Programs and Services
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Recruitment, Information & Referral
Provincial Communications
BCFPA maintains and promotes our website and social media platforms to provide information, share news, policy updates, project updates, important events, links and developments in the province’s fostering sector. We also engage in direct email marketing via our e-newsletters to share provincial news as soon as we receive them. Foster caregivers receive news directly in their inbox and never miss out on the information they need the most. This allows us to build strong direct relationships with foster caregivers and stakeholders.
Provincial and Regional Recruitment Campaigns
In partnership with other agencies and stakeholders, BCFPA creates and distributes print and digital materials for provincial and regional foster caregiver recruitment campaigns. BCFPA also participates as a member of the Ministry-led committee to discuss provincial recruitment initiatives and strategies across the province.
Fostering Solutions Program
Advocacy and BCFPA’s Fostering Solutions Program
BCFPA’s advocacy role with today’s government has a history dating back 50 years. Back then we worked with the department in charge of child welfare (which has gone by many names over the years) to develop policies and practices. Today, through our peer volunteer Fostering Solutions program, we monitor practice, work together to develop new policies when required and review existing policy and recommend updates. You may see us offering workshops in your community – providing an opportunity for foster parents, agency and social workers to come together in partnership to learn about a number of current topics.
BCFPA also has a more direct advocacy/mediation position through the support we offer to the foster parent community in the work they do. Our objective is to ensure best practices and to encourage all members of the care team to treat each other fairly and respectfully.
If you need help or a referral to a community-based agency for support, we can assist you or aid with those connections. We’re just a phone call away at 1-800-663-9999.
Please note that we are not an emergency, 24-hour toll-free line for support.
Education and Capacity Building
At our Annual General Meeting and Conference, BCFPA offers a selection of professional development workshops relevant to fostering. It is also an opportunity for foster caregivers to network with other caregivers and stakeholders within the fostering community.
BCFPA also develops and offers workshops and webinars to address the current issues that foster caregivers and the broader fostering community need to learn about. Current workshops cover themes such as grief and loss, permanency, communication, working in partnership, accessing, and providing support and advocacy, and safeguarding.
BCFPA supports the development and operations of community-level foster parent groups called BCFPA Local Foster Parent Associations or Branches where foster parents could gather together and maintain provincial communication through BCFPA’s network. Our Branches meet regularly to offer support, mentorship, family activities and educational workshops.
Join a Branch. Start a Branch.
Community is important for foster parents. Gathering together on a regular basis gives foster parents the much-needed sense of community that is essential when they’re working within the complex child welfare structure. Nothing beats a group of like-minded people who share similar experiences. 85% of the membership fees paid to BCFPA are redistributed to our Branches across the province. The funds you give to us for membership in turn provide for your very own community’s activities, meetings, and workshops.
When foster parents come together in a Branch, they can communicate to BCFPA’s provincial office the successes and issues experienced by their fostering community. This better informs us so that we are then able to represent the interests and activities of your community in our discussions with the Ministry.
You can start a Branch when you have five BCFPA member foster parents interested in doing so. Any time of the year, any season, any day—we’ll be happy to help you along the way!
For more information about joining or starting a branch in your community, please call 1-800-663-9999.
The BCFPA YouTube learning channel is an accessible location that provides foster caregivers and the general public with information, resources and insight into BC’s fostering system.
Camps For Kids Grants
The “Camps For Kids” grants were established by the BC Foster Parent Association to alleviate some of the costs Foster Parent members encounter when sending their foster, adopted, or birth children to camp. Your family may be eligible for funding to send your children to camp.
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
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Charitable Registration #
106778079 RR 0001
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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