June 2006
Dear Caregivers
I would like to thank everyone who voted for me for the opportunity to serve as President of the
BCFFPA.
The AGM in Kelowna was very successful. This was a great place to network with colleagues,
contractors and personnel from the MCFD. I would like to thank the foster parents from the host
Kelowna local for all their work organizing the boat cruise, snacks and the fabulous silent auction.
I also would like to acknowledge the Okanagan Foster Parents Association for the pens, and the
tremendous theme baskets (native art, wine, cooking, etc.). These were prized possessions
during the ‘enthusiastic’ bidding at the “loonie” auction.
To Paul Jenkins, thanks for bringing your “listening tour” to our AGM and congratulations to Mark
on his new position as Assistant Deputy Minister. More information about the BCASW Listening
Tour is posted on our web site.
I am looking forward to working with the BCFFPA Board of Directors, comprised of members with
incredible, yet diverse, skills from which to draw upon.
In the upcoming year the BCFFPA will be focusing on the following issues:
1.
Further development and lobbying for legislated rights for foster parents. This draft
document was circulated at the BCFFPA AGM and mailed to all members June 6
th
,
all foster parents to participate.
2.
Liability Insurance as it pertains to negligence claims. Please see the AGM meeting
summary 2006 on our web site for further details.
3.
Preparation for our 40th
Anniversary AGM and Conference, which will be held in
conjunction with the Canadian Foster Parents Association in May of 2007.
4.
Inclusion in the Foster Care Support System Framework and related focus groups.
5.
Study and work on the motions generated at the Kelowna AGM.
I look forward to communicating with foster parents throughout the province in the coming
months.
Sincerely,
Melanie Filiatrault
