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Complaint Process for Children & Youth

Last updated on March 3, 2026

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) wants its services, decisions and processes to be fair for all children and youth it serves.  

If you're a child or youth, it’s okay to speak up, especially if:

  • You need help or services
  • You’re not getting enough support
  • You didn't get the service you asked for
  • You feel treated unfairly
  • No one seems to be listening
  • You don’t understand why something happened
  • Your needs or rights were ignored

Talking about problems can be hard and scary, but here are ways you can share your concerns:

  • Start by trying to talk to your worker or their team leader
  • If you are receiving services from an Indigenous Child and Family Service (ICFS) Agency, reach out to that Agency directly or you can call us and we will help you do that.
  • If you are scared or unsure, you can call 1-877-387-7027 to speak to a complaint specialist. Our hours of service are Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm.
  • You can also send us your complaint by using our online form and we will respond within 2 business days.

Submit a complaint: Complaint form

How the Complaint Process Works

A complaint specialist will call you, listen to your concerns, and explain how they can help.

You can choose from two options of how you want your complaint handled:

  • A Resolution option is when a complaint specialist works with you and MCFD staff to address your concerns.
  • A Review option is when your concern is assigned to someone to look at your situation and may recommend actions to MCFD.

Important

Making a complaint doesn’t always mean the decision will change. If you still think it’s unfair, you can ask for an external review through the Office of the Ombudsperson.

Contact the Office of the Ombudsperson

Get support from people you trust

It is important to gather your Circle of support. These are the people who you trust and can help support you.

Members of your Circle can:

  • Help you describe the problem
  • Go to meetings with you
  • Helping you find the right words
  • Give you confidence

You can choose who is in your Circle. Those in your Circle must have your agreement to participate, and they should not take over or make decisions for you.

Other advocacy options:

  • If you are an Indigenous youth, your Band Representative, cultural leader or an Elder can support you to bring your concerns forward.
  • Representative for Children and Youth (RCY): They make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Call them if you feel ignored, need services, disagree with decisions, or don’t know where to turn.

Contact the Representative for Children and Youth

  • Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks: They support youth in care and help with complaints.

Contact the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks

Youth in Custody

Youth in custody with a complaint about services, actions or decisions can talk to any of these people who will make sure their complaint is heard and responded to as quickly as possible:

 

If you are a child or youth and need help and support, you can call the Helpline for Children at 1-877-631-8282 for free at any time, and you do not have to give your name.

They can provide help if you or someone you know is being abused at home, school or anywhere else

You can also get help from:

Questions? Want to speak to a complaint specialist?