The Program:
The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) in
collaboration with the British Columbia Federation of Foster Parent
Associations (BCFFPA) has developed a standardized education program
designed to build on the skills and experience caregivers bring to
their role, as well as knowledge to support their ongoing training
and development. The BC Foster Care Education Program is intended
for approved foster parents who have a family care home agreement
with the Ministry for Children and Families.
*At least one caregiver (ideally the primary caregiver) in
each approved foster home is required to complete the program.
Existing foster parents (those persons approved prior to November 1,
1999) will be expected to complete the program by December 2004. New
foster parents (those persons approved after October 31, 1999) are
expected to complete the program within 2 years of their approved
start date.
The BC Foster Care Education Program is free of charge and consists
of a total of 53 hours of training. It is presented in 14 modules.
Series 1 consists of modules 1 - 9 for a total of
33 hours of curriculum. The first module, Caring for Children:
Overview is recommended to precede all other modules. Participants
can register for all the modules in Series I or for specific
modules. Taking the modules in sequence maximizes the participant’s
learning experience.
Series 2, which contains the final 5 modules of the
program, is spread over 17 hours.
* Please note the change to participant and completion
criteria – previously the requirement was for all foster parents and
their partners to attend and complete the program. It is now
possible for either caregiver to attend and complete the program, as
long as all modules are completed. For example, the primary
caregiver can complete 10 of the 14 modules and the alternate
caregiver can complete the remaining 4 modules to attain
certification.
Series 1 (36 hours / 9 modules):
Series 1 consists of nine modules. Each module
threads together core themes of teamwork, child and youth
development, communications, guiding children’s behaviour, family
support, diversity and inclusion, and the MCFD’s Guardianship Model.
In many cases, modules will refer to or draw upon content from
previous modules so it is recommended that Series 1 modules be taken
in sequence below.
Caring for Children: Overview
(S1-1) (3 hours)
The first module provides an overview of the training program with
an emphasis on the MCFD’s Guardianship Model, the concept of
teamwork, and the roles and responsibilities of those providing care
to children. Common themes for successive modules are introduced.
Themes include child and youth development, developing relationships
and communication skills, guiding children’s behaviour, supporting
families, and respecting the diversity of children and families.
Communication Skills and Self-awareness
(S1-2) 3 hours)
This module addresses why effective communication skills are
foundational to caregiving relationships with children, youth,
families, and members of the child care team. The importance of how
self-awareness impacts our communication and relationships with
others is emphasized.
Effects of Caregiving
(S1-3) (3 hours)
Learners explore the possible impacts of caregiving on the foster
family and on self. Relationships within neighbourhood and community
are also discussed. The signs and sources of stress will be
addressed, as well as methods for managing them.
The Child’s Family
(S1-4) (3 hours)
This module emphasizes the importance of family to the child and
promotes an understanding of the child’s family. The caregiver’s
role in working with and involving the child’s family is explored.
Observing, Recording, and Reporting
(S1-5) (3 hours)
This module addresses the importance of communicating succinct,
accurate, and relevant information to the child’s worker and other
professionals involved with the child. Participants will learn about
the benefits and purposes of observing and recording, describe the
differences between behavioural description and behavioural
interpretation, identify what is relevant to record in a daily log,
and discuss when to report relevant information to the appropriate
member of the care team.
Child and Youth Development
(S1 - 6) (3 hours)
This module helps caregivers understand how children and youth
develop and grow, and will explore potential influences on their
development. Participants will learn how to support the growth and
development of children and youth placed in their care.
Attachment, Separation, and Loss
(S1 - 7) (6 hours)
A child being placed in foster care can experience separations from
his parents, family members, and other significant people who affect
their development and behaviour. In this module, the learner will
focus on understanding attachment and loss of attachment through
discussion in small groups and through the use of case studies.
Participants will also learn to promote healthy attachments in the
children/youth in their care.
When Children Experience Abuse and Neglect
(S1 - 8) (6 hours)
Learners will explore how to recognize the symptoms and indicators
of abuse and neglect and the effect on children. Emphasis will be
placed on learning ways to deal positively with reactions and
feelings about child abuse and how to identify and respond to the
needs of abused and neglected children. Understanding how to support
a child who is disclosing will be discussed.
Guiding Behaviour of Children and Youth
(S1 -9) (6 hours)
This module will introduce ways of understanding and guiding
behaviours using a child/youth-centered approach. Learners will
explore ways of understanding and being with children and youth
where behaviours may present challenges for caregiver(s).
Series 2 (17 hours/5 modules):
While it is recommended that Series 2 be taken after
completing Series 1, it is not a requirement.
Cultural Responsiveness
(S2 - 1) (3 hours)
Learners will explore how caregivers can welcome and be mindful of
the diversity of children and youth-in-care. Learners will address
the importance of maintaining cultural identity for children’s
healthy development and will learn supportive ways to respond to
children’s social and cultural experiences.
Aboriginal Children in care
(S2 - 2) (3 hours)
In this module, learners explore the importance of understanding and
integrating the child’s Aboriginal culture in ways that promote and
enhance the well-being of Aboriginal Children in care. Learners will
address the variety of cultural heritages of Aboriginal people
within their own region and will learn how to access local
Aboriginal resources.
Substance Misuse Awareness
(S2 - 3) (3 hours)
Learners will explore the varying degrees of substance use, the
indications of substance misuse, and the factors that may contribute
to misuse. Participants will learn ways to assist and support a
child or youth that misuses substances. Access resources dealing
with substance misuse will be discussed.
An Introduction to Fetal Alcohol and Neonatal Abstinence Syndromes
(S2 - 4) (3 hours)
This module provides caregivers with some factual information about
the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol on the development of
children. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome will also be introduced.
Attention will also be given to understanding the implications of
caring for children whose development and behaviours may be
influenced by this condition and how to respond and support the
needs of these children.
Suicide Awareness
(S2 - 5) (5 hours)
Through the use of lecture, experiential exercises, video and group
discussions, emphasis will be placed on warning signs, risk
assessment, response mechanisms, and where to get help.
How to Register:
Deliveries of the BC Foster Care Education Program are offered in
various communities in the Vancouver Island Region. Registration for
all classes will be accepted and processed through the Foster Parent
Support Services Society regional office located in Victoria.
Steps to Register:
Review the schedules and find the program offering listing within
your community.
Funding for relief and transportation is extremely limited,
please inquire about availability of funding with the FPSS Foster
Parent Support Services Society regional office to obtain approval
prior to registering for courses.
Complete the Registration form.
Contact the Foster Parent Support Services Society regional office
by phone, fax, mail or e-mail to register. If you are phoning or
emailing to register, be ready to provide all the information on the
registration form, including the date you started fostering.
Phone: Local
598-1500 (South Island)
or Toll Free 1-888-922-8437 (Central & North Island)
Email:
admin@fpsss.com
Fax:
(250) 598-8810
Mail:
Foster Care Education Program
FPSS Foster Parent Support Services Society
101-814 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 2X7
Note: Registration is limited to 20 participants per class.
Classes with registrations below 10 will be subject to cancellation.
Ensure that you register promptly and select a class that is most
convenient for you.
Program Schedule
Course Registration Form