BCFFPA Board of Directors
Teleconference Summary
May 7, 2007
1.
Acceptance of Minutes April 2, 2007 – accepted consensus
2.
Additions – Bd chairs and renovations
3.
Treasurer’s Report
a.
All locals to submit financial info by the end of June in order to continue to
receive funding from memberships
01/05/2007: (Jan Chapman/Tom Leboe) MSC: Move to include all applications in the camp for
kids grant funding this year.
This motion came forward as not all funds were used from 2006/07 camp for kids and a higher
number of applications came in this year so the board decided to spend approx $200 of left over
funds to send more kids to camp in 2007/08.
b.
Ralph Libby is working on getting matching donations from a mutual insurance
company in the amount of $1500 to put toward the camp for kids fund.
c.
Joe Mander has donated prints for selling as a fundraiser. He will attend the
conference and will sign and number them.
d.
The board agreed to a loonie auction, tv raffle, and candy kabob sales. The CFFA
silent auction will get donations of goods from the Federation as well. Ellaine
will arrange
4.
Presidents Report
a.
Upcoming Meetings
i.
Melanie outlined the purpose of the meetings taking place in the Interior
the weeks of June 3-8, and June 18 – 22. This is to share information
around the services offered by the BCFFPA, FAFP, YICN, PFPSL, as
well as to share the vision of the Federation as it moves forward, and to
gather feedback from all stakeholders around that vision.
b.
Media
i.
Province Newspaper was looking for a mother’s day story. Several names
were given the reporter. As well, Melanie was interviewed by a reporter
from the Globe and Mail who will be writing an article in an upcoming
issue.
ii.
Additional stories have appeared in various newspapers regarding the 40th
anniversary celebrations.
iii.
Provincial Forum – the date has been moved to the 23rd
. Although there
were a few problems with the reschedule due to already organized CFFA
meetings, those problems have been worked around.
iv.
Board Room
1.
Renovations - The Federation now has taken over the existing
shared boardroom and renovations are planned in order to divide it
off for privacy. Quotes will go out to the board for approval.
iii.
Linda Lindburg will be coming to the Forum representing the Cariboo
area of the region
iv.
Violence in foster homes in the Interior region continues to take place,
with the response from workers not being provided. In looking into the
matter Heather has found that it appears there is a few youth causing the
problems. The board will look into the issues of Education regarding
conduct disorders and triangulation with a view to developing education
around these issues.
v.
High numbers of level 3 foster homes are leaving due to lack of support
from MCFD.
b.
Fraser
i.
Gang related violence is happening in the Fraser Region particularly in the
Burnaby area. It appears that there is a need for extensive behavior
management for youth. One idea is to have a Conduct Disorder Specialist
attached to Ministry offices attached to a group of homes or a pod so that
foster parents and children can get services when necessary. Members of
the childcare team do not really comprehend the seriousness of the
problem, so there are not enough adequate supports in place for the foster
home. As these homes burn out due to lack of support the kids are moved
again and again, adding to their issues. This was identified as a key
retention issue. A Practice Framework needs to be developed to address
the issue when it arises. This framework would contain a plan of action,
including supports, Social worker involvement. If the team does not work
together the placement will not work. This plan of action would need to
be strictly adhered to by the full team. This may include involvement by
Mental Health. Currently if kids refuse help, Mental Health will not look
at them.
1.
Office and Board will look at other models both locally and around
the world.
2.
Training regarding Triangulation will be developed
3.
Short Term direct solutions need to be implemented as soon as
possible
4.
The Fraser Residential Resource Project has been completed and
delivers a model for residential services. The BCFFPA regionally
had input into this committee. This will be a public paper shortly.
c.
Log books – whom do they belong to? The Federation is suggesting that Foster
Parents keep the originals in a safe place and that copies be forwarded to MCFD.
Jan Chapman will bring a motion to the AGM.
d.
North
i.
There are some issues and concerns arising with the Ministry in the North
West. This is being addressed by Willy.
e.
Island
i.
A Partnership meeting was held in Port Alberni. The Regional Delegate
attended, however she is not being given information on Partnership
Meetings taking place in other areas of the region. This is an issue, which
needs to be addressed.
ii.
Foster Parents are not being paid in some cases when kids are only in the
home for a few days. This will be looked in to.
7.
Ministry Liaison
a.
MCFD Provincially is currently undertaking a project to totally redo the client
management system. The Federation will be involved in this initiative.
Next Meeting May 27, 2007
