Discussion regarding Standards Revisions

The board believes it is crucial that foster parents have input into the revisions to the 1999 document previously developed jointly between BCFFPA and MCFD, as these standards have a major impact on care givers.

The BCFFPA will contact the ministry to request that the draft revisions be forwarded to the board for input prior to finalization.

The board will seek clarification around the rumoured development of regional standards

There are also concerns around the Aboriginal portion of Standards, where if a protocol is begun, all parties with a vested interest in the child are made aware of all aspects of the protocol. It is felt that this is an unfair method of doing business, due in part to the possibility of the protocol being based on unfounded allegations. This issue continues to be addressed.

Caregiver Support Service Standards are also included in the discussions.

More discussion to take place on Standards Conference call scheduled for January 12th.

Treasurer's Report

Budget - The budget for the 2004/05 contract is ready to be submitted to MCFD after minor changes to the Business Plan and Goals and Objectives are completed.

Auditor Quotes - A late quote for auditor services was received. The board decided to go with the original quote from Brian Tipper as per the motion of December 10th. The office will inform the successful candidate.

Fundraising

• Gaming Access Funds application was sent on December 29th
• Vehicle Lottery - under discussion
• United Way - under discussion.
• ATS -
  • So far the fundraising has exceeded last years total.
  • The show was held on December 22nd, with approximately 500 people in attendance at each of the two shows.

President/Vice President Report

Meetings Attended
Database meeting December 15th - A research assistant has been hired to provide research services. The next meeting of the database development committee is scheduled for January 16th.
Youth in Care December 15th - The minutes of this meeting have been sent to the board.
Vancouver Province Reporter - There were several letters of support sent to the province regarding a recent negative article. Three were published, and included the AFABC, FAFP and BCFFPA submissions.

Office Move
This issue is still being worked on.

Feedback on Independent Living
Some feedback has been received from foster parents throughout the province. Board members were reminded of the importance of obtaining as much information as possible from foster parents in their areas regarding the pros and cons of the move to place youth on independence prior to high school graduation.

Survey - on hold

AGM
Workshop options were discussed briefly. The office will follow up with suggestions.

MCFD Liaison Report
Due to the Christmas break there is very little new information reported from the MCFD.

The issue of Standards for Foster Homes was discussed as noted previously

MCFD has viewed the draft budget for 200/05 and felt it was positive and are awaiting the final document.

Regional Concerns
North - The support position in the JE area is currently vacant, with foster parents continuing to feel unsupported. The regional council continues to provide protocol and peer support with travel coverage still an issue for volunteer support workers.

The agencies appeared unaware of the amount of time used to provide protocol support prior to taking on the contracts, The ministry appears to have no plans to repost this contract as they feel that the services are being provided.

The Regional council will now be included in meetings between ministry and the support agency. It is hoped that communication will improve with the new manager in place for the agency.

In the Prince George area, it was reported that there are no real problems, and only minor issues around the lack of education. This group continues to meet with ministry.

There is no information around issues in the JW area.

Interior - OKFPA and ICS appear to be providing good support with no complaints coming forward

Vancouver Coastal - Hollyburn continues to provide training, however fewer and fewer foster parents appear to be participating. The Safe Babies program is still in place.

Vancouver Island - The agency appears to be doing well with a lot of good training opportunities available. There is some concern around protocol support, however there is discussion around the possibility of training new support workers.

Fraser - The 53 hours of education is still ongoing. This region is experiencing a reduction in the numbers of protocol assistance.

The Abbotsford and Chilliwack areas are offering a lot of training, with somewhat less training being offered in other areas of the region.

There is no information available from the Simon Fraser region .

There has been a lot of interest in the membership draw, with many of the memberships being for 2 years.

The TV will be purchased and picked up by the recipient at a store close to their home. The draw will take place the week of the January 12th.