Nanaimo Foster Caregivers Support Mornings
2025-10-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
Nanaimo Foster Caregivers Support Mornings Tuesday, September 9th, 10:00am to 11:30am Tuesday, October 14th, 10:00am to 11:30am CFS Office, #102-6421 Applecross Road, Nanaimo Drop in to connect with other foster caregivers who understand the unique challenges and joys fostering gifts us with. Nanaimo Coordinator Bonnie will host these mornings which include coffee/tea, snacks, door prizes and optional crafts or activities. Watch your emails for more details closer to each event date!

Cowichan Valley Foster Caregivers Mornings
2025-10-15 09:30 - 11:30
Foster Caregivers Mornings Wednesday, September 17th, 9:30am to 11:30am Wednesday, October 15th, 9:30am to 11:30am Cowichan Community Center – Nitinat Room, 2687 James Street These gatherings are great way to connect with other foster caregivers who understand the unique challenges and rewards of fostering. The Nitinat Room is on the second floor of the Cowichan Community Center. As September is FASD Awareness month, printed relevant resources material and book prizes will be available at the gathering. October is Foster Caregiver Appreciation month so for this month’s gathering, your Cowichan Valley Foster Parents Local is collaborating with CFS Coordinator Sandra to cook up something special! Please watch your emails for more information about these meetings!

Comox Valley Safe Babies Group
2025-10-16 10:30 - 11:30
Comox Valley Safe Babies Group Thursday, September 18th, 10:30 to 11:30am Thursday, October 16th, 10:30 to 11:30am In-person at The Foundry Multipurpose Room 575 10th Street, Courtenay Please note the changes for this year’s gatherings. We will meet at the foundry and spend the first half connecting with the Safe Babies Island Wide Knowledge exchange. These gatherings feature discussions to keep your caregiving skills current and an opportunity to “check in” with fellow caregivers! Experienced caregivers and MCFD Resource Worker are always in attendance. Please arrive a few minutes early as we will get started right on time.

Safe Babies Caregiver Knowledge Exchange
2025-10-16 10:30 - 11:30
Safe Babies Caregiver Knowledge Exchange Thursday, September 18th, 10:30am to 11:30am Topic FASD Thursday, October 16th, 10:30am to 11:30am Topic Infectious diseases/conditions (3rd Thursday of the month) This is a regional online event. Join at https://learn.fpsss.com/courses/vi-sb-monthly/ and follow the prompts to the Zoom link. See page 13 for more details.

Circle of Security Parenting Program
2025-10-20 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-10-27 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-11-03 12:00 - 13:30
Mondays, September 15th to November 3rd, 12:00pm to 1:30pm Facilitated by Fostering Early Development Open to Foster Caregivers only. At times, all caregivers feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security Parenting program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened. Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read the emotional needs Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions Enhance the development of your child’s self esteem. Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure.

Caregivers and the Court Process: Preparation, Testifying, and Documentation
2025-10-22 18:30 - 20:30
Wednesday, October 22nd, 6:30pm to 8:30pm Facilitated by MCFD Lawyers Join us for this interactive workshop on how caregivers can prepare for attending court and testifying. if requested to support the legal process for children and youth in care. Additionally, learn how to properly document so you can be prepared if you need to go to court. In this session, caregivers will be provided with up-to-date legal information and be able to ask questions of two MCFD lawyers about how to best prepare for the court process. Register: https://learn.fpsss.com/training/cacp/

Safe Babies Meetings
2025-10-23 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-27 11:00 - 13:00
Safe Babies Meetings Thursday, September 25th, 11:00am to 1:00pm Thursday, October 23rd, 11:00am to 1:00pm Safe Babies caregivers meet with Angela Hatch to connect, support one another, and discuss information pertaining to the issues and care of vulnerable infants. They cover new protocols for homes and updated information. Guest speakers are often invited.

Pumpkin Fest: Campbell River & Comox Valley
2025-10-24
Pumpkin Fest for Comox Valley and Campbell River foster families
Provincial Pro-D, Friday October 24th
Coastal Black Estates, 2186 Endall Rd, Black Creek https://coastalblack.ca/
Sign in between 12noon and 1:30pm with CFS staff at ticket area to cover fee.
This is a rain or shine event. Dress for the weather.
Please Register including the number of 3 years old
and up in your group by Friday, October 17th with
Campbell River: Heather Murphy at text 250-203-7116
or heathermur54@icloud.com
Comox Valley: Jessica Humphries at text 250-986-7929
or cvcoord@fpsss.com

Included with the entrance ticket:
Vancouver Island’s only Jumping Pillow
Corn Maze & Hay Bale Maze
Visit Barnyard Animals including BCs only miniature micro highland cow ‘Strawberry Shortcake’
Play festive games: Pumpkin Bowling & Ringtoss
Take a Wagon Ride
Try Pumpkin TicTacToe
Mini Western Village
Meet the O’Lantern Family and read their story
Great Photo Ops
Families can purchase:
Pick your Pumpkins
Corn Cannons (shoot corn at targets in our sunflower/corn field)
Country Kitchen (Food & Beverages)
Fireside Cafe (Food/Snacks/Desserts/Beverages) New Specialty Coffee Machine
Wine & Cider Garden
Swag & Honey
Pumpkin Fairy Village Scavenger Hunt

Bridge to Belonging Playgroup
2025-10-27 00:00
Bridge to Belonging Playgroup Monday, September 22nd, 10:00am to 11:45am Monday, October 27th, 10:00am to 11:45am Monarch Room, Oliver Woods Community Centre Open to all Central Island Foster Families. This playgroup is resuming in September with a change from the 4th Friday afternoon to the 4th Monday morning of the month. Geared toward children aged 0-5, these sessions will include play-based activities, a small sharing snack, and a structured language arts circle. Drop-ins are welcome. RSVP if possible. Please contact Shailu Miguez at Shailu.miguez@gov.bc.ca or 250-740-3080 with any questions and to RSVP.

Campbell River Foster Caregiver In-person Coffee Meeting
2025-10-28 10:00 - 11:30
Campbell River Foster Caregiver In-person Coffee Meeting Tuesday, September 23rd, 10:00am to 11:30am Tuesday, October 28th, 10:00am to 11:30am Host Tom Robinson (4th Tuesday of the month) Your CR Foster Parent Association welcomes all foster caregivers to attend their casual round the kitchen table gatherings which they host in members’ homes. The group offers confidential discussion and practical tips from experienced caregivers to help you support the child or teen in your care. For information including the address, please watch your inbox, or contact Judy at (text/call) 250-204-1566 or uicoord@fpsss.com.

MCFD Annual Halloween Extravaganza
2025-10-31 09:00 - 16:00
Campbell River MCFD Annual Halloween Extravaganza To be confirmed: Friday, October 31st, drop-in is usually between 9:00am to 12:00 noon and 1:00pm to 4:00pm Watch for location and other details from the MCFD organizers of this annual event.

In-Person Caregiver Coffee Mornings
2025-11-06 09:00 - 12:00
In-Person Caregiver Coffee Mornings for South Island caregivers
Thursday, November 6th, 9:00am to 12:00 noon
In-Person! This is the last coffee morning before the holidays. It’s a place to connect with caregivers and friends, share stories, tips, and laughter. Kids will enjoy some treats and playtime. Goodies for grown-ups too!
Please RSVP to Sandy at slcase@shaw.ca.

Foster Family Swim: Cowichan Valley & Comox Valley
2025-11-08 11:30 - 13:00
Foster Family Swim!
Open to ALL Cowichan Valley and Central Island FOSTER FAMILIES!
Saturday, November 8th, 11:30am to 1:00pm
Frank Jameson Aquatic Centre
810 6th Avenue, Ladysmith
Caring Families Society arranged to have the whole pool just for foster families!
Registration is required and spaces are limited!
Every participant will receive a snack bag after the swim!
Foster caregivers click here to register your family:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/nd3kpj3
Anyone not wanting to get wet is welcome to hang out on the pool deck.
There will be a lifeguard on duty, but foster caregivers will need to stay to support their children or youth.

Lunch and Learn: Campbell River
2025-11-13 11:30 - 13:00
Lunch and Learn Thursday, September 11th, 11:30am to 1:00pm Thursday, October 9th, 11:30am to 1:00pm CR Family Services, Conference room, 487-10th Avenue (2nd Thursday of the month) All foster caregivers are welcome. This is your space for connecting with peers, building community, and sharing practical learnings for coping with the stresses of being a public parent. Bring your lunch or join us for the light refreshments supplied. Watch your emails for updates about discussion topics. Contact Lindsy or Judy for more information.

Caregiver Lunch and Learn
2025-11-13 11:30 - 13:00
Caregiver Lunch and Learn Campbell River
Thursday, November 13th, 11:30am to 1:00pm
Note Venue: MCFD Office, meeting room, 1334 Island Hwy
Topic: Drug Awareness
Thursday, December 11th, 11:30am to 1:00pm
CR Family Services, room to be announced
Topic: Holiday potluck and gift exchange, details to be announced.
All foster caregivers welcome! This is your space to connect with peers, build community, and engage with practical learnings. Sheena’s November session at the MCFD office will update our community on toxic drugs, naloxone training, and provide time for Q and A. Bring your lunch or join us for the light refreshments supplied. Watch your emails for updates about our December Holiday gathering. Contact Lindsy or Judy for more information.

Foster Caregiver Support Mornings
2025-11-20 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-10 09:30 - 11:00
Foster Caregiver Support Mornings for Central Island
Wednesday, November 20th, 9:30am to 11:00am
Wednesday, December 10th, 9:30am to 11:00am*
*Special Festive Event
St. John’s Church, 486 Jubilee Street, Duncan
These gatherings are a great way to connect with other foster caregivers who understand the unique challenges and rewards of fostering. Our best resource and support are each other! Please watch your emails for more information. Note that December’s meeting will coincide with the CVFP Local’s Festive Foster Family Event.

Comox Valley Safe Babies Group
2025-11-20 10:30 - 11:30
Comox Valley Safe Babies Group
Thursday, November 20th, 10:30 to 11:30am
Thursday, December 11th, 10:30 to 11:30am
In-person at The Foundry Multipurpose Room 575 10th Street
Please note the changes for this year’s gatherings. This year we will be meeting at the Foundry and spending the first half connecting with the Safe Babies Island Wide Knowledge Exchange. These gatherings feature discussions to keep your caregiving skills current and an opportunity to “check in” with fellow caregivers! Experienced caregivers and a MCFD Resource Worker are always in attendance. Please arrive a few minutes early as we will get started right on time. Cannot make the meeting in person? Reach out to Jessica for the zoom link at cvcoord@fpsss.com.

Safe Babies Knowledge Exchange
2025-11-20 10:30 - 11:30
Safe Babies Knowledge Exchange
Thursday, November 20th, 10:30am to 11:30am
Topic: Newborn and infant care suggestions and strategies
Join us as we discuss current beast practices in newborn and infant care and reflect on the needs of infants in care.
Safe Babies Knowledge Exchange
Thursday, December 11th, 10:30am to 11:30am
Topic: Transitions
We will discuss strategies to support healthy transitions for infants

Bridge to Belonging Playgroup
2025-11-24 10:00 - 11:30
Bridge to Belonging Playgroup
Monday, November 24th, 10:00am to 11:45am

Stronger Together Workshop
2025-11-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-25 09:00 - 10:30
Stronger Together
Tuesday, November 25th, 2025, 9:30am to 10:15am
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, 9:30am to 10:15am
LeeAnn and Portia from the Office of the Ombudsperson will facilitate the two sessions. The first session is an overview of the BC Ombudsperson’s role. The second session in January will be an overview of Administrative Fairness.
This is a chance to share more information about the Ombudsperson office, the services they provide, their complaint process, and to explore how their resources might be helpful for caregivers.
Please watch your emails for the registration link.
If you have any questions, contact South Island Coordinator, Dianne Thompson at 778-430-5459 or sicoord@fpsss.com

Ladysmith-Nanaimo MCFD Partnership Meeting
2025-11-25 10:00 - 11:00
Ladysmith-Nanaimo MCFD Partnership Meeting
Tuesday, November 25th, 10:00am to 11:00am
In-person #102 – 488 Albert Street or virtual via Teams
Important! The time for these meetings has shifted from afternoon to morning. These gatherings are opportunities for foster caregivers and resource social workers to connect, identify common issues, review policy updates, ask questions, and have input for future education. Participants can attend in-person at the MCFD Resource Office Board Room or join via Teams. Watch your emails for the meeting invite with more details and the virtual link from your Team Resource Team. If you have a question or an item you would like to see on the agenda, send it to your resource social worker, CFS Coordinators Bonnie (npcoord@fpsss.com) or Sandra (cicoord@fpsss.com).

Foster Caregiver In-person Coffee Meeting Campbell River
2025-11-25 10:00 - 11:00
Foster Caregiver In-person Coffee Meeting Campbell River
Tuesday, November 25th, 10:00am to 11:30am
Host Tom Robinson
No December meeting. Instead, join us for the December 7th Foster Family Holiday Party
Your CR Foster Parent Association welcomes all foster parents to attend
their casual Round the Kitchen Table gatherings which they host in
members’ homes. The group offers confidential discussion and practical
tips from experienced caregivers to help you support the child or teen
in your care. For information including Tom’s address, please watch
your inbox, or contact Judy at (text/call) 250-204-1566 or
uicoord@fpsss.com.

Safe Babies Caregiver Meeting
2025-11-27 11:00 - 13:00
Safe Babies Caregiver Meeting for South Island
Thursday, November 27th, 11:00am to 1:00pm
Safe Babies caregivers meet with Angela Hatch to connect, support one another, and discuss information pertaining to the issues and care of vulnerable infants. They cover new protocols for homes and updated information. Guest speakers are often invited.

Increasing Self Compassion Caring for the One Who Cares for Others
2025-11-28 10:30 - 12:30
Increasing Self Compassion Caring
for the One Who Cares for Others CLN
Friday, November 28th, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Open to all foster caregivers.
Greater self-compassion can improve our well-being in the workplace and in our relationships and can help prevent burnout. This session reviews science, research, and practices on the importance of self-compassion. CFS coordinator, Judy, will be your host for the virtual session. The viewing of this Crisis Centre of BC’s recording will be paused at relevant spots for attendees to have time to practice and discuss the material. Post workshop, participants will receive ongoing access to the recording and resource materials. Contact at Judy at uicoord@fpsss.com if you have questions. Register at https://learn.fpsss.com/training/isccftowcfo/

Foster Caregivers Support Mornings Nanaimo
2025-12-09 10:00 - 11:00
Foster Caregivers Support Mornings
Tuesday, December 9th, 10:00am to 11:30am
CFS Office, #102-6421 Applecross Road, Nanaimo
Please note there will not be a meeting on November 11th (Remembrance Day). Nanaimo Coordinator Bonnie Cook has plans for a festive December 9th morning that will include coffee/tea, special snacks, door prizes and optional crafts or activities. Foster caregivers, please check your emails for more details!
