LSS has announced where it will open seven new Parents Legal Centres (PLCs) for child protection matters.
The new locations will be in Campbell River, Smithers/Hazelton, Williams Lake, Prince George, Kamloops, Duncan, and Victoria.
PLC services will also be added to the LSS Terrace Regional Centre, but how and when they will be incorporated will be determined at a later date.
All of the sites, with the exception of Duncan, were recommended by Grand Chief Ed John in his 2016 report on child welfare in BC.
LSS made its decision following a review of feedback from discussions with Indigenous representatives, as well as population stats, and legal aid and Ministry of Children and Family Development data.
The plan is to open all of the centres by the end of the fiscal year (March 31, 2019). However, the timing of the openings will be based on how soon we can find office and court space and hire staff in each location.
PLCs are currently located in Vancouver and Surrey. They provide services to people who are at risk of having their children removed from the family home, and focus on early collaborative processes and helping with underlying issues such as housing and addictions.
The expansion is possible because of the increased funding LSS received from the Ministry of the Attorney General this year.
