HELPLINE FOR CHILDREN
Ministry of Children & Family Development
2455 Mansfield Drive, Courtenay BC, V9N 2M2
Phone: 250-334-5820
Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
Child Helpline Phone: 310-1234 (24 hours, no area code needed) TDD: 1-866-660-0505
24 Hrs Hours Line: 1-800-663-9122 / 310-1234
Website: www.youthinbc.com or www.gov.bc.ca/mcf/
Mission Statement:
All children are entitled to: protection from abuse, protection from neglect, protection from harm and protection from the threat of harm.
If you think a child or youth, aged 19 or under, is being abused or neglected, you have the legal duty to report your concern to a child welfare worker.
Programs & Services:
- Helpline for Children: 310-1234 (no area code required)
when it concerns abuse, anyone can call the Helpline for Children – 24 hours
- Child Abuse: a child is anyone under the age of 19. Abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual. Abuse can be abandonment, desertion, neglect, ill-treatment, or failure to meet the physical, emotional or medical needs of a child. Abuse can be stopped.
- Parents who are afraid they might hurt their child can call for help
- Suicide Prevention
- Mental Health Support
- Community Members: if you know a family where a child is being abused, call the Helpline. You can remain anonymous.
- You Are Responsible: if you are aware of a possible case of child abuse, you are required by provincial law to contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development. As long as your report is made in good faith, you are not liable for any loss or damage.
For more information, contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development office at
250-334-5820. Toll-free 1-866-823-5377.
Home and Community Care – See Community Health Services, under VIHA