Frequently Asked Questions

A class action is a lawsuit brought by one or more people on behalf of a larger group who have similar experiences or claims. Instead of each person starting their own case, the claims are handled together through one court process.

This class action is about the use of Birth Alerts in British Columbia. A Birth Alert was a message sent by a child welfare worker to a hospital about a pregnant person. The Birth Alert expressed or implied a concern that, after their person gave birth, their child might need protection. Birth Alerts were often issued without the pregnant person’s knowledge.

A Birth Alert is a communication sent by a child welfare worker from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or delegated Indigenous agencies to a hospital before a baby was born. The communication stated or implied that the person was pregnant and that their child might need protection after birth. After a Birth Alert was sent, child welfare workers commonly came to the hospital before the parent and/or baby was discharged from the hospital.

For this class action, a Birth Alert means the communication sent by a child welfare worker to a hospital. It told the hospital that a person was pregnant and expressed or implied concern that, after the person gave birth, their child might need protection.

The proposed settlement does not address any interactions with child welfare workers or MCFD after the baby was born. This distinction may be difficult for some people because the Birth Alert may be closely connected to what happened afterward.

If you think you may have been subject to a Birth Alert between May 31, 1980, and May 8, 2026, learn more and sign up for updates and next steps at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca or talk to a Claims Helper through our Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

The proposed settlement addresses the Birth Alert itself. This means a communication sent by a child welfare worker from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or delegated Indigenous agencies to a hospital before a baby was born. The communication stated or implied that the person was pregnant and that their child might need protection after birth. After a Birth Alert was sent, child welfare workers commonly came to the hospital before the parent and/or baby was discharged from the hospital.

The proposed settlement does not address any interactions with child welfare workers or Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) after the baby was born. This distinction may be difficult for some people because the Birth Alert may be closely connected to what happened afterward.

The proposed settlement is an agreement between the parties to resolve the class action without a trial.

The Supreme Court of British Columbia must decide whether to approve the proposed settlement at the Settlement Approval Hearing.

If the Court approves the proposed settlement, class members who submit an approved Claim will receive at least $2,000.

Indigenous class members who submit an approved Claim will receive additional compensation. The final amount each person receives will depend on the number of approved Claims.The proposed settlement also includes a collective fund to support families and communities affected by Birth Alerts.

The proposed settlement is not an admission that the Province did anything wrong. It is a legal compromise to resolve the class action.

No. The proposed settlement is not an admission that the Province did anything wrong. It is a legal compromise to resolve the claims.

If the Court approves the proposed settlement, the Province will provide $66 million in settlement funds.

People who submit approved Claims may receive compensation. The proposed settlement also includes a collective fund to support families and communities affected by Birth Alerts.

If the Court approves the proposed settlement, class members who submit an approved Claim will receive at least $2,000.

Indigenous class members who submit an approved Claim will receive additional compensation. The final amount each person receives will depend on the number of approved Claims.

The collective fund is part of the proposed settlement. It is intended to support families and communities affected by Birth Alerts.

This fund is separate from individual compensation paid to class members with approved Claims.

Before the proposed settlement becomes final, the Court must review and approve it. The Court will also review the plan for how compensation will be shared by class members (called the “Distribution Plan”). Finally, the Court will also hear Class Counsel’s request for legal fees.

At this hearing, the Court will decide whether the proposed settlement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of class members.

No. The Settlement Approval Hearing is open to anyone who wishes to attend but you do not have to attend to be included. Class Counsel will attend on behalf of Class Members and answer the Court’s questions. If you object and ask to speak at the hearing, you may be able to do so.

Birth Alerts officially ended in British Columbia in 2019. This settlement was certified on May 8, 2026.

The class period extends beyond 2019 so the settlement can be as inclusive as possible. While the likelihood of a Birth Alert being issued after the practice ended is considered very low, the class period allows for the possibility that some communications may have occurred.

While it is unlikely that a Birth Alert was issued after 2019, this class period allows people to ask questions and explore whether the settlement may apply to them.

You may have been subject to a Birth Alert if you were pregnant, and you received prenatal care or gave birth in a hospital in British Columbia, between May 31, 1980, and May 8, 2026 (the Class Period). Indigenous peoples were disproportionately affected by this practice. In some cases, a child welfare worker from the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) or a delegated Indigenous agency became involved soon after the pregnant person arrived at the hospital. Many people were never told they were the subject of a birth alert.

If you received a notice directly, records suggest that a Birth Alert may have been issued about you.

This means you may be part of the Birth Alerts BC Class Action. You have options. You can take time to read the notice and get support before deciding what to do.

Yes. You may still be included even if you did not receive a notice.

Many people were never told that a Birth Alert was issued about them. Some people will receive direct notice because records suggest they may have been the subject of a Birth Alert. Other people may not receive direct notice and may still be part of the class.

If you think you may have been subject to a Birth Alert between May 31, 1980 and May 8, 2026, learn more about your options .

You may be included if a Birth Alert was issued about you in British Columbia during the class period, which is from May 31, 1980 to May 8, 2026.

You are not included if, at the time the Birth Alert was issued, you were under 19 years old and in the care or custody of the Provincial Director of Child Welfare or the Province of British Columbia.

No, this settlement is specific to the Birth Alert itself; the communication sent to a hospital before a birth. It does not cover what happened afterward, including whether a child was taken into care or any later involvement with child welfare workers or MCFD. This distinction can be difficult, especially if what happened afterward feels closely connected to the Birth Alert. If you’re not sure whether your situation fits, please contact a Claims Helper or submit a Claim Form, and the Claims Administrator will review it.
 

Being in foster care or government care yourself is different from a Birth Alert being issued about you while you were pregnant, this settlement is specific to Birth Alerts. If you were under 19 and in the care or custody of the Province at the time a Birth Alert was issued about you, you are not included in this class action.

If you were in foster care or government as a child, and then were pregnant after you turned 19, you could be included in this class action if a Birth Alert was issued about you.
 

This information is specifically for Birth Alerts in British Columbia. There are actions at various stages in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec:

• Manitoba: www.cfmlawyers.ca/class-action/birth-alerts-manitoba/
• Saskatchewan: www.cfmlawyers.ca/class-action/birth-alerts-saskatchewan/
• Ontario: https://goldblattpartners.com/experience/class-action-cases/post/gg-v-ontario/
• Quebec: www.belleaulapointe.com/en/class-actions/birth-alerts/

You are not alone. Many people may not know whether a Birth Alert was issued about them.

If you believe a Birth Alert may have been issued about you, contact a Claims Helper through the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557

You may still be included. The proposed settlement is about the Birth Alert itself. It does not depend on whether your child was taken into care or what happened after the baby was born.

Not every interaction with MCFD was a Birth Alert.

A Birth Alert refers specifically to a communication sent by a child welfare worker to a hospital before the birth. If hospital staff contacted MCFD first, that may not be considered a Birth Alert. These situations may need to be reviewed to understand what happened.

If you are unsure, you can contact a Claims Helper through the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

You can still complete the form if you do not remember exact dates. Approximate dates may still help with records searches and review. Answer the questions as best you can based on what you remember.

If you cannot remember the hospital name, please call a Claims Helper who may be able to help you think through the information you remember. To speak with a Claims Helpers, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

You may still be eligible to be a part of this class action. The Claim Form explains that some people may have been subject to a Birth Alert even if they did not give birth, including situations involving miscarriage or pregnancy loss.

If this part of the form feels difficult or emotional, you can take breaks or restart and complete the form any time. Claims Helpers are available for support.

If you want to talk to someone or need support, you can reach out to:

• BC Mental Health & Crisis Response (no area code needed): 310-6789 or www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
• Hope for Wellness Help Line (Available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada): 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca
• Local support: call 2-1-1

You may submit a Claim if you think a Birth Alert may have been issued about you in British Columbia during the class period. If you have moved, it is important to provide your current contact information on the Claim Form.

You do not have to live in British Columbia to be included in the settlement.

You have four options:

• Stay in the proposed settlement and submit a Claim.
• Opt out of the proposed settlement.
• Object to the proposed settlement.
• Do nothing.

Each option has different results. Learn more about your options.

If you stay in the proposed settlement, you can submit a Claim for compensation.

If the Court approves the proposed settlement, it will apply to you. If you submit a Claim Form and the Administrator determines you are eligible, you will receive compensation.

If you stay in the proposed settlement you will not be able to start your own legal action against the Province for the same issues covered by this class action.

The released Claims are explained in Sections 5.1 to 5.3 of the Settlement Agreement. You can read the full Settlement Agreement here.

Opting out means you remove yourself from the class action.

If you opt out, you will not receive compensation from the proposed settlement if it is approved. The proposed settlement will not apply to you. You may choose to pursue your own legal action, and you will need to pay your own legal costs.

Learn more about opting out.

Objecting means you are telling the Court that you disagree with the proposed settlement or how the money will be shared.

You can object in writing by filling out an objection form. You can also ask to speak at the Settlement Approval Hearing by indicating this on your Objection Form. The Court will consider objections before deciding whether to approve the proposed settlement.

Learn more about objecting.

Yes. If the Court approves the proposed settlement, you can still submit a Claim for compensation even if you objected.

Objecting does not remove you from the class action.

Opting out means you are choosing not to be part of the proposed settlement.

• You will not receive compensation from the proposed settlement.
• You will keep the right to take legal action on your own.
• If you opt out, the proposed settlement no longer applies to you, so you cannot object to it.

Objecting means you are staying in the proposed settlement, but you want to tell the Court that you disagree with part of it.

• You can object to the proposed settlement itself, to how the money will be shared, or to the legal fees.
• You will still need to submit a Claim if you want to receive compensation.
• If you object, you are still part of the proposed settlement and give up the right to sue the Province on your own, if it is approved by the Court.

If you do nothing, you will not get any money from the proposed settlement even if it is approved by the Court. You will not be able to start your own legal action against the Province for the Claims that are settled in this class action.

If the Court approves the proposed settlement, the release will still apply to you. This means you will not be able to start your own legal action against the Province for the same issues covered by this class action.

You will not receive compensation unless you submit a Claim.

Yes. Claims can be submitted now.

Payments will not be made unless the Court approves the proposed settlement.

Yes, you must submit a complete Claim Form to be eligible for compensation.

Claims Helpers are available to help you understand the process and complete your Form.

The Claim Form asks for information needed to review whether you are eligible for the class action.

You do not need to know for certain that a Birth Alert was issued before asking questions or starting the process. Learn more about what’s needed.

You do not need proof that a Birth Alert was issued about you. You may not know whether a Birth Alert was issued about you. Many people were never told.

The Claims Process includes your authorization for Class Counsel and the Administrator to review your hospital records to help determine whether there is evidence of a Birth Alert. You may be contacted if more information is needed.

The Claims Administrator reviews Claims according to the rules set by the Court. The Claims Administrator is Verita.

Claims Helpers do not decide whether you are eligible and do not approve Claims.

With your authorization in the Claim Form, Class Counsel will request and review hospital records connected to the dates and hospitals listed in your Claim.

The purpose of reviewing these records is to help determine whether there is evidence that a Birth Alert was issued about you.

You are not required to obtain these records yourself before submitting a Claim. You may be contacted if more information is needed during the review process.

No. You are not required to provide your own medical or hospital records before submitting a Claim.

Instead, the Claim Form includes authorization that allows Class Counsel to request relevant hospital records directly from the hospitals you identify in your Claim.

The Claims Administrator reviews Claims according to Court-approved rules to make a decision on eligibility.

Yes, it is important to keep your contact information current during the Claims Process. If your phone number, address, or email changes, please contact the Claims Helpers through the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

If there is no evidence of a Birth Alert in the hospital records, the Claims Administrator will inform you by mail or email. You will be given a chance to submit supplementary documentation.

If you are told that your Claim was rejected, you have the option of requesting an appeal. Claims Helpers will be available to support you during this process.

Appeals must be in writing. You will have a maximum of five pages of text to describe the reason for the appeal. You are not permitted to submit documents that were not already provided to the Claims Administrator during the Claims Process.

Further information on the Claims deadline will be available after the Court has reviewed the settlement and made its decision.

If you are thinking about submitting a Claim, it may help to begin gathering information and asking questions early, even if you are not ready to complete the form right away.

The Claim Form is available so people can take time to learn about the proposed settlement, gather information, ask questions, and receive support if they choose to.

Some people may need time to think about whether they want to participate or may prefer to complete the form at their own pace.

Making the Claim Form available early may help reduce pressure and give people more time to prepare.

Making the Claim Form available now will allow for a more efficient process for some people. Rather than wait until they find out the proposed settlement is approved, claimants can submit a Claim Form right away.

If you realize you made a mistake or need to update information after submission, contact a Claims Helper as soon as possible.

Further information on the Claims Process will be available after the Court has reviewed the settlement and made its decision. The Settlement Approval Hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2026.

Keep your confirmation number until the Claims Process is complete.

You may be asked for it if you contact a Claims Helper about your Claim.

If you have questions after submitting your Claim, contact the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557 or email Info-BABC@BirthAlertsBC.ca.

Have your confirmation number available if possible.

The easiest and fastest way is to complete the Claim Form online through the Online Claims Portal at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca.

You can also download a paper copy from the website, or a Claims Helper can have a paper copy mailed to you.

Yes, you can submit your Claim online through the Online Claims Portal at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca.

You may find it helpful to gather information and documents before starting the online form. Information on how to complete the Claim Form is available at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca/claim-form-guide. You can also refer to the checklist at the back of the Claim Form.

Yes, you can download a Claim Form from the website or ask a Claims Helper to mail one to you.

You fill out the form and submit it with copies of your identification and send it to the Claims Administrator by mail to BC Birth Alerts (KZQ), P.O. Box 3355, London ON N6A 4K3 or fax it to 1-604-259-2255.

Before you start, you should gather:

• your identification
• your Personal Health Number (PHN)
• date(s) you gave birth or expected to give birth
• the names of hospital(s) where you received prenatal care and/or gave birth

Claims Helpers are available if you want support completing the form. To speak with a Claims Helpers, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

The Claim Form asks for your PHN because it may help with access to records connected to your pregnancy or hospital care. Providing your PHN will help with records searches and Claims review. We are committed to protecting your privacy. To review our privacy statement which outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information, please visit www.BirthAlertsBC.ca/privacy-policy.

The Claim Form asks about hospitals connected to your pregnancy or birth because hospital records may help the Claims Process. Hospital information will help the Claims Administrator and Class Counsel request and review records connected to your Claim. It is important to understand that the settlement only includes hospitals in British Columbia.

The Claim Form asks for a copy of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial, or territorial government or a First Nations or Indigenous government. You do not need both.

You will be asked to provide copies of the front and back of your identification. To understand what identification is accepted as part of your Claim, please visit our website at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca/identification.

If you are unsure whether your identification can be accepted, contact a Claims Helper before submitting your Claim. To speak with a Claims Helpers, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

The consent section explains how information may be used during the Claims Process.

The Claim Form includes separate consent statements about:

• requesting and reviewing hospital records;
• sharing information with organizations involved in administering the settlement;
• contacting you if more information is needed; and
• using information to assess your Claim.

Each consent statement explains how information may be collected, used, or shared for the purposes of reviewing and administering Claims.

To review our privacy statement, please visit www.BirthAlertsBC.ca/privacy-policy.

The declaration section asks you to confirm that the information and documents you provide are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.

It also confirms that you understand your Claim will be assessed based on the information you submit.

You are not expected to remember every detail perfectly. Please answer the questions as accurately as you can based on the information available to you.

You may find this process emotional or difficult. You can take breaks, complete the form one step at a time, or ask a Claims Helper for support. To speak with a Claims Helpers, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

If you need additional mental health support, you can reach out to:

• BC Mental Health & Crisis Response (no area code needed): 310-6789 or www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
• Hope for Wellness Help Line (Available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada): 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca
• Local support: call 2-1-1

Yes, Claims Helpers can provide free support over the phone. They can explain questions and help you complete the form step by step. To speak with a Claims Helpers, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

An alternate contact person is a person or organization you choose who may help the Claims Administrator, Claims Helpers or Class Counsel contact you if you cannot be reached directly.

Some people may prefer to list another person who can help them receive information about the Claims Process. You can provide alternate contact information in the section provided on the Claim Form. This is optional.

No. Providing an alternate contact person does not automatically allow that person to receive information about your Claim or make decisions for you.

Yes. If your contact information changes or you want to provide a different alternate contact person, contact a Claims Helper as soon as possible.

No. The Claims Process is administered separately through Court-approved processes.

You can submit your Claim online through the Online Claims Portal at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca.

If you do not have easy access to the internet, you can also send a paper copy of the form and copies of your identification to the Claims Administrator by mail to BC Birth Alerts (KZQ), P.O. Box 3355, London ON N6A 4K3 or fax it to 1-604-259-2255.

Claims Helpers can explain the submission options. To speak with a Claims Helper, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

The Claim Form asks for information about each pregnancy between May 31, 1980, and May 8, 2026. If you had more pregnancies than the spaces available on the Claim Form, you can use Appendix B to add additional information.

If you need help completing this section, Claims Helpers can support you step by step. To speak with a Claims Helper, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

Appendix B of the Claim Form provides additional space if you need to include more pregnancies or hospitals than the main form allows. You may include up to two hospitals for every pregnancy.

If you are unsure how to complete Appendix B, Claims Helpers can explain the process and help you complete the form. To speak with a Claims Helper, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

The Claim Form asks whether you were a child in care during a pregnancy listed on the form.

“Child in care” refers to someone under the age of 19 who was in the care or custody of the Provincial Director of Child Welfare or the Province of British Columbia under child welfare legislation.

If you are unsure how to answer this question, a Claims Helper can explain the wording and help you complete the form. To speak with a Claims Helper, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

You may still be able to participate in the settlement.

Being under 19 on its own does not mean someone was a child in care for the purposes of the Claim Form.

The question asks whether at the time of your pregnancy you were both:

• under the age of 19, and
• in the care or custody of the Provincial Director of Child Welfare or the Province of British Columbia at that time.

If you were not a child in care during the pregnancy listed on your Claim Form, you may still be eligible for the settlement if the other requirements are met.

You may still be able to participate in the settlement.

The Claim Form asks whether you were a child in care during the pregnancy listed on the form.

If you were a child in care at another time in your life, but not during that pregnancy, that does not affect whether you may be part of the proposed settlement.

If you are unsure how to answer this question, Claims Helpers can explain the wording and help you complete the form.

The Claim Form includes space for “any other names you may go by” because this information may help with records searches connected to your Claim. This could include names used during pregnancy, birth, marriage, cultural naming changes, or other life changes.

You can provide any names you think may help identify records connected to your Claim.

The settlement is not limited to Indigenous people. Birth Alerts affected people from many communities and backgrounds across British Columbia.

If you are unsure whether the settlement may apply to you, Claims Helpers can explain the process and answer general questions. To speak with a Claims Helper, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

The Indigenous identity section of the Claim Form is optional. It may entitle you to additional compensation. If you choose to complete it, the form explains what information or documentation may be included.

If you have questions about this section, Claims Helpers can explain the process and available options.

If you do not have Indigenous identification or registration information, you can complete the Statutory Declaration. If you are submitting a Claim on the online Claims portal, the Statutory Declaration is built into the online Claims portal. If you are submitting a paper Claims Form, it is included in Appendix A.

Claims Helpers can explain how this section works and help you complete the form.

The consent sections allow information to be shared and reviewed for the purposes of the Claims Process, as described in the Claim Form.

This includes allowing Class Counsel to request and review hospital records connected to the information listed in your Claim and allowing organizations involved in administering the settlement to use information for the purposes described in the form.

The Claim Form includes separate consent statements relating to hospital records, the use and sharing of personal information, and administration of your Claim. Each statement explains how information may be used during the Claims Process.

You can review the privacy information available at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca/privacy-policy.

Please provide complete and accurate information to the best of your knowledge when filling out your Claim Form. Accurate information helps the Claims Administrator review your Claim.

If information is missing or additional information is needed, you may be contacted during the Claims Process.

Claims Helpers can also help review your form before you submit it.

Claims Helpers can help explain what identification documents may be helpful and support you through the process of completing the Claim Form. To speak with a Claims Helper, please call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

You are not required to gather your own hospital records before submitting a Claim.

You can still ask questions and receive support without internet access or email. Claims Helpers can provide support over the phone and paper Claim Forms may be available by mail.

To speak with a Claims Helper, call the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

Before you start, gather everything you will need:

• Your personal information (name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, Personal Health Number)
• The date(s) you gave birth or expected to give birth
• The name(s) of the hospital(s) where you gave birth or received prenatal care in British Columbia
• A copy of government-issued identification (front and back)
• If you identify as Indigenous and want to access the additional compensation available to Indigenous Class Members: a copy of your Status Card, Métis citizenship or membership number, Disc number, or beneficiary number, or you can complete the Statutory Declaration included in the online form.

The Claim Form Guide at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca/claim-form-guide can help you prepare. A Claims Helper can also walk you through what to gather before you sit down to complete the form.

No. The portal does not save your progress. You will need to complete and submit your form in one session.

The portal will time out after four hours. If this happens, you will need to start again.

We recommend preparing everything you need before you begin. See “How do I get ready to use the portal?”.

Yes. The Online Claims Portal can be used on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

If you are using a phone or tablet, make sure your identification and any documents you want to upload are saved on your device before you begin.

Yes, an email address is required to submit a Claim through the online Claims portal.

The Claims Administrator will use your email address to send your submission confirmation and any future communications about your Claim.

If you do not have an email address, a Claims Helper can help you create one before you begin the Claim Form. Claims Helpers can also answer questions about using the portal.

If you need assistance, please call 1-833-632-6557 or email ClaimsHelper-BABC@BirthAlertsBC.ca.

You will need to upload:

• A copy of government-issued ID (front and back)
• If you identify as Indigenous and have one: a copy of your Status Card, membership number, or other identifying documentation

Make sure your documents are saved as files you can upload from your device (such as photos or scans).

Yes. Photos are acceptable if the information is clear and easy to read.

Make sure:

• all four corners of the identification are visible;
• the image is not blurry;
• there is enough light to see the information clearly; and
• both the front and back are included.

The Claims Administrator may not be able to use the document if important information cannot be read.

If possible, retake the photo before submitting your Claim.

Yes. If your information is saved in separate files, you can upload multiple documents as part of your Claim.

If you are having trouble uploading documents:

• check that you have a stable internet connection;
• try using a different browser or device;
• make sure the file opened properly before uploading; or
• contact a Claims Helper for assistance.

If the portal is not working for you, there may be another way to submit your Claim. Contact a Claims Helper to discuss your options.

When you submit your form, the portal will give you a confirmation number. Write this number down or take a photo of it. It is your record that the Claims Administrator received your submission.

If you have questions after submitting, contact the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557 or email Info-BABC@BirthAlertsBC.ca.

First, wait a few moments and try again. If the issue continues:

• refresh the page if it is safe to do so;
• try a different browser;
• try a different device; or
• contact a Claims Helper.

If your connection is lost, information entered into the portal may not be saved.

Because the portal does not save progress, you may need to start again.

The portal session lasts four hours in total. If you reach the time limit before submitting, your information will not be saved and you will need to start again.

If this happens, please do not worry. You can begin a new session. A Claims Helper can help you get ready before you try again.

Claims Helpers can support you. They can help you prepare, answer questions about the form, and help you find another way to submit if the portal is not working for you.

Call 1-833-632-6557 or email ClaimsHelper-BABC@BirthAlertsBC.ca.

Class Counsel are the lawyers who represent everyone included in the class action.

In this case, Class Counsel is CFM Lawyers LLP. They can explain the class action, the proposed settlement, and your options.

If you choose to stay in the class action, you do not need to hire your own lawyer to take part in the Claims Process. You may choose to get your own legal advice, especially if you are thinking about opting out.

Class Counsel will ask the Court to approve their legal fees. At the settlement approval hearing, the lawyers will request up to 25% of the Settlement Fund. The Court must review and approve the fees before they are paid.

No. You do not need to pay Class Counsel directly to take part in the class action.

Yes. You can contact a Claims Helper for free support. Claims Helpers can explain your options and help you understand the process. They cannot give legal advice or decide what you should do. Learn more about Claims Helpers.

Claims Helpers provide free support during the Claims Process.

They can explain the process in plain language, help you understand your options, and support you with forms. They are trained to provide trauma-informed and culturally safe support.

Claims Helpers do not decide whether you are eligible or whether your Claim will be approved.

Learn more about Claims Helpers.

No. Claims Helpers are independent from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the Province. They work for a company called Castlemain which specializes in providing communications and claimant support services.

Information submitted through the Claims Process will be handled according to the settlement process and applicable privacy requirements. Please do not share personal details, Claim information, file numbers, or private experiences on social media or in public comments.

Learn more about your privacy.

Learning about Birth Alerts or this class action may bring up strong or unexpected feelings. You can take this process at your own pace.

If you want to talk to someone or need support, you can reach out to:

• BC Mental Health & Crisis Response: 310-6789 or www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
• Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 or www.hopeforwellness.ca
• Local support: call 211

Sign up for updates to get the latest news about the settlement.

Access to your information is limited to the organizations and individuals involved in administering the settlement and assessing Claims.

Depending on the purpose, this may include Class Counsel, the Claims Administrator, Claims Helpers, and other individuals involved in the Court-approved Claims Process.

Your information will only be used for purposes connected to administering the settlement, reviewing Claims, and carrying out Court-approved responsibilities.

To review our privacy statement, please visit www.BirthAlertsBC.ca/privacy-policy.

Learning about Birth Alerts or this class action may bring up strong or unexpected feelings. You can take this process at your own pace.

If you want to talk to someone or need support, you can reach out to:

• BC Mental Health & Crisis Response: 310-6789 or www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
• Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 or www.hopeforwellness.ca
• Local support: call 211

Sign up for updates to get the latest news about the settlement.

This settlement focuses on the Birth Alert communication itself. Some people may also have questions or concerns about other experiences involving child welfare authorities or events that happened after a Birth Alert.

If you have questions about legal issues outside the Birth Alert communication, you may wish to seek independent legal advice about your rights and options.