View source for The Ministry Has Taken My Kids

== First steps ==
#If you need a lawyer but cannot afford one on your own, apply for  [[Legal Aid Representation|legal aid <span class="noglossary">representation</span>]]. If you qualify, the Legal Services Society <span class="noglossary">will</span> appoint a lawyer to advise you and represent you in court.
#If you don't have a lawyer, consider getting some legal advice. Child protection is a very emotional issue and difficult to face without legal advice and support. See if there is an advocate in your community who can help. [[PovNet]] has a "Find an Advocate" feature on their website. As well, [[Duty Counsel|<span class="noglossary">duty</span> counsel]] can provide advice services.
#<span class="noglossary">Contact</span> the Ministry worker who removed your child, and see if you can negotiate for either the return of your child or <span class="noglossary">contact</span> with your child while in Ministry care. Take a friend or advocate with you when you speak to the worker. Make sure you have a lawyer <span class="noglossary">review</span> any agreement before you sign it.
#Within seven days of removing the child, the Ministry must go to Family Court and explain to a judge why the child was removed and what their plans are for the child until the matter is resolved. Attend this hearing. Even if you can't convince the judge to return the child right away, you can ask the judge for <span class="noglossary">contact</span> with the child. There is usually a [[Duty Counsel|<span class="noglossary">duty</span> counsel]] lawyer in Family Court who can assist you on the day of court. If your matter is called before you've had the chance to speak to <span class="noglossary">duty</span> counsel, tell the judge that you’d like to do so before <span class="noglossary">proceeding</span>.