BCFFPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CONFERENCE CALL SUMMARY

OCTOBER 14, 2004

1. New Fraser Rep is Debbie Drewitz

2. Minutes of September 14, 2004 accepted as written

3. Old Business

a. Legal Custody Issue – The Vice President has been unsuccessful in receiving a response from Marnie Dunnaway. The board gave consensus to having her contact a lawyer in Kelowna regarding foster parents taking legal custody of their CIC’s.

b. Contract Update – A letter has been written to MCFD regarding this issue

c. William Curtis Bursary Rewording – carry over to November

d. Programs and Services Progress Report – Rick and Willie not on the call – no report

e. Macro Regional Model Criteria Update –The area feels that the meeting scheduled for the 13^th and 14^th should complete in order for those meeting to begin developing policy. Time frame for completion is January 05.

f. Interior Macro Region Council Progress Report – First meeting to be held October 13, 14, 2004. Developing financial criteria. The group is moving forward. Minutes will be distributed to the board upon receipt. The Area G is not folding until they can be assured that the macro councils is up and running with clear lines of communication. The group is working on a form for locals to report issues and meeting outcomes for forwarding to the macro council. Teleconferences will be held every two months, with a face-to-face AGM meeting held yearly. The 2004/05-year will see two meetings to assist in establishing the council. The council will meet with Rick Childerhose to introduce themselves. Overall the meeting is proving very positive.

g. Camps for Kids criteria – Criteria is close to complete. Regional Delegates to gather a list of camps in their area for linking to the BCFFPA web site.

4. New Business

a. Willy Neal to act as liaison between BCFFPA and the FOBCYICN. The board felt that the idea has merit however there is no ability to cover expenses at this time. It was also suggested that Ian Mass be asked to be an advisory board member.

b. Foster Family Month – Media

i. The President attended the Vancouver Coastal Appreciation Dinner along with the Vancouver Coastal Delegate. The President gave a well-received speech. According to feedback received, all regions appear to be doing something for foster parents; some functions are larger than others. The President and the Vancouver Coastal Delegate have also been asked to attend the Sechelt luncheon. The board felt this to be beneficial.

ii. The President attended the Sto:lo open house at their new premises in Chilliwack

iii. Media Packages have been sent to television, radio, and newspapers across the province. Kamloops this week has requested that a foster parent speak to them. The President arranged this. CKNW did a radio show with her and a fostering family on the 11^th of October.

5. President’s report

a. Meetings attended – notes on meetings with delegates from Australia and Japan have been sent to the board. Any questions can go to the President.

b. A meeting was held with Vancouver Coastal MCFD – a report of this meeting was sent to the board. A PSA has been developed for release to the media. The BCFFPA and Vancouver Coastal MCFD have developed an excellent working relationship. A lot of fund raising ideas have also come out of this meeting. The President affirmed that the provincial BCFFPA is available to assist regions with these types of issues.

c. Victoria Meetings

i. The Island Delegate, the Vice President, and the President attended a meeting with MCFD and FPSSS. The BCFFPA role was explained to the FPSSS and a letter of understanding was drafted to be sent to all foster parents in the Vancouver Island Region

ii. FCFS - The legal custody issue is considered a hot issue. FCFS is pleased that the BCFFPA is looking into it

iii. Jane Morley CYO – Ian Mass was assigned to be the CYO liaison to the board, however since he is leaving the CYO, Kathy Bergen-Cline will step into the position. She has received contact information for each region from the office. The CYO is trying to resurrect the RIGHT WAY project, which is a project, which makes all children aware of their rights in care. The President attended a meeting, which included Jane Morley, the Public Trustee, Youth in Care and Youth Justice representatives. A working committee was struck. The President will continue to attend the advisory committee.

iv. A Human Rights Tribunal around denial of insurance to foster parents based on family status took place with the BCFFPA Office Administrator acting as a witness for the foster parent. The President went as a representative of the Federation. The outcome is pending, and may be precedent setting for foster parents.

d. CFFA Questionnaire – Questionnaires and covering letters have now gone to all CFFA member agencies across Canada.

6. Treasurer’s Report – The Treasurer is currently out of the country, however she continues to work on the gaming access funds application and will be sending it in at the end of November.

7. Aboriginal Foster Parent Doll Project Launch

The Vancouver Coastal Delegate is attending these meetings. The original launch was to be October 15, however this was cancelled due to lack of MLA availability. FAFP will try for the 28^th of October. There are 15 dolls available, which will be placed with MLAs in a foster situation for 6 months.

8. Open House Database Launch – status report given. Confirmation has been received that Minister Hagen will attend.

9. Regional Update

a. The Vancouver Island Delegate is waiting to hear from FPSSS as the group had decided to include her in some of their meetings.

10. IN CAMERA OUTCOMES

When need to have discussions “in camera” the term that will be used will be “Provincial Board Members Only”

Office Administration title changed to: “Office Manager”.

Conference calls to be set up for next 4 – 6 months and forwarded to Board.