1
BCFFPA Board of Directors
Teleconference
March 5, 2007
Meeting Called To Order at 9:32 am
1.
Minutes of February 9th
, 2007 accepted as written (Rick Nelson/Heather Bayes)
2.
President’s Report
a.
Meetings Attended
i.
Minister Christensen – The Vice President, Treasurer, and Executive Director
met with Min. Christensen. The discussion centered on a maintenance and
service payment increase for foster parents, which will come about over the next
three years. Other issues discussed at this meeting involved, relief for
caregivers, and out of pocket expenses. While members of the board felt that
the increase is a start there was much discussion around extending the increase
to Grandparents as well. Information from the BCFFPA Maintenance Increase
Justification was used to secure this increase for foster parents
ii.
Mark Sieben and Marilyn Hedlund – A meeting with the new ADM Marilyn
Hedlund also took place. She asked many questions around services provided.
The business plan will be forwarded to her.
iii.
FCFS
1.
Minister Christensen announced the maintenance increase at this
meeting, and acknowledged the continued lobbying by the Federation to
gain this increase. He also spoke to Federation members about the
2007/08 budgets and his ministry.
2.
The BC Representative for Children and Youth, Mary Ellen Turpel -
Lafond shared her vision on her new position
3.
Crystal Ocean, author of ‘Policies of Exclusion, Poverty & Health: Stories
from the Front’ and founder of WISE, a growing national movement led
by women in poverty discussed some of the long term predictors of
poverty identified in her story
4.
Sean Holman, Editor of Public Eye Online & 24 Hour Magazine
contributor shared his views on how the media covers MCFD
b.
Media
i.
Melanie has been receiving many calls from the media related to the increase in
rates, and has responded to all inquiries. Some media had received leaked
information prior to the press release. The 1-800 line number was listed for
individuals who are interested in fostering.
c.
Annual Reports
i.
These are due March 31, 2007
d.
There was discussion around the need to increase Jayne Cotter’s hours from 25 to 30
hours a week, due to an increasing workload.
01/03/07:MSC: (H Bayes) Increase Jayne’s hours to 30 hours per week from 25.
Carried
3.
Treasurer’s Report
The final budget has gone to MCFD.
02/03/07:MSC: (Tom Leboe) Move to have $5000 per region available to assist Foster Parent
Members attend the AGM in May. Carried
Ellaine to work with individual regions to disburse money. Reimbursement will take place after
the AGM.
4.
Old Business
a.
Education Report
i.
The Steering Meeting is yet to take place. The Federation has representation on
all committees so will keep the board informed.
b.
Code of Conduct
i.
Melanie should have the updates prior to the next meeting.
c.
Smoking Committee
i.
The committee chair for the BCFFPA has some committee work in draft so is
unable to share it with the board at this time. There is a call scheduled for
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March 6, 2007. He will continue to work diligently to ensure that the non smoking
issue does not become law and that care is taken in implementing this policy.
d.
Nominations Committee
i.
There are so far no nominations coming forward
e.
Social Worker Survey
i.
The board agreed to be part of this survey and return the completed copies by
March 15, 2007
5.
CFFA/AGM Update
a.
An MC has been chosen
b.
Development of the Conference Package and Program Guide is underway
c.
Entertainment will be the Metis Little Jiggers
d.
Sponsorship Packages are ready to go
e.
Media packages have been completed
f.
Shirts for the Volunteers have been ok’d
g.
Invitation cards have been distributed
h.
A teleconference will take place prior to March 15th
6.
Anachronism Cartoon Book is underway. Once the list of names has begun it will go to the board
for their input.
7.
New Business
a.
MCFD in the Interior Region has left over funds and is making them available at $150 per
child in care to be used for special items. It was clarified that this is only taking place in
the Interior Region.
b.
Jackets will be viewed by the Executive with recommendations going to the full board.
8.
MCFD Liaison
a.
CSSS Status of Feedback
i.
Implementation has been going well in some regions with others being slower
and patchy
ii.
Leslie and Annette have delivered 19-20 sessions and have received a lot of
feedback which will be implemented in the future.
iii.
Those who have gone to orientation are aware of the issues, and information so
can now practice it. Workload issues are a problem when it comes to
implementation however
iv.
In some regions, MCFD will deliver the information to caregivers, with variations
in delivery methods and times depending on the regional needs
9.
Regional Reports
a.
Fraser – The Delegate has a current membership list and is following up with calls to non
renewing members. A list of members will be sent to all reps. Debbie provided a full
report in the latest issue of the newsletter. The production of magnets is moving forward.
The ED of Kids Up Front will be invited to attend our AGM and Banquet.
b.
North – There is a Northern Transformation Reference Group Meeting taking place soon.
Willy will be representing the Federation. The Delegate continues to speak to contacts in
the Region with a view to forming a stronger network, while Willy continues to meet with
Foster Parents in the North West. There is interest in forming a Northern Macro Council.
c.
Interior – Frank Hetherington is working with ICS . The 100 Mile Local has been in
contact with Salmon Arm. There are some of the same issue prevailing there as in
Salmon Arm regarding the contracted agency. In the North Okanagan Guardianship
Review Forums are taking place. Social Workers will attend, and foster parents in the
area are strongly urged to attend as well. This is a major networking and training
initiative. The Macro Council is very actively involved in concerns raised by Foster
Parents as they pertain to CLBC. Foster Parents are still not receiving services in a
timely manner if at all.
d.
Vancouver Island – There has been an increase in the politics surrounding FPSSS.
Louise would like to network out to the other areas of the region. The board felt it
important that Louise attend some of the partnership meetings. Melanie has spoken to
Margaret Howley who has been asked to contact the office to let the office know dates for
team meetings. The office will request a list of Partnership Meeting from HQ
Next Meeting April 2nd 2007 9:30-11:30
