Turning research into lasting change for children and youth in BC
Success in child and youth advocacy isn’t measured just by headlines.
It’s measured in laws and policies changed, benefits delivered, and better daily lives for children, youth and families across BC.
Since 1995, First Call has combined research, advocacy and partnerships to turn evidence into action — and action into lasting policy change.
Years
Publishing the BC Child Poverty Report Card
Year Successful Campaign
To strengthen protections for young workers
Million
Added to child benefits in one year (2018)
Children
Immediately benefited from ending the child support clawback
Employers
Certified annually through Living Wage BC
Policy Solutions
Proposed to advance children’s right to housing
Protecting Young Workers (2003–2023)
When BC lowered the legal working age in 2003, serious workplace injuries among children under 15 rose sharply. We documented the evidence, gathered stories from young workers, and sustained advocacy for nearly two decades.
Between 2019 and 2023, the province introduced new laws and regulations to strengthen protections for working children and youth, including clearer rules around hazardous jobs.
Long-term advocacy works. Children and teens in BC are safer at work today because evidence was tracked — and voices were heard.
Building a Poverty Reduction Plan (1997–2018)
For 29 years, our annual BC Child Poverty Report Card has tracked government progress and pressed for change. In 2011, we called for legislated poverty reduction targets and timelines that included a focus on reducing child poverty.
In 2018, the BC Poverty Reduction Strategy Act passed unanimously — including a specific target to reduce child poverty.
Measuring poverty is essential. Reducing it is even more important.
Delivering the BC Family Benefit (2018)
In 2018, we recommended doubling and expanding BC’s child benefit to include children aged 0–17. The next provincial budget introduced the new BC Family Benefit, adding $280 million in support for lower-income families in its first year.
That change put more money directly into the hands of families raising children.
Ending the Child Support Clawback (2015)
Single parents receiving social assistance once lost child support payments to government clawbacks. After sustained advocacy, the province ended the practice.
In the first year alone, more than 5,400 children experienced a meaningful reduction in the depth of poverty in their households. Other unfair clawbacks were eliminated soon after.
Policy details matter. So do children’s daily lives.
Living Wages that Lift Families (2008–2022)
First Call helped launch and grow the Living Wage for Families Campaign for 14 years. Now known as Living Wage BC, the campaign certifies hundreds of employers annually who commit to paying wages families can live on.
Our research continues to show how wages shape children’s well-being.
‘Making Ends Meet’ shows strong communities begin with family income security.
Stronger Supports for Youth from Care (2017–2021)
Through the Fostering Change campaign, in partnership with many youth-serving organizations, we supported youth with experience in government care to speak directly to decision-makers.
As a result, BC strengthened and formalized supports for young people transitioning out of care. The changes were driven by youth leadership and grounded in their experience and expertise.
When young people lead, policy improves.
Early Childhood Development: A Framework for Action (2003–Present)
Our early childhood advocacy began with a province-wide framework in 2003 and continued through updated calls to action in 2008 and 2015.
We have consistently pushed for better pregnancy outcomes, affordable quality child care, support for parents of young children and stronger supports for children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Government investments have grown over time — and our advocacy for young children continues.
Children’s Right to Housing (2021–Present)
Families across BC continue to face barriers to safe, affordable housing. In 2024, we published A Failure to Protect, documenting how housing instability harms children and proposing more than 20 policy solutions.
While governments have taken steps, families still experience a system that does not work for them.
Every child deserves a safe place to call home.
