November 2003

 

Dear Caregivers: 

 

This has been a very productive year of rebuilding for the provincial organization.  We have been working on some new projects, and focusing on communication through development and distribution of surveys and InfoLetters.  We continue to keep our website updated with current information, with meeting minutes being posted as soon after the meetings as possible.  We are also working on a Resource Database,  which will list services available to children and youth at the local and provincial levels, as well as links to information worldwide. We also continue to administer the BCFFPA Insurance Rider for foster parents. This rider provides coverage for willful and malicious damage to your home by a youth in care.  If you are having difficulty finding insurance coverage for your home or contents, please call Merit Insurance and Bonding at 250-475-3114.

 

As it is nearing the end of the year, this will be our last InfoLetter prior to the Holiday Season.  We would like to wish all foster parents the best of cheer for themselves and their families throughout the season. This is a family time of year that can be very difficult for some of the children in our homes.  For them it is a reminder of loved ones they cannot be with.  As you are enjoying this wonderful season, remember that some of the children in your homes may be missing their birth family and feeling a great loss.  This is an opportune time to show your care and love for them and to develop new traditions that will make this a happy season to remember for the rest of their lives.

 

We would like to leave you with a thought regarding membership with the BCFFPA. We cannot continue our work unless foster parents show their support by becoming members.  The money we receive from the Ministry helps us to maintain our office and office staff and run specific services.  It does not include the work of the Board and the different committees we are involved in to make sure foster parents get the most appropriate and fair policies possible. This is only part of what the BCFFPA does for you provincially, regionally and locally. Memberships cost less than three dollars a month, and without your support, the Federation may not be able to continue to work on your behalf.  Support yourself and your fellow foster parents by renewing or purchasing a membership.  Memberships expire Dec. 31/03, and all new and renewing members will have their name entered into a draw for a 27-inch Color TV.  The deadline for this draw is Dec. 31/03.  Another reason to join is, in addition to the majority of membership monies received going back to the regions and locals, the region with the highest percentage of memberships will receive $1,000.00 to help support their region.  Two-year memberships are also available at a reduced rate. For more information contact the federation office at 1-800-663-9999. 

 

Have a warm and wonderful holiday season!

 

Frank Hetherington—President

Sheila Durnford—Vice President