FREE Webinar : Collaborative Decision-Making in Child Welfare

FREE Webinar : Collaborative Decision-Making in Child Welfare

Join Mediate BC and BC Foster Parents Association for one of two available webinar sessions on collaborative decision-making options in child welfare in BC

 

Mediate BC is hosting workshops on collaborative decision-making options in child welfare with multiple organizations across BC. These workshops are intended for anyone who is working with or connected to families involved in child welfare matters.  Collaborative Decision-Making options are out-of-court processes that encourage families to share their voices in decision-making to resolve child welfare matters.

Foster parents are deeply connected with children and youth involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Collaborative Decision-Making Processes are important options for children and youth to know about as they navigate conflict and communication with parents, social workers, and other support people. Foster parents can also participate in Collaborative Decision-Making Processes, either through supporting children and youth in their care or working through their own conflict and communication barriers. Collaborative Decision-Making Processes can also focus on helping youth transition out of care, a critical time in many youths’ lives.

In this workshop, foster parents will learn more about Collaborative Decision-Making Processes, how children and youth can access them, and how these processes can be tailored to meet the needs of participants.  Foster parents will then be able to take this valuable information and use it to support children and youth in their care.

This workshop will begin with an hour-long presentation, which will cover key information on Collaborative Decision-Making Processes. We will then spend the last hour of the workshop answering questions, discussing barriers that foster parents face in accessing or engaging with Collaborative Decision-Making Processes, and learning from each other about best practices to support children and youth navigating conflict while in care.

  • Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am PST
  • Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm PST

A recording of the webinar will be made available to those who are not able to attend these sessions.

Registration is now closed. 

Access the recording here and copies of the presentation here

Resources 

The Resources page on Mediate BC’s website has resources for families on Child Protection Mediation and other Collaborative Decision-Making processes available for download in English, French, Hindi, Punjabi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Farsi, Arabic, Korean, Tagalog, and Ukrainian.

If you are interested in having hard-copy resources mailed to your organization, please reach out to Talia at talia.holy@mediatebc.com.

Mediate BC also has a series of informational videos on Child Protection Mediation captioned in English, French, Hindi, Punjabi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Farsi, Arabic, Korean, Tagalog, and Ukrainian. They are accessible here: Child Protection Mediation – Mediate BC.

Ask a Mediator Clinic.

Mediate BC offers free online clinics where you can have your questions about Child Protection Mediation answered directly by a Registered Roster Mediator (RRM), get non-legal advice about your situation, and discuss your options and resources for resolving your conflict. 

You can book your appointment online: https://calendly.com/mediatebc/ask-a-mediator-clinic

Appointments are available on the first and third Tuesday of every month between 4:00pm – 6:00pm. If these times do not work for you or if you have any questions, you can reach out to Ann by email at ann.lee@mediatebc.com, or by phone at 1-877-656-1300, and she would be happy to assist you!

Although Mediate BC is sharing information with you specific to the topic of Child Protection Mediation, please note that the Ask a Mediator Clinic is available to anyone to discuss other areas where conflict arises as well, such as family law, landlord tenant disputes, and so on. If you would like to speak to a Child Protection Mediator specifically, or need an interpreter, we ask that you please note that in your scheduling request. 

Referral Forms

Download the professional referral form for social workers, advocates, lawyers, etc.

Download the referral form for parents, guardians, youth, and family. 

f you decide that you would like to move forward with mediation, please fill out one of the forms and send it back to cpmediation@mediatebc.com to begin the process.

You can also access these forms on Mediate BC’s website, please click here. If you have any questions about these forms, you can reach out to Hannah by email at cpmediation@mediatebc.com.

Contact Information

Lori Frank, Director of Child Welfare Initiatives 

E: lori.frank@mediatebc.com

T: 604-684-1300 ext. 107

Pawan Sran, Collaborative Decision-Making Navigator 

E: pawan.sran@mediatebc.com

T: 604-684-1300 ext. 103

Talia Holy, Collaborative Decision-Making Navigator Administrative Assistant 

E: talia.holy@mediatebc.com

T: 604-684-1300 ext. 104

Hannah Stanley, Child Protection Mediation Program (CPMP) Coordinator

E: hannah.stanley@mediatebc.com

T: 604-684-1300 ext. 102

FREE Workshops for Foster Caregivers Fall 2024

FREE Workshops for Foster Caregivers Fall 2024

Foster parents, get your continuing education hours!

Registration is now open for our free, full-day workshops in Prince George, Langley, and Richmond this Fall. 

 
Information on more workshops, taking place in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Victoria throughout Winter 2025, to be announced separately. 
 

 OCTOBER 24, 2024 (THURSDAY) – PRINCE GEORGE

Prestige Treasure Cove Resort (2005 Cariboo Hwy, Prince George) from 8:00AM – 3:00PM

What To Do When Things Get Out of Control: An Attachment-Based Perspective on Self-Regulation and Managing Other Attachment Seeking Behaviour in Children 0-19yrs.

In What To Do When Things Get Out of Control: An Attachment-Based Perspective on Self-Regulation and Managing Other Attachment-Seeking Behaviour in Children 0-19yrs, we will explore the links between attachment needs, trauma, and developmental stages in children and youth 0-19 years of age. The goal of this workshop is to enable foster caregivers to understand behaviours and equip you to respond when children/youth act out. This will be a fun and interactive workshop, including roleplaying scenarios and space for questions. 

Speaker: Amanda Oliver

Amanda Oliver, BCFPA’s Provincial Community Strategist & Director of Advocacy, holds a wealth of knowledge and experience from occupying a range of roles as a social worker for the Ministry of Children and Family Development for over twenty-seven years. Within this time, Amanda has worked directly with and on behalf of foster caregivers, and has been dedicated to improving outcomes in the fostering sector by
actively training, supporting, and promoting best practice approaches for foster caregivers. Amanda understands the challenges which foster caregivers face in meeting the complex needs of children and youth in their homes, while also facing the often-competing demands that our system of care imposes.

To learn more about Amanda, read their letter of introduction

Speaker: Stephanie Carr

Stephanie Carr has vast and varied experience supporting children and youth in care, both personally and professionally. Her blended family has been fostering for the past fourteen years, enabling her to learn through experience the many and ever evolving complexities that face children and youth in care today. Stephanie works with the Foster Parent Support Program at Axis Family Resources, as an integral part of a dedicated team of advocates. Through her work she assists in ensuring that voices of children/youth are heard, their connections to biological family are respected and valued, and their cultural diversity is honored in both short term and permanency planning. An understanding of attachment and the idea of behavior as a form of communication has been paramount in my work not only in my own family, but in the work supporting foster caregivers in their journey. I am passionate about sharing connection, regulation and behavior management strategies from an attachment-based lens with goal of preserving placements and supporting families.

 

NOVEMBER 20, 2024 (WEDNESDAY) – LANGLEY  

Coast Langley City Hotel & Convention Centre (20393 Fraser Hwy, Langley) from 8:00AM-3:00PM

What To Do When Things Get Out of Control: An Attachment-Based Perspective on Self-Regulation and Managing Other Attachment Seeking Behaviour in Children 0-19yrs.

In What To Do When Things Get Out of Control: An Attachment-Based Perspective on Self-Regulation and Managing Other Attachment-Seeking Behaviour in Children 0-19yrs, we will explore the links between attachment needs, trauma, and developmental stages in children and youth 0-19 years of age. The goal of this workshop is to enable foster caregivers to understand behaviours and equip you to respond when children/youth act out. This will be a fun and interactive workshop, including space for questions. 

Speaker: Amanda Oliver

Amanda Oliver, BCFPA’s Provincial Community Strategist & Director of Advocacy, holds a wealth of knowledge and experience from occupying a range of roles as a social worker for the Ministry of Children and Family Development for over twenty-seven years. Within this time, Amanda has worked directly with and on behalf of foster caregivers, and has been dedicated to improving outcomes in the fostering sector by
actively training, supporting, and promoting best practice approaches for foster caregivers. Amanda understands the challenges which foster caregivers face in meeting the complex needs of children and youth in their homes, while also facing the often-competing demands that our system of care imposes.

To learn more about Amanda, read their letter of introduction

 NOVEMBER 27, 2024 (WEDNESDAY) – RICHMOND
 
Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel (7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond) from 8:00AM-3:00PM 
 

An Appreciative Inquiry Learning Event: Discussing Advocacy, Retention, and Building Effective Support Systems 

The calling to be a foster caregiver is not always an easy one. To open your hearts and your homes to the children of families in crisis, sometimes invites monumental challenges, as well as many rewards. The work can be isolating and overwhelming at times, especially without a proper support system in place.

This conversation-centered workshop will begin with breakout discussion groups on the topics of advocacy, supports, building relationships, and finding networks. Following our discussion groups, we’ll speak to the common threads that emerge. In this workshop we invite you to connect, network, teach and learn as we explore how your communities can care for you in a way that enables you to continue bringing your best to caring for the children and youth in your homes. Please join us and lend your insights to positive impact fostering in BC.

Speaker: Amanda Oliver 

Amanda Oliver, BCFPA’s Provincial Community Strategist & Director of Advocacy, holds a wealth of knowledge and experience from occupying a range of roles as a social worker for the Ministry of Children and Family Development for over twenty-seven years. Within this time, Amanda has worked directly with and on behalf of foster caregivers, and has been dedicated to improving outcomes in the fostering sector by
actively training, supporting, and promoting best practice approaches for foster caregivers. Amanda understands the challenges which foster caregivers face in meeting the complex needs of children and youth in their homes, while also facing the often-competing demands that our system of care imposes.

To learn more about Amanda, read their letter of introduction

Facilitator: Taiah Repstock

In her role as BCFPA’s Community Network Coordinator, Taiah Repstock organizes workshops, events, regional calls with foster parents, and any number of engagement opportunities.  With experience in moderating and facilitating meaningful conversations, she skillfully identifies key themes and captures insights from group discussions.  Driven by her passion for strengthening and nurturing community networks, organizing educational opportunities, and empowering caregivers, Taiah is dedicated to fostering collaboration and support within our community.

IMPORTANT. PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU REGISTER. 
 
  • Workshops are exclusive to foster caregivers.
  • Attendees can only register for the workshop within their region. BCFPA is hoping to continue these workshops annually and we will rotate topics and have more dates/topics to offer.
  • First come, first served. Maximum of 50 attendees per workshop.
  • Breakfast will be served at 8:00AM, and a Territorial Welcome & Opening Prayer by an Elder will begin at 9:00AM. Lunch and coffee break refreshments will be provided.
  • Reimbursements available for mileage over 40km (round trip) at the rate of $0.61/km. Please be advised that this is available up to a maximum of $600. 
  • Children aged 0-3 are welcome to attend alongside caregivers. We just ask that attendees remain mindful of others when doing so. 
  • Childcare is NOT provided at the event but reimbursements are available for childcare up to a maximum of $200 per household (with receipt).
  • Parking at all venues is complimentary. 
  • BCFPA will not be offering complimentary rooms at any of the venues. 
  • Reimbursements available through BCFPA. All reimbursement forms (with receipts) must be completed and submitted within two weeks of the workshop that you attended. 

2024-2025 Trainings Project Registration Form
Name
Name
First
Last
Are you a foster caregiver? Who is your contract with?
Are you a BCFPA member?
Please note any dietary needs or preferences.
WORKSHOP SELECTION

Limited seats available on a first come, first served basis. Maximum of 50 attendees per workshop. We will notify you within 48 hours if your seat has been reserved or if you are waitlisted. 

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.

Please read before submitting this form.

  • Workshops are exclusive to foster caregivers.
  • Attendees can only register for the workshop within their region. BCFPA is hoping to continue these workshops annually. We will rotate topics and have more dates/topics to offer.
  • If you have registered and are unable to attend, please inform the BCFPA office immediately so that your spot can be given to a foster parent on the waitlist.
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.

Changes to the Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) Checks Process

Changes to the Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) Checks Process

Changes have occurred to the Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) checks process. The CRRA check is submitted for new approved foster caregivers, and must be renewed every five years. A new online process using an organization access code has been developed and is now the primary process. MCFD is able to provide a manual process if necessary, if you think the online process may not be an effective option for you, please reach out to your resource worker.  

Primary process – Online

•  When it is time to submit the check, a resource worker will provide you with an organization access code and a link to the new online portal (https://justice.gov.bc.ca/screening/crrpa/org-access )
•  You will enter the access code and follow the online steps to verify your identity and consent for the checks. You will not be charged for the check.
•  Identity verification can be done by using into an existing BC Services Card Login. If this is not an option for you, the system will provide information on alternative identity verification processes.

Manual process: Paper/PDF Form

  • Speak to your resource worker who will provide you with a form, help with identity verification, and submit the form on your behalf.
  • Please note, this option is likely to take longer than the online process to return a result. The delay experienced will vary.

More information on the online process (including a short video), can be found under the “New criminal record check” section at: Apply for a criminal record check – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2024

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2024

 BCFPA will hold its 57th Annual General Meeting on October 5, 2024.
It will be preceded by a workshop day on October 4, 2024.

Join us at the Sheraton Penticton Lakeside Resort
21 Lakeshore Drive W, Penticton, British Columbia

Thursday, October 3: Registration opens from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday, October 4: Workshops begin at 9:30 am
Saturday, October 5: Annual General Meeting begins at 9:00 am

There is no charge for those only attending the AGM.

Doors open for the Banquet Dinner, Dance and Fundraiser
at 6:00 pm.

See your registration package for all the details or
call BCFPA at 1-800-663-9999

Registration for the 2024 BCFPA AGM & Conference is now open!

Registration for the 2024 BCFPA AGM & Conference is now open!

October 4-5, 2024

Penticton Lakeside Resort

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, 2024.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Accommodation and parking are NOT included in the registration fee. Book your stay at the Penticton Lakeside Resort before September 15, 2024 to receive BC Foster Parents Association’s discounted room rate of $195 for a King or Two Queen Cityview 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, 2024. 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.

This form is currently closed for submissions.

Phone

Main:
604-544-1110

Toll-Free Foster Parent Line:
1-800-663-9999

Office hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday

PROVINCIAL CENTRALIZED SCREENING

Foster parents are encouraged to call this number in the event of an EMERGENCY or CRISIS occurring after regular office hours:

1-800-663-9122

REPORT CHILD ABUSE

If you think a child or youth under 19 years of age is being abused or neglected, you have the legal duty to report your concern to a child welfare worker. Phone 1-800-663-9122 at any time of the day or night. Visit the Government of BC website for more info.

address

BCFPA Provincial Office
Suite 208 - 20641 Logan Avenue
Langley, BC V3A 7R3

Email

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Our work takes place on the traditional and unceded Coast Salish territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. BCFPA is committed to reconciliation with all Indigenous communities, and creating a space where we listen, learn and grow together.

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