FAQs

Alongside your own required household insurance, the BC Foster Parents Association (BCFFPA) administers two coverages for foster families at no cost to you. The first is automatic third-party liability coverage — every approved foster parent in the province is covered if someone claims against you for unintentional bodily injury or property damage arising from your caregiving, with no need to apply or pay.

The second is the Rider Insurance Programme, part of the Master Insurance Program. It supplements your own homeowner or tenant policy by mirroring its limits and covering damage and theft caused by a child or youth in care — losses a standard policy would usually exclude. Because it extends your existing policy rather than replacing it, you must keep your own household insurance in place for the Rider to work.

Sources: Foster Family Handbook; Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

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

It depends on the amount. For damage or loss under $10,000 caused by a child or youth in care, use the Under-Deductible Losses (UDL) process through Coast Claims Insurance Services — a simpler, low-barrier route. For $10,000 or more, use the standard Rider Insurance Programme claims process. In either case, also let your resource social worker know. For help with a UDL claim, contact the BCFFPA at 1-800-663-9999.

Source: Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

These four organizations have complementary roles. MCFD (and delegated ICFSAs) are responsible for placements, approvals, payments, and child protection — for questions about a specific child, you contact their social worker. CFS is your Vancouver Island regional support agency, providing peer support, mentoring, workshops, the Safe Babies Programme, and Investigation and Resolution Support. BCFPA (also written BCFFPA) works at the provincial level, administering foster parent insurance, running the Fosterline, and advocating for caregivers. FAFP — the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents — supports caregivers of Aboriginal children, working in partnership with the others rather than replacing them.

In short: go to MCFD for decisions about a child, CFS for regional peer and training support, BCFPA for insurance and provincial advocacy, and FAFP for support specific to caring for Aboriginal children.

Sources: MCFD Foster Family Handbook; CFS Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide

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