Registration for the 2025 BCFPA AGM & Conference is now open!

Event Itinerary

October 2, 2025 (Thursday)

7:00 PM to 9:30 PM – Welcome Reception and Wellness Evening (30-minute spa treatment for caregivers)

October 3, 2025 (Friday)

7:30 AM to 8:30 AM – Breakfast and Registration

8:45 AM to 9:00 AM – Territorial Welcome and Opening Prayer

9:30 AM to 1:30 PM – Morning Workshops

1:30 PM to 2:30 PM – Lunch

2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Afternoon Workshops

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM – Crafting Therapy Workshop

October 4, 2025 (Saturday)

7:30 AM to 8:30 AM – Breakfast and Registration

9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Annual General Meeting

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM – Banquet, Dinner, Dance and Fundraiser

About the Speakers

Colleen Drobot

Colleen Drobot is a registered professional counsellor who provides therapy for adults and offers parent consulting using a developmental, attachment-based approach. She was teacher with over 20 years’ experience working with children in the regular classroom. She also specialized in supporting children with neurodiversity. She is an adjunct faculty member of the Neufeld Institute and has worked with Dr. Gordon Neufeld for many years.

Colleen is a mother of two and draws from her personal as well as clinical experience to support parents and professionals in gaining insight, opening their hearts, and leading by their intuition.

Lori Frank

Lori Frank is an experienced facilitator and mediator with a deep understanding of child welfare and collaborative decisionmaking. She brings empathy, practical tools, and a trauma-informed approach to her work, empowering families and professionals involved in child welfare to communicate effectively, address conflict and make thoughtful decisions together in a way that preserves dignity and self-determination.

Lori is the Director of Child Welfare Initiatives with Mediate BC. She is a Registered Roster Mediator (RRM) and has mediated in a variety of areas including family, child protection, workplace and nonprofits. Lori enjoys seeing live music performances, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Complex Trauma Resources

Structured to connect into their morning workshop topic, yet still be accessible and relevant to those who did not attend, this short afternoon session is a customized delivery of Complex Trauma Resources Why Children are Addicted to Gaming and Social Media mini course. The course, available online, features a discussion of why all children can become hooked, but especially why children with trauma are more vulnerable. This discussion is paired with practical strategies and supports to help guide caregivers through navigating this tricky and increasingly relevant experience.

IMPORTANT: Please read before filling out the registration form.

REGISTRATIONS: Please submit one form per attendee. This form is also available in a fillable PDF version. All registration forms must be received by the BCFPA Provincial Office by September 20, 2025.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Accommodation and parking are NOT included in the registration fee. Book your stay at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel before September 1, 2025 to receive BC Foster Parents Association’s discounted room rate of $215/night for a traditional room. To book use this link or contact the venue directly by phone (1-800-587-3038) or by email (reservation@sheratonguildford.ca) and identify themselves as attendees of the BCFPA conference to receive the special guest room rate.

CANCELLATION and REFUND POLICY: Refunds (minus a $20 cancellation fee) will only be made for cancellations received in writing to office@bcfosterparents.ca by September 20, 2025. You are welcome to name an alternate participant. There will be NO refunds for non-attendance.

CHILDCARE: Childcare is not provided for the AGM and Conference Event.

FOOD ALLERGIES & SENSITIVITIES: We make every effort to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities in our menu choices, however we cannot guarantee the hotel is able to provide well balanced meals or menus for those who have more specialized dietary needs.

BURSARY RECIPIENTS: Accommodation and travel arrangements are not made or paid for by BCFPA on behalf of any attendees. Bursary recipients are responsible for making their own arrangements and can expect to receive a bursary check to reimburse these expenses (not included for attendance only bursaries) when checking in at one of BCFPA’s registration tables during the event.