Please join Amanda Oliver and April Reeve from the BC Foster Parents Association on Tuesday, September 16th, for a special two-part event: an interactive workshop followed by a Foster Parent Appreciation Networking Event.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM (coffee/tea available from 9:45 AM)

Location: Sandman Hotel Terrace located at 4828 Hwy 16 West, Terrace, BC, V8G 1L6

Room: Raven

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Morning Workshop

Workshop Title: “The Gifts of Developing Deep Cultural Connections”

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This practical and interactive workshop explores the importance and benefits of developing strong cultural connections. Using the traditional Indigenous practice of circle gatherings, we’ll share, learn, and reflect together on how building firm roots through cultural connections can help mold identity, increase resilience, and create a stronger sense of belonging for children and youth.

Morning refreshments: Coffee, tea, water, and orange juice will be provided.

Lunch Break

Catered lunch will be provided.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Foster Parent Appreciation Networking Event

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

After lunch, we’ll gather to connect, share experiences, and network with one another. Together, we’ll discuss some ideas to enhance the work you do in caring for children and youth in your region.

Registration

Please register by Wednesday, September 10th to reserve your seat.

We look forward to connecting, learning, and celebrating with you!

2025 Workshop and Networking Event - Terrace & Smithers

Registration Date (Today's Date) *

Name *

Name

First

First

Last

Last

Street Address *

City *

Postal Code *

Phone *

Email *

Are you a foster caregiver? Who is your contract with? *

Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)

Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency (ICFSA)

Are you a BCFPA member?

Yes

No

BCFPA # (if applicable)

Which event would you like to attend? *

Terrace (September 16)

Smithers (September 18)

Please note any dietary needs or preferences.

Vegan

Vegetarian

Gluten-free

Dairy-free

OtherOther

Please list any food allergies or sensitivities.

Limited seats available on a first come, first served basis. 

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please note any learning accessibility aids that may help improve your learning experience.

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Reserved front row seat

Wheelchair access

Access to electrical outlets for adaptive devices

OtherOther

By registering for a workshop, you confirm that you have read the statements above and that you are a foster caregiver with MCFD or an ICFS Agency. *

I agree.

Submit

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New AGM Venue: Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Delta

August 7, 2025

Dear BCFPA Members and Friends,

We’re writing to share an important update about the venue for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

As some of you may know, the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel—our original AGM venue—is currently experiencing an ongoing labour dispute. Despite recent discussions, the employer and union have not yet reached an agreement.

We stand in solidarity with the striking workers and their right to fair working conditions. We will not ask AGM attendees to cross a picket line.

At BCFPA, we’re always quick to act in the best interests of our members and ensure you have the best experience possible. With that in mind, we’ve secured a new venue nearby that offers a welcoming and cost-effective alternative.

New Venue: 

Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Delta
The hotel is located at 6005 Hwy 17A, Delta, BC, and is about a 5-minute drive from the south end of the Massey Tunnel. It’s easily accessible for attendees coming from Vancouver, Richmond, or Surrey via Highway 99.

Event Dates: October 3-4, 2025

Group Rate: $199.00 CAD per night

Booking Deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025

Book a hotel using the discounted BCFPA rate here.

If you have already booked a room at the Sheraton, you will receive a cancellation notice directly from the hotel. There is no need to contact them—your reservation will be cancelled automatically. The BCFPA provincial office will still contact those who have booked to make sure.

We understand this may result in a shorter-than-ideal booking window, and we truly appreciate your flexibility. Our team is here to support you through the transition and ensure the AGM remains a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at office@bcfosterparents.ca or 1-800-663-9999.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you in Delta this fall!

Warm regards,

The BCFPA Board of Directors

New Exception to Standard Capacity (E2SC) Caregiver Service Rates for Level 2 and Level 3 homes that exceed standard capacity come into effect on July 1, 2025.

The new E2SC rate table can be found in the Resource Work Policies (RWP), Appendix C: Agreements and Payment Rates.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) identified a need to implement a standardized service rate Level 2 and Level 3 homes where children and youth in care (CYIC) in the home exceed standard capacity.

Level 2 and Level 3 foster caregivers will now receive a provincial standardized service payment for every CYIC placed in the home that exceeds standard capacity.

Resource workers will be reaching out to foster caregivers currently receiving a service payment less than the amount in the new E2SC standardized rate table. Family Care Home (FCH) Agreements will be amended to reflect the new service payment rate effective July 1, 2025.

As of July 1^st, 2025, any new placements that exceed standard capacity in a Level 2 or Level 3 home will use the new standardized E2SC rate table found in the Resource Work Policies (RWP), Appendix C: Agreements and Payment Rates.

Foster caregivers will continue to receive the foster family monthly maintenance rate per child based on the age of the CYIC when the home exceeds standard capacity.

There are no changes to Level 1 service payments.

The addition of a standardized rate table for service payments to foster caregivers for Level 2 and Level 3 E2SC will:

• create rate consistency across the province for MCFD and ICFSA foster caregivers;
• improve funding transparency for foster caregivers;
• create consistency for foster caregivers moving between communities (no change to their rates) and;
• reduce the number of FCH agreements and amendments.

Event Itinerary

October 2, 2025 (Thursday)

6:00 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

Capture the moment at the photo wall at our event, thanks to Snaptique. With 27 unique photo experiences, they are the go-to choice for photo booth rental in Toronto, Ottawa and Waterloo.

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 Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Delta before September 12, 2025 to receive BC Foster Parents Association’s discounted room rate of $199/night for a traditional room. To book use this link .

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 cheque to reimburse these expenses (not included for attendance only bursaries) when checking in at one of BCFPA’s registration tables during the event.