If you’re scheduled for a child protection case conference
Conferences will take place by phone or video on the date originally set. The court will contact you with details.
Child protection trials
Counsel and self-represented litigants should attend court in person on the date scheduled at 9:00 a.m. to tell the court if they’re ready to go ahead that day. The court will decide which trials will proceed. Witnesses and anyone who has a lawyer are to wait outside the courthouse (within a 30-minute distance) and be prepared to be called to attend court. Masks are mandatory for all courthouse attendees.
If your child has been removed and you have a date for a court hearing
The initial presentation hearing or protection hearing will go ahead at the scheduled time and day (or on the court “list day”) by phone.
If you aren’t sure whether you’re at a hearing or conference stage
Contact your social worker or lawyer to check if you need to attend court by phone or if court has been delayed. It’s really important you don’t miss your court hearing. If you don’t have access to a telephone, talk to your social worker or lawyer to figure out a solution.
If you need help with your case
No matter which stage you’re at in the child protection process, you can get help. If there's a Parents Legal Centre in your community, call them to get help by phone. These centres have free lawyers and advocates to help parents deal with a social worker's concerns about their children's safety. Or call the Legal Aid BC Call Centre for where to find legal aid services in your community.
If you still have questions, contact aboriginal@lss.bc.ca.