Dear Caregivers:

The season to be “jolly” will soon be upon us, but we at the BCFFPA have been “jolly” for some time. The reason for this is explained in this report updating you on the projects and developments that we have been working on since the last Infoletter.

On Oct. 29^th we held our joint Open House with the Adoptive Families Association of BC (AFABC), in conjunction with the In Your Grasp Database Launch with our partners the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents (FAFP) and AFABC. This was a huge success with approximately 65-70 guests attending.

The development of the inyourgrasp database arose out of the recognized need for caregivers to have direct and immediate access to information regarding support services available throughout BC. Organized by region and service type, inyourgrasp provides caregivers with information they need within minutes. I encourage you to visit the site at: www.inyourgrasp.bc.ca.

The BCFFPA was asked by the FAFP to join them in their Aboriginal Foster Doll Awareness Project, as was the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks. The purpose of this project is to create awareness of the need for foster parents and increased support services, to insure all those who directly impact children in care have the tools to provide safe, quality care. The official launch was Nov. 2/04, which I attended on behalf of the BCFFPA.. I have been asked to become an Honourary Foster Parent and have accepted a doll on behalf of the BCFFPA,

We continue our partnerships with the Adoptive Families Association of BC, the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents, the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks, the Child and Youth Officer, and the Regional Foster Parent Support Services.

The BCFFPA Board of Directors is continuing their work on the strategic planning for our organization. The development of a Macro Regional Council in the Interior region has been

completed and they are up and running. Regional Delegates are in the process of a random telephone survey to foster parents in their area so that we may understand better what is required of our organization to assist them in the work they do. We are also contacting other provinces to learn from them, ideas that will assist us in maximizing the benefit we provide to our members, as we strive to be a membership driven, credible and proactive organization.

As October was Foster Family Month, I hope that you had the opportunity to attend one of the many functions that were organized in the various regions in recognition of the commitment and dedication that we have for the work that we do. I was fortunate to have been invited to several of the functions and had the opportunity to address the foster parents as President of the BCFFPA. Unfortunately Minister Hagen was unable to attend any of these functions due to his busy schedule, however he did address foster parents at the Adoption Conference, which was held in Coquitlam on November 5^th.. Minister Hagen invited me to attend and I had the opportunity to meet and chat with him and his wife. The Minister recognized foster parents as being a very important part of the system, thanked us for the work we do, and did recognize that many foster parents also adopt the children in their care. We are looking forward to meeting formally with the Minister in the New Year.

During the past few months we have had the opportunity to meet with delegations from other countries. I met with a representative from the Department of Community Services who is a senior caseworker in Australia, a delegation from Mexico and also from Japan. These countries are interested in our child welfare system here in BC, and we were pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with them and share information regarding our Federation and the role of foster parents here in BC.

Prior to Foster Family Month the Federation sent out media packages throughout the Province. This resulted in a number of local newspapers running articles about fostering. I was also a guest on a talk show here in Vancouver, and with me was the winner of the Natural Child Bursary and her parents. Her essay is on page 16. We will continue to strive to have positive media coverage.

We have had concerns coming forward from various regions regarding the 60-day notice to caregivers. This issue is being addressed through our legal counsel, and we will keep you informed. If you are having difficulties around

notice of your contract, please contact the federation office so we can hopefully resolve this issue.

The Federation supported a foster parent and gave evidence at a human rights tribunal brought forward by her for denial of insurance based on family status. The foster parent won the tribunal, with the Vancouver Sun printing an article around the issue. A letter to the Editor from the Federation was sent in response to this article, but was not printed. This tribunal outcome should assist foster parents going forward in getting insurance. The Federation office will be writing letters to all BC brokers informing them of this outcome.

Our next large project is the development of a Grief, Loss and Transition training module. We have hired someone to develop this curriculum and it is hoped that it will be completed in January. The Provincial Board will travel throughout the Province facilitating “train the trainer” sessions, enabling each region to do their own training. This will not only be a workshop module, but also training to support those who are going through grief and loss at the time. We are very excited about this project. All costs for this project are being covered through provincial fundraising initiatives.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Provincial Board of Directors for their work throughout the year. The Provincial Board has come a long way in developing partnerships, projects, and staying committed in striving to be a Membership driven, Credible and Proactive organization. I would also like to thank all those foster parents out there who are or have become members throughout the past year. It is more important than ever for us to join together in these changing times, and to have a strong united voice. I encourage those who have not taken out a membership to do so, and support the work that the organization does for all foster parents in BC.

In closing, I would like to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas. May all your wishes come true. May you have a safe holiday season and be healthy and happy in the New Year.