Caring Families Society

Stronger Together Workshop
2025-11-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-25 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-01-20 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Vancouver)
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.

Business Side of Fostering
2025-11-27 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-04 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-11 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-18 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-25 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-01-01 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-01-08 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-01-15 09:30 - 11:30 and 3 more dates
Thursday, September 18th and September 25th, 9:30am to 11:30am Facilitated by Interior Community Services Open to Foster Caregivers and Social Workers Do you want to understand your role, responsibilities and rights from a business perspective? If so, this two-part, four-hour course is for you! We will cover 1. The ins and outs of your contract 2. The Care Home Investigation (protocol) and quality of care review process 3. What (and why) to document and report 4. Insurance/WCB for Foster Caregivers 5. Resources For more information, contact Marna Forsyth at 250-698-2017 or mforsyth@interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca Register: https://learn.fpsss.com/training/bsfsept25/2025-09-18/

Safe Babies Meetings
2025-11-27 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-25 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-22 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.

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!

Foster Caregiver Support Mornings
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.

Festive Foster Family Event
2025-12-10 09:30 - 23:30
Festive Foster Family Event in the Cowichan Valley
Wednesday, December 10th, 9:30am to 11:30am
St. John’s Church, 486 Jubilee Street, Duncan
Cowichan Valley Foster Parents Local invites area foster caregivers to register their families for this special event! Registrants will receive treats and fun for the whole family and a gift for each registered child and youth! A great chance for Foster Caregivers to visit and take a breath before the upcoming holiday season. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available. Registration is required. Watch your email for more information and registration instructions!

CFS Holiday Tea
2025-12-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Caring Families Society Regional Office, 145-735 Goldstream Ave, Langford, British Columbia, V9B 2X4, Canada
Thursday, December 11th, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Caring Families Society Office
145-735 Goldstream Avenue
Join Caring Families Society for our annual Holiday Tea. Stop by for tea, coffee, music, holiday treats and good company.
If we are lucky, our part-time office feline, Taonga may make an appearance!
Please RSVP to 778-430-5459 or execassist@fpsss.com

Comox Valley Safe Babies Group
2025-12-11 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
2025-12-11 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

Lunch and Learn: Campbell River
2025-12-11 11:30 - 13:00, 2026-01-08 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
2025-12-11 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.
