Child Welfare Concerns Crash Language Barriers

“Most children grow up in families where they are safe and secure. Others may be abused or neglected – and those children need our help. Whether they are our own kids, a neighbour’s or a stranger’s, we all have a role to play in keeping children safe.”

These words – a crucial part of the MCFD mandate – have been echoed in reports, news releases and printed material within and outside of the ministry. Not to be stymied by language barriers many of our publications have been translated and re-released to the public. Such is the most recent case with “Responding to Child Welfare Concerns: Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report”. The 14-page handbook on recognizing signs of child neglect and abuse is now available in Chinese, French, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese, as well as English.

In addition to recognizing the warning signs, “Responding to Child Welfare Concerns” offers tips on how to respond to a child in need and how to contact a child welfare worker. It explains what constitutes abuse and neglect and gives details about the Child, Family and Community Service Act, the law that protects children from abuse in BC. The handbook also outlines what to expect when you make a report and offers information on the various options and organizations to find help. Most importantly, the handbook tackles how we as a community can prevent abuse and neglect from occurring.

To access the handbook in various languages visit http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/child_protection/translated.htm