B.C.'s Child, Family and Community Service Act deals with the protection of children, who are defined as under the age of 19 years. The act states:

       - A child under the age of 19 years is deemed to be in need of protection if the child has been or is likely to be physically harmed, sexually abused or sexually exploited by another person and if the child's parent is unwilling or unable to protect the child. (Section 15)

       - The act requires anyone who has reason to believe that a child needs protection to report the matter to a director at the Ministry for Children and Families or a child protection social worker. It is an offence under the act to fail to report in those circumstances. (Section 14)

       - A police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a child's heath or safety is in immediate danger can take charge of that child without a court order. On taking charge of the child, the police officer must immediately take the child to a child protection social worker or a place designated by a director at the Ministry for Children and Families. (Section 27)