If a social worker comes to the door, the family can ask to have an interpreter present, so that they can understand any questions, give informed answers, and ask any questions they may have. Sometimes the police will come with the social worker. The concern of the police is also for the safety and well being of children first. Social workers will be concerned with matters of child neglect or abuse. Neglect refers to not doing things for a child that the child clearly needs for health and safety.
Child abuse refers to emotional, physical or sexual abuse.
The Ministry for Children and Families has special new responsibilities to help families solve problems they may have in caring for their children. Many of the new services help families learn how to prevent these problems. Ministry staff who work with immigrants and refugees in British Columbia do understand that there are many hard things to deal with in coming to a new country. The family may need support in meeting all child-care needs in this new environment. For more information, phone the Community Relations office at 660-3143.