For Our

Rights and Resources 

 

• Your Court File

• Foster Parent Handbook

• Child Protection File, Requesting Your

• LegalShield

• RCMP – Access to Your Information

• Recording Conversations/Meetings with Child Protection Workers

• Request Information – Any Agency Involved in Your Child Protection File

• Rights and Protections, Information About Your

• Right to an Advocate

• Publications

 

 

RCMP – Access to Your Information

 

Section 13(2) of the Privacy Act states that a request for access to personal information shall be made in writing to the government institution that has control of the information . This request is to provide specific information on the location and nature of the records in order for the documents to be retrieved.

 

For the RCMP to process a Privacy Act request, the following information is required:

 

• full name

• date of birth

• information about the type of records that are being requested

• the Personal Information Bank required to be searched

• specific location(s) to conduct our search such as towns or detachments

• a return address to send the information to

• an original signature in blue ink (We are unable to process requests that are faxed or emailed as they do not contain an original signature.)Chi

• There is no cost associated with the processing of a Privacy Act request.

• RCMP file number if available (Although RCMP file numbers are not required, the more information provided will allow the ATIP branch to provide you with the specific documents you are seeking access to.)

 

Link to request information:  http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/atip-aiprp/how-comment-eng.htm

 

 

Recording Conversations/Meetings with Child Protection Workers

 

It is your legal right to secretly record all meetings, conversations and telephone conversations with MCFD.  This is covered under Section 183 of the Criminal Code of Canada.  Here is the link:  http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/

 

 

Request Information From Any Agency Involved in Your Child Protection File

 

Under the Freedom of Information Act, you can obtain any information about you from any agency that is involved in your child protection file.  Go to the agency and request  a form to access your information.  

 

 

Rights and Protections, Information About Your

 

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/96165_00

 

Personal Information and Protection Act

http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_03063_01

 

Child, Family and Community Services Act

http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96046_01

 

 

The Right to an Advocate

 

Child protection will tell you not to bring anyone with you to a meeting.   Do not agree, as you will have valuable moral support and a deterrent to potential coercion and bullying tactics. 

 

“An advocate is anyone who helps you speak up and be included in the process. Sometimes a problem seems very difficult or feels overwhelming. If you feel this way an advocate might be able to help you. They will help you use your voice so you can be your own best advocate or speak on your behalf.

 

Your advocate could be a trusted friend, family member, foster parent, caregiver, teacher or worker. They can help you make a complaint, go with you to meetings for support  or help you say what you need. Your advocate should help you speak for yourself, but should not "take over" your problem or make decisions for you.”

 

Link:  http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/complaints/advocates.htm