President's Report

December 2005

As you read this report, Christmas will soon be upon us. I truly wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. It is a time of much festivity, activity, excitement and, at times, stress. Do remember to take some time for yourself to “re-charge your batteries”! We cannot benefit those we care for if we ourselves are not healthy and happy.

Issues and concerns which we have been working on since my last report are:

A meeting was held in August with MCFD representatives regarding issues raised by the BCFFPA. FAFP was also invited to take part. The topics discussed were:

Mileage rates: We have asked for a mileage increase for foster parents. MCFD has agreed to look into this, and we are hopeful that some positive news regarding this request will be received by the and of the year.

Modification Agreements and lack of 60 days notice - The Caregiver Support Service Standards will now include clear wording regarding modification agreements and 60 days notice.

Caregiver Support Service Standards – The Caregiver Support Service Standards have had all revisions received and incorporated into the document. We are now reviewing the final draft prior to signing it off.

Monthly Maintenance Rate Increases –The BCFFPA and FAFP have developed a tracking tool which was sent to a random group of foster parents throughout the province. The tracking will take place for a three month period beginning October 1 with the results collated by the end of January for presentation to MCFD. The BCFFPA will continue working with MCFD in an effort to have maintenance rates increased.

Respite/Relief - There was a motion brought forward at our last AGM requesting clarification around relief payment calculations. It was clarified that CFCS policy states respite/relief paid by the Ministry is paid on a per diem basis and not by calendar. This will be standardized throughout the province.

We will continue to work towards a positive resolution regarding unresolved issues and will keep you informed.

We have now started work on next years AGM which will be held in Kelowna May 26th and 27th, 2006. Mark your calendars early so you don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet and network with peers from around the province, improve your skills through various workshop topics and have a weekend filled with fun, friends and laughter. More details later in the New Year!

AGM 2007 will coincide with our 40th Anniversary, and planning for this event is already in progress. We will be hosting the CFFA Annual Symposium in conjunction with our 2007 AGM and Conference taking place in Richmond BC.

Thank you to all who responded to our survey via mail or e-mail. Your responses are of great value to us as they enable us to continue to work towards being a credible, membership driven, and proactive organization. We are in the process of compiling all the information and a detailed report will be available in January. 

I am pleased to announce that the BCFFPA Board of Directors has established two new Bursaries. The first is an educational bursary for birth and adopted children of members. The final criteria is now being developed and the bursary will be available in the spring of 2006. The second bursary is for financial assistance to help offset the costs of training children and youth for participation in the Special Olympics. This bursary will also be available in the spring of 2006.

We have now competed the development of a 3-hour workshop on Grief Loss and Transition. Anyone interested in having this workshop presented in their area, please contact the Federation office at 1-800-663-9999.

We are currently involved with various initiatives and committees including GAPS in Services to Youth with IQ’s over 70, Right to Success, Family Conferencing, Adoption Lines, as well as projects with our partners, the FBCYICN, FAFP, and AFABC and others.

The BCFFPA, the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks, and the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents will be sponsoring a Christmas dinner for youth ages 16-24 who have aged out or are on Youth Agreements or Independent Living and have no family to go to for Christmas. 30 young people will enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Santa will be there handing out gifts as well. Donations of gifts, food and money to help offset costs have been gathered, with each organization donating supplies and volunteer time. Thanks needs to go out to Ellaine and Sarah in our office for all the great donations they have been successful in collecting.

I would like to welcome our two new board members. Claude Cuff is taking over for Marilou Bancud as Vancouver Coastal Regional Delegate. We wish Marylou all the best in her position as President of the local foster parent group in Vancouver. Lois Dol is joining us as Vancouver Island Regional Delegate, filling the vacant position created when Sheila Davis moved to become Provincial Secretary.

Foster Family Month - October has come and gone and I do hope that foster parents in your area were recognized during this time. I was pleased that Minister Hagen was able to attend several functions this year. I had the opportunity to be a part of one of the events, which he attended. It was nice that so many foster parents had the opportunity to meet and chat with the Minister in person.

As the BDFFPA feels it is important for foster parents to be recognized for the work they do throughout the year, a letter to the Editor was sent to all the Provincial, Regional and Local Newspapers (see page13). As well a radio spot was produced and played on various radio stations during the first week of October. (see page13)

We continue to find ways to increase our financial position to better support foster parents. We have a new fundraising venture with Husky/Mohawk gas stations throughout the Province. When the rebate card is swiped at time of purchase, the Federation will receive 2% of the total. Further details are available on page 5.

The regions also count on memberships to keep their regions/locals going as 2/3rd of your membership is returned to the Region. Please visit our web site for information on the current membership drive.

In closing, I wish you all a very healthy, happy holiday and hope that all your wishes come true in 2006.

Sheila Durnford