The punitive dimensions of the criminal legal system are self-evident. On the other hand, the punitive dimensions of the family policing system are cloaked under a guise of child protection, safety, or welfare. This Brief explores the intertwining punitive roots of the criminal legal and family policing systems by examining four key sites of overlap … Read more Dismantling the fictions about safety: Mapping the punitive roots of the criminal legal and family policing systems
Know your rights resources for parents, caregivers, lawyers, and advocates during family investigations…
Vancouver, unceded Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) homelands — On June 25, 2026, community members will gather for a Vigil for Stolen Children to honour and mourn the lives of children stolen by systems of family policing (also known as child welfare), adoption, incarceration, and immigration. These include the colonial systems of family … Read more Media Advisory: Families in Vancouver to hold vigil to honour lives taken by systems of family separation
A community-driven research project on the intersections of gender-based violence and family policing…
When: Monday, April 28, 2025 Who: What: Courthouse Libraries BC and West Coast LEAF present Access Matters: Advocating for Meaningful Access Orders and Agreements in Child and Family Services Proceedings. After a child has been removed from their home under the Child, Family, and Community Service Act (CFCSA), access orders and agreements are critical to protecting the … Read more Webinar: Access Matters: Advocating for meaningful Access Orders and Agreements in Child and Family Services Proceedings
Open letter urges MCFD to address rights-violating disclosure practices in CFCSA proceedings…
On June 26, 2025, community members will gather for a Vigil for Stolen Children to honour and mourn the lives of children stolen by systems of family policing, adoption, incarceration, and immigration. This event is part of the first annual Stolen Children’s Month, a series of global vigils and actions taking place throughout June to … Read more Media Advisory: Vigil for Stolen Children to Honour Lives Taken by Systems of Family Separation
In a significant ruling, the BC Court of Appeal affirmed that the BC Human Rights Tribunal has jurisdiction…
A parent’s counsel’s guide to advocating for meaningful access arrangements in child and family services proceedings…
At West Coast LEAF, we’re proud to make the news regularly, to share our expertise widely, and ultimately to shift public opinion, laws, and policies. Here’s some of what we’ve been up to in 2025. November June May February
