FAQ

If an allegation of abuse is made against you, a formal protocol process is triggered, and your resource social worker will explain the specific steps that apply to your situation. You do not have to face it without support. CFS runs an Investigation and Resolution Support Team that connects you with a trained support person in your area who can accompany you through the process, answer questions, and offer personal support. This is available to all caregivers on Vancouver Island, whether or not you are a CFS member. You can reach the Investigation and Resolution Support Team Leader directly at 1-888-922-8437.

You can also be assisted in connecting with the BCFFPA, the FAFP, or your regional foster parent support agency for additional guidance, and MCFD has a responsibility to help you make those connections. For confidential consultation, the Foster Parent Support Line is available at 1-888-495-9122 (Monday to Friday 4:00 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.; weekends and statutory holidays 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.).

Source: Foster Family Handbook

PRIDE Pre-Service is a 33–35 hour online programme you complete during the application process, before you’re approved. It helps you understand what fostering involves and helps both you and the ministry decide whether it’s a good fit.

PRIDE In-Service is a 50–55 hour online programme you complete after approval, over a 40-week period. It’s required of all approved caregivers and is made up of nine core modules plus two supplemental modules. Best practice is to finish In-Service within your first year of caregiving. To register, contact your resource social worker.

Sources: Foster Family Handbook; Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

You can reach the Safe Babies team directly:

• South Island & Regional Safe Babies Coordinator: 778-430-5459 (sicoord@fpsss.com)
• Safe Babies Coordinator: 250-703-6135 (safebabies@fpsss.com)
• CFS Regional Office: 1-888-922-8437 (admin@fpsss.com)

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Beyond your mandatory PRIDE training, CFS runs ongoing workshops so you can keep building skill and stay current with ministry policy. Past topics have included trauma-informed care, neurodiversity, attachment, self-care, grief and separation, FASD, managing difficult and disruptive behaviours, working with biological families, and transitions in and out of care. Workshops are usually free and led by specialist presenters, and you receive a Certificate of Attendance for each. Register through your Area Coordinator, who keeps the schedule for your area.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Yes. CFS gives you a Certificate of Attendance for each workshop, showing the topic, the presenter, and the duration. Keep these in a dedicated file alongside your PRIDE records and any specialist training (Safe Babies, Level 2/3, and so on). Your resource social worker tracks your ongoing training as part of your learning plan and will ask about it at your annual home review.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Yes. If there’s a topic you’d like a workshop on, tell your Area Coordinator — suggestions are taken seriously and help shape future training. CFS also includes a feedback form with every workshop, and that feedback decides which sessions are repeated and which new topics are added.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Approved Safe Babies caregivers get a pre-placement consultation with the Regional Programme Coordinator before an infant is placed, ongoing telephone consultation on any concern that comes up, regular up-to-date information on prenatal substance exposure, and regional training sessions for Safe Babies caregivers and the social workers who work with them. The Programme Coordinator is your primary contact for any question about the specific infant in your care.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Safe Babies training is four intensive modules covering the impact of substance use during pregnancy, the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the body, acute withdrawal in the newborn, neuro-developmental support of the substance-exposed infant, related health issues, partnership with birth families, and care for the caregiver. The aim is for you to finish with both the practical skills and the self-care awareness needed to care for these infants well.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

It’s automatic. When your resource worker approves you as a foster caregiver, your name, address, and phone number are sent to the CFS office and you’re added to the database — and you’ll start receiving The Island Connection newsletter. You don’t need to register separately or take any extra steps; your approval as a caregiver is what connects you to CFS.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

No. CFS services are free to foster caregivers — there’s no charge to access your Area Coordinator, peer support groups, mentoring, workshops, or the caregiving resource library.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide