February 2, 2026

This morning, my advocate Angela Clancy from the Family Support Institute of BC sent a powerful letter on my behalf to MCFD leadership and the Minister. It’s a moment worth sharing because it highlights something crucial: the difference strong advocacy can make when you’re navigating an unfair system.

The Background

After four full days of court proceedings, the judge determined that the child protection concerns against me were unsubstantiated. Let that sink in. The very allegations that led to my son Bennett being removed from my care were found to have no merit.

So why is Bennett still in care?

Because I was honest. I told them I cannot safely care for my son without appropriate services and supports—supports that MCFD has failed to provide. And now, my honesty is being used as the reason to keep my child away from me.

The Problem

Last week, we had a meeting where I clearly outlined my concerns about the Family Plan MCFD had presented. The plan continued to reference child protection concerns that the court had already found unsubstantiated. During that meeting, it was agreed that the existing Family Plan would be thrown out and a new one would be developed from scratch.

Despite this clear agreement—documented in meeting minutes—I received an email from my social worker this past week that once again cited “additional protection concerns.”

This is what systemic dysfunction looks like. Court findings ignored. Agreements disregarded. Unsubstantiated allegations continuously reintroduced.

The Advocacy

Angela’s letter to MCFD leadership doesn’t mince words. She identifies exactly what’s wrong with this picture:

1. Court findings are being disrespected – The court determined concerns were unsubstantiated, yet they continue to be referenced in official communications.
2. Agreements aren’t being honored – We were promised a fresh start with a new Family Plan developed collaboratively from scratch. Instead, we’re back to discussing dismissed allegations.
3. Honesty is being punished – I identified my support needs openly and honestly, as any responsible parent should. Now that honesty is the very reason my child remains in care, even though the services I need haven’t been provided.

Angela wrote: “From an advocacy perspective, this pattern raises serious concerns about fairness, procedural integrity, and the treatment of Darian as a parent. The ongoing reintroduction of unsubstantiated concerns appears punitive and places Darian in an untenable position.”

This isn’t just about my case. This is about how the child protection system treats families with medically complex and neurodivergent children. It’s about what happens when parents are honest about needing support, only to have that honesty weaponized against them.

Angela sent this letter not just to MCFD leadership, but also to the Minister. She’s demanding clarity on what corrective steps will be taken to ensure:

• Court findings are respected and reflected accurately in all documentation
• A new Family Plan is developed as agreed, without reliance on dismissed allegations
• Parents aren’t effectively penalized for identifying their support needs

The Bigger Picture

I’m grateful to have advocates like Angela fighting alongside me. But here’s the reality: not every family has access to this level of advocacy. Not every parent knows how to document every interaction, how to insist on meeting minutes, how to escalate concerns to leadership.

The system shouldn’t require this level of advocacy just to ensure basic fairness. Court findings should be respected automatically. Agreements should be honored without escalation. Parents should be able to ask for help without fear of punishment.

But until systemic change happens, advocacy like Angela’s is essential. It shines a light on practices that thrive in the shadows. It holds decision-makers accountable. It ensures that families aren’t silently crushed by a system that’s supposed to support them.

What Comes Next

We’re waiting for a response. We’re continuing to push for the collaborative Family Plan we were promised. We’re documenting everything. And we’re not backing down.

Because Bennett deserves better. Every child in this system deserves better. And families who are honest about needing support deserve help, not punishment.

If you’re going through something similar, please know: you have the right to advocate for yourself. You have the right to question decisions that don’t align with court findings. You have the right to hold the ministry accountable.

And if you can’t do it alone, find advocates who will stand with you. They exist. And they matter.

If you or someone you know needs advocacy support navigating the child protection system, contact the Family Support Institute of BC or the Representative for Children and Youth.