FAQs

The BC Foster Parents Association — also known as the BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations (BCFFPA) — is the provincial association run by and for foster caregivers across British Columbia. The two names refer to the same organisation; both appear in ministry publications. It works closely with MCFD to build stronger partnerships between foster families and ministry staff.

BCFPA administers the Foster Parent Insurance Program for all approved caregivers, helps develop mandatory and pre-service training, publishes the FosterlineBC newsletter three times a year, advocates for caregivers provincially, and runs the Fosterline support line. Members and their families can also access comprehensive dental and extended health plans. You can learn more at bcfosterparents.ca.

Sources: Foster Family Handbook; Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Each CFS Area Coordinator serves a specific part of Vancouver Island, and your coordinator is your first point of contact for information, peer support, mentoring, training, and investigation support. If you’re not sure which coordinator covers your community, call the CFS Regional Office toll-free at 1-888-922-8437 (admin@fpsss.com) and they’ll route you to the right person. Reach out during office hours; if you get voicemail, leave a message and your coordinator will return the call. For urgent concerns outside business hours, use the after-hours and crisis lines instead.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Safe Babies training is for approved foster caregivers who want to take on the specialised role of caring for infants prenatally exposed to alcohol or other drugs. If you’re interested, contact your resource social worker for approval to take the training. Approval depends on your readiness for specialised infant care and on current needs in your area.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Mentors are experienced foster caregivers who can help with the kinds of questions where another caregiver’s experience matters more than a policy document — understanding the caregiver role, how Ministry Practice Standards apply day-to-day, finding events and workshops, locating community resources, and practical advice on specific situations. They’re also there to listen on a hard day, without judgement and without reporting back to the Ministry or to CFS.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

Contact your local CFS Area Coordinator or the Regional Office at 1-888-922-8437. The coordinator will talk with you about what you’re looking for in a mentor and make a match based on your situation. The service is free, confidential, and non-judgmental.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide