by Michelle Relevante | May 15, 2025
Join members of BCFPA’s board of directors and provincial office staff to share about your experiences as a caregiver in your region.
BC Foster Parents Association hosts a set of regional and provincial discussion groups via Zoom at regular intervals throughout the year. The intention behind these calls is for caregivers to have opportunities to increase their network, ask questions, gain resources, discuss what’s happening in their region, and build a collaborative relationship with BCFPA as well as other caregivers. These calls are loosely structured open discussions where all attendees are welcome to speak and share freely.
Each call is attended by members of BCFPA’s board of directors and provincial office staff, including our Director of Advocacy/Provincial Community Strategist and head of the Provincial Strategy Initiative, Amanda Oliver.
The date for the May 2025 provincial call will be:
- Thursday, May 29th from 10am – 1pm PST
To inquire further and to receive a link to the session please reach out to our Community Network Coordinator at taiah@bcfosterparents.ca.
IMPORTANT. PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU ATTEND.
- Regional call attendance is open exclusively to foster caregivers in BC.
- Due to organizational needs, caregivers are only able to attend the session for their region.
- Calls will be recorded for note-taking purposes to ensure that we accurately capture all information shared. This information will be used solely to inform our advocacy efforts and the development of BCFPA’s services. No identifying information will be recorded and nothing discussed will be shared outside of our organization for any reason.
by Michelle Relevante | May 5, 2025
Invitation to all approved foster parents from Abbotsford and Mission:
Please join Amanda Oliver, Director of Advocacy at BCFPA, and your local Foster Caregiver Branch who are hosting a Town Hall meeting.
Hosting a town hall event will allow us to listen directly to foster caregivers in your region. Come share your insights and concerns about issues that matter to you.
The event is open to foster caregivers local to Abbotsford and Mission only. This location has limited space and only the first fifteen people can attend in person, however, there will be a virtual option to attend.
Please RSVP to say if you prefer to be online or in person, for this meeting.
Date: Tuesday May 20th
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Unit 102 – 33832 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford BC V2S 2C5
Registration is open until May 18th.
We look forward to hearing from you!
by Michelle Relevante | Apr 7, 2025
BC Child & Youth in Care Week takes place June 2 – June 8, 2025.
Register now to join the virtual kick-off on June 2nd from 6-7pm. Come together with youth, community partners, and special guests to celebrate the amazing children and youth in and from care across British Columbia. Enjoy incredible youth presenters, prizes, and more!
Register here to join the kick-off.
Community Celebration Grants
The deadline for Community Celebration Grant applications for BC Child & Youth in Care Week is fast approaching. Get your applications in before April 14th!
Planning a celebration for BC Child & Youth in Care Week? Apply to receive up to $250 to help fund your event.
Who can apply for a Grant?
The BCCYICW Community Celebration Grant is open to all agencies, families and friends not already receiving funding through a government agency to host a BCCYICW celebration.
What kind of Celebration Can I Host?
All celebrations must be hosted for a group of children and/or youth. Applications for funds to support a single young person will not be considered.
All celebrations must comply with the BC Child and Youth in Care Week Privacy Policy for Children and Youth in Care
Celebration Grant Process
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The Community Celebrations Selection Committee will review applications after April 14, 2025
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All Applicants will hear back about the committee’s decision by April 18, 2025
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Successful applicants will be required to complete a grant reporting document by early July, 2025
Questions? Contact Taylor at taylor.burnett@fbcyicn.ca
Apply here for a Community Celebration Grant.
Recognition Awards
The deadline for Recognition Awards for BC Child & Youth in Care Week is fast approaching. Get your nominations in before April 25th!
All children and youth in and from care (ages 6-24) who are nominated will receive a Recognition Award. We have a recognition process that is strengths-based and honours the achievements of individuals, whatever that looks like for that young person.
Who can nominate a young person? MCFD staff, ICFSA staff, community partners and groups, foster parents, peers and individuals can nominate young people.
Awards Nomination Process All children and youth who are nominated will receive a Recognition Award. We have a recognition process that is strengths-based and honours the achievements of individuals, whatever that looks like for that young person.
Questions? Contact Taylor at taylor.burnett@fbcyicn.ca or 604-358-8234
Nominate a Child (6-13) here.
Nominate a Youth (14-24) here.
by Michelle Relevante | Apr 2, 2025
BC Foster Parents Association is excited to hold our 58th annual AGM & Conference in Surrey, BC from October 3rd, 2025 through October 4th, 2025.
Book your stay at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel for BCFPA’s 2025 AGM & Conference before September 1st, 2025 to receive our discounted rate of $215/night for a traditional room.
Please follow the link to book rooms directly with the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel.
Guests are also able to book their stay by contacting the hotel directly by phone (1-800-587-3038) or by email (reservation@sheratonguildford.com) and identify themselves as members of the BCFPA to receive the special guest room rate.
by Michelle Relevante | Mar 12, 2025
Rider Insurance and Home Insurance Coverage Advice
The Rider Insurance Program provided to BC’s foster caregivers has a maximum payout of $500,000 for losses resulting from actions taken by children or youth placed in your home. In today’s economy, the cost to rebuild a family home far exceeds the old estimates. For a family home of 1,500 square feet or more, the rebuild cost will likely exceed $500,000.
BCFPA is advising foster caregivers to consult with your home insurance providers to ensure you have adequate coverage to supplement any shortfall should you suffer the loss of your home. This applies to all foster caregivers with a Family Care Home Agreement through MCFD and some Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies.
Rider Insurance Certificates for Foster Caregivers
BCFPA will be sending each foster caregiver on the provincial list a personalized Rider Insurance Program certificate in the Spring of 2025. If you haven’t received a certificate package from us by July 31st, 2025, please contact our office at 1-800-663-9999 or office@bcfosterparents.ca to notify our team. This applies to all foster caregivers with a Family Care Home Agreement through MCFD and some Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies.
Under-Deductible Losses Program
Due to budget restrictions at MCFD, the fund provided to pay for losses under a value of $10,000 resulting from actions taken by children or youth placed in your home is smaller in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Please submit any claims for damages immediately. Once the fund is depleted, you will be notified to contact your ministry or agency office to discuss compensation. This applies to all foster caregivers with a Family Care Home Agreement through MCFD and Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies.
🚨 Reminder: File Claims ASAP!
If you experience property damage or loss, don’t wait! File your claim as soon as possible to avoid delays.
📞 To file a claim, call Coast Claims Insurance Services at 1-866-694-3111 and ask for Shannon Mycroft.
