March 2004

 

Dear Caregivers: 

 

It is good to have a chance to address foster parents throughout the province again. We have been very busy over the past several months, working on various issues with the assistance of our provincial BCFFPA office staff. 

 

·         The BCFFPA Provincial office has moved and is now co-locating with the Adoptive Families Association of BC (AFABC). Discussions around this co-location began in January of 2003.  As with most projects, things are easier said than done. It took some time to find the correct and affordable office space that would work for both organizations. As there are many similarities between our two organizations this co-location will assist both groups in offering very comprehensive services.

·         The Resource Database project is moving along well. This project, which is being worked on jointly with the AFABC, and the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents (FAFP), will supply information around available services for children and their families. The FAFP Database will follow the same format, but will have an Aboriginal services focus, and will link to the BCFFPA/AFABC database.  The BCFFPA and AFABC have employed a marketing student through Kwantlen University College, to assist us in this project.  The gathering of information is continuing, and will be a very valuable asset when complete. We received an internship award from this institution to assist in covering some of the costs.  This award was the first of it’s kind to be offered, and we are very grateful for the honor.

·         We met with Minister Hogg and various other ministry representatives prior to the change in his position. In addition to these meetings Sheila was in Victoria for the Federation Of Child and Family Services meetings and was able to meet with ministry representatives at that time to work on funding and other joint issues. At the provincial level we have a very supportive and cohesive working relationship with the ministry. This is important so that when difficult issues or situations arise we can get the best resolution possible for foster parents.

·         We continue to work on partnerships with other organizations which will allow us to offer the most efficient services we can with very limited funds. Fostering and Adoption Networking meetings (FAN) are taking place on a regular basis with the AFABC, the FAFP, and the Federation of BC Youth in Care Network (FBCYICN).  These meetings have proven to be very positive and productive. Due to the similarity of issues faced by all involved organizations, by working together issues can be addressed quickly and effectively. It is hoped that all of these organizations will continue with joint projects going forward.

·         We  have just returned from a trip through the northern region of the province with stops in Dawson Creek, Prince George and Terrace. The information collected from Foster Parents was shared with ministry staff during separate meetings and will help us to understand what kinds of projects we need to include in our future plans. (see report on page 8)

 

It is still a very turbulent time for foster parents in this province, as there continues to be many changes within the child welfare system.  Foster parents continue to show their resilience in dealing with the many issues and changes they face

On this note, our upcoming AGM theme is “Staying Afloat In Changing Times”.  For more details, watch for the AGM Brochure being mailed out in April.  This is an opportune time to gain strength through networking with your peers. 

 

We would like to personally thank each and every one of you for the work you do to help children, youth and each other.

 

Frank Hetherington—President

Sheila Durnford—Vice President