Appendix 1: Information to Note

About Us

For online information about the ministry visit: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/about_us/index.htm.

Key Contact Information

For phone numbers and addresses of ministry offices see the provincial government blue pages of a telephone book, or view the information online: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/regions/index.htm. The mailing address for the Ministry of Children and Family Development is: PO Box 9721 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9S2.

Helpline for Children in British Columbia

Phone 310-1234, free from anywhere in the province anytime; to use the telephone device for the deaf, dial 1 866 660-0505. The Helpline for Children provides round-the-clock access to professionals to respond to concerns that a child under the age of 19 years may be abused. Abuse can be abandonment, desertion, neglect, ill-treatment or failure to meet physical, emotional or medical needs. Calls can be anonymous — and abuse can be stopped. For online information visit: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/child_protection/reporting_child_abuse.htm.

Adoption Site — for information on adopting one of B.C.'s waiting children

For information on adopting a child, phone toll-free in B.C.: 1 877 ADOPT 07
(1 877 236-7807) or phone a nearby ministry office. Hundreds of children in the permanent care of the ministry are waiting to be adopted into permanent, loving families. Applicants do not need to be married, wealthy or a certain age to adopt a waiting child. Please phone today for information or visit: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption/index.htm.

Be a Foster Parent — B.C.'s foster parents make a positive difference for vulnerable children in need

For information, phone the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations' Fosterline at
1 800 663-9999 (outside B.C. phone 1 604 660-7696) or the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents toll-free at 1 866 291-7091. For online information visit: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster/index.html.

Child Care B.C. Helpline — for information on child care

For information and referrals for B.C. child care programs and services for parents and child care providers phone 1 888-338-6622. For online information visit: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/.

Community Living British Columbia's Website

The provincial community living authority's website provides up-to-date information on services for adults with developmental disabilities. For online information visit: http://www.communitylivingbc.ca/.