how to get help

If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger or risk, call 9-1-1 or your local police.

duty to report

If you suspect that a child or youth has been or is likely to be sexually exploited it must be reported to a child welfare worker. A child in British Columbia, under the Child, Family, and Community Service Act (CFCSA), is defined as anyone under the age of 19. Reporting should be done even if you don’t have all the details and information or if you think someone else has already reported the incident.

According to the CFCSA a child needs protection under the following circumstances relating to sexual exploitation:

  • A child has been, or is likely to be, physically harmed, sexually abused or sexually exploited by the child’s parent
  • A child has been, or is likely to be, physically harmed, sexually abused or sexually exploited by another person and if the child’s parent is unwilling to or unable to protect the child

Source: Child, Family and Community Service Act

reporting to a child welfare worker

Contact your local Ministry of Children and Family Development office listed in the blue pages of the phone book or online at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/regions/regional_offices.htm

After Hours Contact

Any community in British Columbia: 1 800 663.9122
Helpline for Children: 310.1234 (no area code needed) open 24 / 7
BC Handbook for Action on Child Abuse and Neglect
Please visit our online section for parents and youth for more information on finding help.