Board of Directors Conference
Meeting Summary
June 19, 2006
1.
Minutes of May 28, 2006 accepted as written
2.
Treasurer’s Report
a.
May Financials will be forwarded to the board prior to the next meeting
b.
An internal audit will be completed before the end of June. This should be
done on a regular basis.
c.
Bursary Applications have been sent to the Bursary Committee for a
decision and recommendation
d.
Unclaimed funds – after looking into it further, it was discovered that this
was a cheque which was returned to MCFD by the Federation at the time
funding was cut. MCFD is still holding the funds. We are not entitled to
the funds.
e.
There was a query regarding the cost of the internal audit. Costs have not
yet been determined, however as the Federation wants to make sure all
systems are in place, it is felt it is worth the money. It should be a shorter
procedure than the financial audit so may not cost as much
3.
President’s Report
a.
A motion was made to hire an individual to further develop the BCFFPA
Policy and Procedures Manual from a legal standpoint in order to clean up
any overlaps. The cost will be assessed.
b.
A motion was passed to hire two additional part time staff for the office.
It was agreed that there would be a 30-hour and a 25-hour.
c.
A motion was passed for the Personnel chair to look at revamping the staff
handbook with clear roles, expectations and job descriptions as well as
confidentiality and consequences for breaching.
d.
A motion was passed for the board to look at the hiring of a Public
Relations, and fundraising person for several hours a month.
e.
The President attended a transformation workshop with Lesley du Toit
DM-MCFD along with other invited guests.
f.
Federation of Child and Family Services of BC – representatives from the
Federation attended this meeting June 8th and 9th. Hon. Ted Hughes and
MCFD’s Clara Robins were honored for their diligence in the completion
of the Hughes report.
g.
Committees
i.
Education – Claude Cuff will chair this and will choose other
people to be part of it from around the province. Inform the office
of names.
ii.
Fundraising Committee – Lyn York to chair
iii.
Rights of Foster Parents – Heather Bayes and Melanie Filiatrault
4.
CFFA/AGM 2007
a.
CFFA/AGM 2007 A budget and letter requesting funding for this event
from MCFD were sent. The draft plan and schedule was also worked on
and shared with the CFFA committee. The Board will receive a copy
prior to it being forwarded to MCFD. Meetings to interview event
coordinators will take place on July 10th.
b.
CLBC Meeting – The CFFA Committee Chairperson attended. The
meeting was to celebrate the 1st anniversary of CLBC. The Minister was
there to announce $40 M to CLBC to help people stay at home.
Individuals will apply for grants to help make their homes accessible.
5.
New Business
a.
Technical & Vocational Bursary $ Allocation – bf at next meeting for
discussion.
b.
Auditors Recommendations – The Auditor recommends the minutes be
signed by an executive member . The office will check with the
Parliamentarian regarding requirements for this. BF at next meeting
6.
Ministry Liaison
a.
Provincial Forum – report
i.
MCFD HQ is working on the report. One key piece, which came
out of this, was the need to do this annually. MCFD suggested that
this happen in conjunction with the BCFFPA AGM and CFFA.
b.
Caregiver Support Services Standards – still being looked at by the
Deputy Minister. The final version will be sent out after she has seen it.
The issue of 60 days notice has been clarified.
7.
Regional Delegates
a.
Vancouver Coastal – Sunshine Coast - Claude Cuff holding the
President’s position. There are not currently many concerns. He is hoping
to set up dates for the Listening Tour. He also wants to look at Family
Services of Greater Vancouver regarding development of an e-mail
database for the region.
b.
Fraser – Not a lot to report. The Community Forums have been wrapped
up. These forums looked at the needs of foster parents in the Fraser
Region. The last meeting took place May 30. MCFD is compiling the
information received, and preparing a report. One suggesting that Debbie
is aware of is the need for BCFFPA to advertise itself more extensively
c.
Interior – A conference call took place which involved the setting of Goals
for:
i.
Increased communication with MCFD
ii.
Membership encouragement for new foster homes
iii.
Sustainable Funding
iv.
Networking and Communication jointly with Provincial
A request was made for the MCFD Liaison to see if the directive with
regard to mileage can be resent to the local ministry offices, as they did
not get. She will resend to REDs for sharing
d.
North – Rick has taken on the Aboriginal of the committees on the board.
There are some issues being addressed with regard to the Northern
Aboriginal Authorities placement of CIC’s in homes. MCFD has a
complaint resolution process in place, however the Delegated groups do
not. Some plans are made and kids are moved in a way that does not give
access to information regarding the kids. Rick will be working with the
FAFP to see if there is anywhere in the province where this process is
working positively. Some of the transitions from MCFD to Delegated
agencies are difficult for foster parents. It was felt that the Aboriginal
Services Branch needs to be involved. The MCFD Liaison will speak to
Ministry Managers and see if Aboriginal staff can join the Advisory Calls.
Work continues on reestablishing some of the locals in the North, as well
as on improving communication with all foster parents.
e.
Vancouver Island- Most of the FPSSS Coffee Meetings have shut down
for the summer. There was a Regional Partnership meeting held shortly
after the BCFFPA AGM. There is a need for more of these types of
meetings in the Central Island Area as a means of promoting positive
communications.
Next conference call set for Monday August 14 7-9 PM
