can call 310-1234 at any time (24/7) This line is answered directly by a social worker.

The Ministry sponsors a website (see below) with information, resources and links re child protection / abuse issues.

The Ministry has a statutory obligation under the Family and Child Service Act to investigate all reports of suspected child abuse or neglect and, if necessary, to apprehend and bring before the Provincial Court those children who are believed to be in need of protection

Reports of abuse or neglect are investigated by social workers, who are mandated to take the most appropriate action that is least disruptive and intrusive for the child, and as supportive as possible of the family unit.

This may include providing or arranging for the provision of various support services to the family; supervising the child's care in the home; or protecting the child through removal from the family and placement with relatives, a foster family or specialized residential services.

Social workers have the delegated authority to approve foster homes for children who come into the care of the Ministry.

Resources such as group homes, specialized residential facilities, assessment resources and respite resources are developed to serve children and youth in care.