BCFFPA Board of Directors
Teleconference Summary
August 20, 2007
1.
Meeting called to order at 9:34 am
2.
Treasurer’s Report
a.
A new bookkeeper has been hired and the chart of accounts changed to better reflect
current expenditures and future plans
b.
Two computers have been purchased for a draw that will include foster children of
members who have graduated or who have a school-leaving certificate for the 2007 year.
Draw to take place in September.
3.
President’s Report
a.
Meetings Attended
i.
Executive August 13th
1.
Discussed Motions from two previous AGMs
2.
Future directions
a.
Training Development
b.
Fundraising
ii.
Meeting with Annette Harding and Brent Parfitt
1.
Friends Program a pilot mentoring program is under development that
will focus on youth who are leaving care with no strong connections.
Mentors will be actively sought to keep these kids connected. There will
be some stipend to assist with costs. This will be piloted in the
Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Regions.
iii.
Meeting with Minister Christensen
1.
Spoke to the Report by Leslie du Toit, and the lack of reference to foster
care throughout. The Federation will be working with MCFD to expand
the report. Melanie suggested a meeting with du Toit, Min. Christensen,
and herself. This is being worked on.
2.
Also addressed was
a.
Fitness for foster families,
b.
Computers for kids – discussed this BCFFPA initiative and
possible expansion of the program
c.
Letters to graduates – they are having trouble getting names
from the Ministry of Education
d.
Media events for foster family month
b.
Upcoming Meetings
i.
Raconteur
1.
Melanie will be meeting with the Raconteur to refocus his efforts in
getting funding related to the Camps for Kids, Bursaries, Computers etc.
He will be asked to contact Rotary, Kiwasis, Lions Clubs and Chambers
of Commerce to share the BCFFPA story and look for donations to
enhance these programs.
ii.
Fundraising
1.
A meeting has been set up with a fundraising coordinator to look at ways
to better address the issue.
iii.
David Childs
1.
Dave Childs of Living Blueprint will be met to discuss rebranding options
for the Federation as discussed by the board last year.
c.
Correspondence
i.
Letter to Mark Sieben regarding storage of records – Response received - to be
posted on the web
ii.
Letter to AFABC regarding an article published in their newsletter that focuses on
negativity around fostering in order to promote adoption.
iii.
Marilyn Hedlund – letter regarding protocol notification which came out of the
2007 AGM has been sent. No response received to date.
d.
Idea Forums
i.
The next forum will be held in the Dawson Creek/ Ft St. John area the week of
Sept 12-14. The Vancouver Coastal one will be November 8, at the Croation
Cultural Centre in Vancouver. The rest of the north will be completed in the
spring.
4.
AGM Motions
vi.
We the BCFFPA resolve to establish that the Ministry of Children and Families recognize and
conduct themselves with the belief that children need competent, kind, empowering, long term
parenting in all cases; that MCFD and BCFFPA work together to establish and maintain foster
parenting for children. This is ongoing work, the bringing back of Post Majority services, and the
retention and recruitment committees will address these issues through their work.
vii.
We the BCFFPA resolve that children should only be placed in Group Home type settings, short
term (under 3 months) and as a last resort only. This is an issue that will be addressed by the
Retention and Recruitment Committees.
viii.
We the BCFFPA resolve that MCFD change the current bed specific contracts to be in effect for the
duration of the contract without modification or adjustment unless the intention is never to fill the
bed again or both parties agree to dissolve or decrease the number of beds within the contract.
Included in CSSS
ix.
We the BCFFPA resolve that MCFD use child specific contracts for periods of 3 years or less and
bed specific contracts for periods of more than three years. Letter will be sent to MCFD making
this request
x.
We the BCFFPA resolve to negotiate with MCFD for a pension plan for foster parents with a
vestment of 5 years. The Minister has been approached to provide matching funds for foster
parents who wish to buy a pension plan after 5 years of service. The Federation will continue to
follow up.
xi.
We the BCFFPA resolve to negotiate with MCFD for a more inclusive medical and dental plan for
foster families. There is a dental and extended medical plan already in place for Federation
members.
xii.
We the BCFFPA resolve to develop a response system using a positive approach to establish a
“response action” for those instances when contractual obligations are not being met. Example:
what can we expect to have happen when Protocol investigations are running longer than the
stated 30 days? The BCFFPA is looking at reinstatement of the Support Worker and Advocacy
Program. This issue would be addressed within that framework
xiii.
We the BCFFPA resolve to develop formalized advocacy for foster parents who want advocacy
during a Protocol. A self advocacy training module is being developed
03/AGM/06: MSC: (Heather Bayes) Provincial Board of the BCFFPA grant funds as based on
budgetary considerations. Carried This is self-explanatory and will be continued on an as needed basis
providing there are available funds.
04/AGM/06: MSC: (Helen Hofer) Move that BCFFPA lobby the ministry so that when children in care
are placed on the adoption list, foster parents are allowed to actively seek adoptive parents in
conjunction with the ministry for their children in care and that confidentiality issues are re-
examined in regards to letting people know that the children are up for adoption. This will speed the
process and move children towards permanency. Carried The Executive will write a letter to MCFD
regarding this issue.
05/AGM/06:MSC: (Lorraine Daley) BCFFPA take the necessary steps to ensure that no smoking be
allowed in foster homes or in vehicles that transport foster children. Carried A smoking committee has
been struck with outcomes available shortly.
07/AGM/06: MSC: (Wendy Sutherland) BCFFPA approach MCFD to institute a confidential annual
review for foster parents to evaluate MCFD staff on a yearly basis. Carried A document is being worked
on with input from the foster parents who brought the issue forward.
08/AGM/06: MSC: (Marcy Perron) BCFFPA explore ways and means so that all newborns will have a
plan to return to parents or adoption by the age of one year. Carried This would require lobbying of the
legal system to make this a reality. There are no plans to proceed at this point in time.
09/AGM/06: MSC: (Sheila Davis) Whereas Social Workers in BC are asked to prepare an evaluation on
the quality of service in foster homes, we ask that the BCFFPA assure that the foster parents receive
a copy of this placement feedback and are allowed to respond to it. Carried This relates to motion
07/AGM/06
10/AGM/06: MSC: (Patricia Youson) Move that the Financial Statements be part of the AGM package
and handed out to members the day before the AGM. Carried This will be implemented in the 2007
year.
12/AGM/06: MSC: (Jan Chapman) The BCFFPA Board of Directors begin discussions with MCFD
regarding full participation in the redevelopment of the Foster Parent Education Program. Carried
06/AGM/2007: MSC: ( Lila Lachmuth) Move that the BCFFPA do some type of clarification with lending
agencies regarding foster income. This is because many foster parents have difficulty securing mortgages
etc. because lending agencies, banks etc. are confused about our method of income.
A letter is now available from the Federation office for caregivers to share with lending agencies.
07/AGM/2007: MSC: (Wendy Sutherland) BCFFPA actively pursue discussion with MCFD with respect to
increasing the length of our contracts
Motion amended to read “extend the term of the contract” Amendment carried
The Federation is developing a letter to address this issue.
08/AGM/2007:MSC: (Holly Golanowski) Since the increase in the maintenance, gas has increased again and
will continue to increase. Therefore we are requesting an immediate increase in the maintenance to allow for
the increase in the cost for gas.
The wording in the original motion was struck and replaced with “increase in the km rate and a decrease in the
minimum km allotted” – carried The Federation will address the issue in a letter to MCFD
09/AGM/2007: MSC: (Helen Hofer) The BCFFPA ask the ministry to immediately notify foster parents who have
been accused of an allegation what the allegation is about.
The wording of the motion was amended from “immediately” to “within 24 hours and within normal business
hours and to be confirmed in writing and delivered by hand or registered mail.”
It was again amended to “within 3 business days – to be confirmed in writing and delivery by hand or
registered mail.” Carried with amendments A letter has been sent to Mark Sieben and Marilyn Hedlund
addressing this issue. There has been no response to date.
10/AGM/2007:MSC: (Stan Beech) The BCFFPA ask the MCFD for an automatic cost of living increase annually
and provide us with a report at the next AGM. This is being addressed in a letter
11/AGM/2007: MSC: (Jill Beech) Move that whereas the BCFFPA is the recognized voice for all foster parents, I
move that a member of each contracted agency be a participant in the BCFFPA teleconferences after the
business is concluded This has been discussed by the Board and a decision was made to write a letter to all
agencies citing the motion and informing them that it is the role of the BCFFPA Regional Delegate to liaise with the
agencies and that the agencies should be inviting those delegates to their meetings, and that the delegates will carry
information gathered to the Provincial Board and will share information coming from the Federation with those
agencies
12/AGM/2007: MCS: (Heather Bayes) The BCFFPA explore with the legal system of BC the reasons for the
extended timelines for adoption and to investigate methods to speed up the process This issue is being
worked on
13/AGM/2007:MSC: (Esther Swanson) The BCFFPA look into developing a province wide summer camp
program for BC Children in Care. Fundraising efforts are under way to assist in expanding the camp for kids
program
14/AGM/2007:MSC (Lila Lachmuth) The BCFFPA develop some formalized type of urgent response system to
assist foster parents (families) during tragedy A committee has been struck to develop a response system
15/AGM/2007: MSC (Holly Golanowski) BCFFPA negotiate with MCFD to set up paid positions for a
communication/Advocate worker This issue is being worked on.
These positions would be direct service and support to foster parents that will result in the retention of fostering our
children and youth. These positions would be supported by the BCFFPA.
5.
Ministry Liaison
a.
The provincial MCFD is gearing up for Foster Family Month.
b.
The finalizing of the CSSS is underway. The Federation will get a copy of the revisions
for final vetting
c.
60-day notice must be honored and payment can come even if caregivers have now quit.
A letter will be written to the Director of Child Welfare with regard to the policy that states
that modifications must have 60 days notice and that both parties must agree. CC’d to
the regions.
d.
Write a letter to all District Supervisors and Regional Executive Directors asking that
representatives from the BCFFPA be included in all Partnership meetings
e.
A briefing note has gone to Mark Sieben regarding increasing the coverage for the
Insurance Rider. There will hopefully be more information available on the next call.
6.
Regional Delegates
