Foster Care Education: MCFD

Foster Care Education Program Description

In support of foster families throughout the province, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the B.C Federation of Foster Parents Associations are pleased to offer a standardized education program. The British Columbia Foster Care Education Program is designed for approved foster parents who have a family care home agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

All foster parents and their spouses/partners are required to complete the program within two years.

The British Columbia Foster Care Education Program consists of a total of 53 hours training on a range of foster care subjects, presented in 14 modules. Participants can register for all modules in Series 1 and 2 or specific modules. Taking the modules in sequence maximizes the participant’s learning experience.

For more information about the next training schedule set for Sep-Oct & Nov-Dec in Surrey please click here:

For more information on upcoming dates in other areas please contact [email protected]

SERIES 1

OVERVIEW OF BC FOSTER CARE EDUCATION PROGRAM – ( S1-1 ) 3 HOURS
Overview of the program with emphasis on Ministry of Children and Family Development Guardianship Model, concept of teamwork, and the roles and responsibilities of those providing care to children.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND SELF AWARENESS – ( S1-2 ) 3 HOURS
Introduction to how effective communication skills are foundational to caregiving relationships with children, youth, families and members of the care team.

THE EFFECTS OF CAREGIVING – ( S1-3 ) 3 HOURS
Exploring the possible impacts of caregiving on the foster family and its relationship with neighbourhood and community.

THE CHILD’S FAMILY – ( S1-4 ) 3 HOURS
Emphasis on the importance of family to the child and promotes the understanding of the child’s family.

OBSERVE, RECORD AND REPORT – ( S1-5 ) 3 HOURS
Learn the benefits and purposes of observing and reporting daily progress to ensure quality of care.

CHILD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT – ( S1-6 ) 3 HOURS
Assist caregivers to understand how children and youth grow and develop, as well as the potential influences on their development.

ATTACHMENT, SEPARATION AND LOSS – ( S1-7 ) 6 HOURS.
Understanding issues around attachment and loss. Learners will address how they can promote healthy attachments in children/youth in their care.

WHEN CHILDREN EXPERIENCE ABUSE AND NEGLECT – ( S1-8) 6 HOURS
Focus in on how to recognize the symptoms and indicators of abuse and neglect. Emphasis on learning ways to deal positively with reactions and feelings about child abuse, and how to identify and respond to the needs of the abused and neglected child.

GUIDING BEHAVIOUR OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH – ( S1-9 ) 6 HOURS
Introduce ways of understanding and guiding behaviors that are child/youth-centered approaches.

SERIES 2

CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS – ( S2-1 ) 3 HOURS
To understand culture and cultural differences.

ABORIGINAL CHILDREN IN CARE – ( S2-2 ) 3 HOURS
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.

SUBSTANCE MISUSE – ( S2-3 ) 3 HOURS
Assist in recognizing indicators and possible contributing factors of substance misuse. Participants will learn to assist and support a child or youth who misuses substances.

FAE/FAS/NAS – ( S2-4 ) 3 HOURS
Understanding the implications of caring for children in care who may be influenced by these medical conditions.

SUICIDE AWARENESS – ( S2-5 ) 5 HOURS
Emphasis will be placed on warning signs to look for, risk assessment, how to respond and when to get help.

FOSTER CARE EDUCATION ONLINE TRAINING INFORMATION
If you are a foster parent currently under contract with MCFD  in the Vancouver Coastal Region and are interested in completing the full 53 hr hours on line or specific modules, please contact Lori Rose at [email protected] for more information.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT OPTION
Presently everyone who wants to foster must take the BC Foster Parent Education Program. Prior Learning Assessment offers an alternative way for people to receive credit. The prior learning assessment process identifies and assesses what a person knows and can do; then, grants credit towards the 53 hour program. Alternative ways to receive credit include education (certificates, diplomas, degrees); training (in-service, conferences workshops, seminars); employment; specialized volunteer work that relates to foster care; involvement in family conferencing and case management; involvement in continuing care plans.

If you are interested in obtaining the Prior Learning Assessment package or have any question please call the Program Coordinator:
Lori Rose
Hollyburn Family Services
604.780.1585 or email [email protected]