By Darian Thomas — September 22, 2025

Advocacy & Action · CFCSA · Disability Rights

When the system created to protect children violates the very laws it’s built on, families like mine are left to pick up the pieces.

My son, Bennett, is six years old. He’s autistic, medically vulnerable, and mostly dependent on a G-tube for his survival. He has a rare genetic disorder and needs highly trained, familiar caregivers to stay safe.

On August 28, 2025, while I was recovering in hospital, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) removed Bennett from BC Children’s Hospital. He was safe there—monitored by doctors, nurses, and his trained behaviour team. There was no danger, no emergency, and no justification under the law.

Every professional involved—his pediatrician, psychiatrist, counsellor, and behaviour analyst—supported a clear family-led plan. My brother was ready to step in as interim guardian, and a nursing agency had already arranged medical oversight. MCFD ignored all of it.

Soon after removal, Bennett developed unexplained bruising, lost his specialized school placement, and was cut off from familiar caregivers. Our daily FaceTime calls were restricted. I was told not to discuss his health or emotions—even when he brought them up.

The law requires that children with disabilities be protected through continuity of care. Instead, those very disabilities became the reason for his exclusion and isolation. His uncle’s guardianship order was ignored. My role as his mother was erased.

These actions breach not only the Child, Family and Community Service Act but also the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Bennett’s right to safety, education, health, dignity, and family connection has been broken at every turn.

He was safe. He was loved. And he was taken.

Now, I’m fighting to bring him home—and to make sure no other child with disabilities is put through this kind of province-inflicted trauma again.

Share Bennett’s story. Demand accountability. Help bring him home safely.

#JusticeForBennett #DisabilityRights #CFCSA #MCFDAccountability #HumanRights #ChildProtection #Advocacy #AutismAwareness #GTube #BCHospital #CharterRights