BCFFPA Board of Directors
Teleconference Summary
April 2, 2007
1.
Meeting called to order at 9:45 AM – Melanie delayed, Willy Neal chairing
2.
Minutes of March 5, 2007 accepted as written (S Davis) carried
3.
Additions – add personnel to the agenda under President’s report – Willy to discuss
4.
President’s Report
a.
Upcoming Meetings
i.
Work is being done to set up a Tour of the Interior Region beginning June
4, 2007. Topics will include, Melanie’s presentation on the future
direction of the BCFFPA followed by an Idea Forum around that topic,
insurance information, Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents services,
BCFFPA services, Provincial Foster Parent Support line services and
general discussion. The plan is to complete the Interior region by mid-
July, and continue with the North in the early fall, holding meetings in
various areas. This will bring attention to the great work of the Federation
and hopeful uplift the profile, and increase membership. Agencies and
Ministry are responsive to the idea.
ii.
There was discussion around rewording the outcome of a protocol
investigation from “unfounded” to different language in order to alleviate
the perception of guilt that lingers and is brought up years later.
iii.
Canadian Living Magazine will carry an article regarding foster care in the
April/May issue.
iv.
Personnel – a relative volunteer will be used to cover reception until a new
Office Assistant can be hired. An honorarium will be paid. This person
has done extensive volunteer hours over the past 7 years for the
Federation. The Administrative Coordinator will supervise the
receptionist. Going forward, Louise Dol felt that she would like to have
personnel reports every three months going forward
5.
Treasurer’s Report
a.
Ratification of telephone/fax/e-mail vote regarding coverage of legal fees for a
foster parent.
b.
There was discussion around setting up of a legal defense fund to cover foster
parents in the event of other cases arising which are not within the parameters of
the contract related insurance. This will be worked on.
c.
Profit/Loss and balance sheets to year-end will be available in April.
d.
The audit will be available to caregivers attending the AGM the day prior.
e.
The Federation has signed a new lease with AFABC, which now includes the
existing boardroom. Budget for 2007/08 covers extra rent, and renovation costs
to build a dividing wall.
6.
Old Business
a.
Education report – there was one Steering Meeting for the Administration
committee with another one to come. L Dol is the Education chairperson so once
all committees are up and running she will start to receive reports from BCFFPA
reps on those committees.
b.
Recruitment and Retention meetings TBA in the near future. Some resource
workers have stated that unless the regions receive more money they will do
nothing more for retention.
c.
Raconteur Report – faxed to the board.
d.
Smoking Committee – the committee is looking at several options. One is the
method provided to people on income assistance through MIEA. The costs
associated would be in the neighborhood of $250,000. The Federation, FAFP,
and BCYICN are promoting a non-punitive approach to helping foster parents
stop smoking in their homes and vehicles. MCFD is planning to make it part of
the FCHA. There will be an implementation period, the length of which has yet to
be decided. Board members were asked to provide feedback. Next meeting is
April 3
7.
CFFA/BCFFPA AGM 2007
a.
A decision on the pins has been made and they are on order
b.
Hotel rooms are filling up fast so people are asked to get their accommodation
requirements in as soon as possible.
c.
Contracts to M/C and others are still to be completed.
d.
BCFFPA Reps will look at vests and jackets on the 13th
e.
Loan of flags is being looked into
8.
Regional Updates
a.
Fraser
i.
Magnets are still being worked on for regions
ii.
A foster parent received a final Q of C report, even though this protocol no
longer exists and the region has the correct information regarding this.
Work will continue regarding getting the word out that this protocol is no
longer to be used. The letter was resent to the reps.
b.
Interior – No Report as Heather Bayes was absent
c.
North
i.
CSSS Standards training is currently taking place in the north and is being
co facilitated by the agency and BCFFPA
ii.
R. Nelson, W. Neal, and E. Ashby attend the smoking committee meeting
which will take place the morning of the 3rd of April
d.
Island
i.
There are some problems occurring with payments to foster parents from
the Delegated agency.
ii.
The media on the island stated that foster parents receive $2000 per month
payments for maintenance rather than clarifying that the amount also
includes service payment. Will be asked to retract
iii.
Louise still feels that there is a turf war going on and would like to go to
the Partnership meetings taking place in other parts of the island. She will
forward costs to the provincial office. FPSSS was to share this info with
the office, however it has not been received to date.
iv.
The financial statements of the BCFFPA local in Port Alberni are the
property of the BCFFPA and not for sharing with the agency, as BCFFPA
funds do not come from the agency. It was clarified that agency funding
to the local should be held in a separate account. T. Leboe to write a letter
to the Port Alberni local clearly outlining the financial responsibility, and
ask that they move all FPSSS monies out of the BCFFPA account.
Next meeting is May 7, 2007 9:30-11:30 am
