Links

 

Here are some useful and interesting links for foster parents:

 

Transition Kit Bursary!

 

The Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks (FBCYICN) is offering a Transitions Kit Bursary for young people (14-24) who are about to age out of care or those who have aged out of care.

This province-wide bursary provides youth in/from care (14-24) with a $150 transition kit – items that will support young people who are transitioning or have transitioned to independence. FBCYICN “in care” definition includes: continuing custody orders (or permanent ward), temporary custody orders (temporary ward), youth agreements, kith and kin agreements (now extended family plan), voluntary care agreements, correctional facilities (secure and open custody) and various specialized government agreements.

The deadline for the Transition Kit Bursary is June 14 at 4:30pm

This bursary is a competitive process and only 2-3 applicants per region will be selected. Be sure to check out applications and eligibility here http://fbcyicn.ca/programs/transitions/.

If you have any questions about any of these opportunities please don’t hesitate to contact the FBCYICN at (604) 527-7762 or at info@fbcyicn.ca

 

 

It’s Dream Fund Time Again!


The Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks (FBCYICN) Dream Fund Bursaries offer financial support to young people interested in career training and/or education opportunities. The FBCYICN distribute the Dream Fund to successful applicants three times a year.

The Education Achievement Bursary provides young people with up to $2500 in funding for post-secondary school per academic year. What makes this bursary unique is young people can use this for all accredited schools, not just the usual designated post-secondary schools.

The Reach for Success Bursary is $500 per year and can be used for a variety of workshops, courses and other skill building activities. Examples of this include driver’s lessons, music lessons, food safe, fork lift certificate, sports and recreation fees etc. This bursary is not for post-secondary courses or programs.

The deadline for the Dream Fund Bursaries are July12 at 4:30pm.

You can get your applications here: http://fbcyicn.ca/programs/education/dream-fund/

 

  

Health Canada Guidelines

 

Health Canada advises parents and caregivers to follow these important guidelines:

  • Do not use these over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under 6 years of age.
  • With children older than 6, always follow all the instructions carefully, which includes the dosing and length-of-use directions, and use the dosing device if one is included.
  • Do not give children medications labelled only for adults.
  • Do not give more than one kind of cough and cold medicine to a child. Cough and cold medications often contain multiple ingredients. Combining products with the same ingredient(s) could cause an overdose that may result in harm to a child.
  • Talk to your health care practitioner (doctor, pharmacist, nurse, etc.) if you have questions about the proper use of over-the counter cough and cold medicines.
  • The common cold is a viral infection for which there is no cure. Cough and cold medicines offer only temporary relief of symptoms such as runny nose, cough, or nasal congestion.
  • Symptoms can also be managed using a variety of non-medicinal measures such as adequate rest, increased fluid intake and a comfortable environment with adequate humidity.
  • For babies and young children, it is important to rule out serious illnesses that have cold-like signs and symptoms (for example, pneumonia, ear ache or other infections). This is especially important if symptoms do not improve, or if the child's condition worsens.
  • If you are concerned about the child's health (such as if symptoms worsen, last for more than a week, or are accompanied by a fever higher than 38 C or the production of thick phlegm), consult a health care practitioner for a medical evaluation.

For more information about Health Canada's decision and the use of cough and cold products in children consult the Health Canada Web site <http://www.healthcanada.gc.ca/coughandcold> or call toll free at 1-866-558-2946.

 

Recalls and more Recalls! 

 

It seems like every day there's another recall of some food or product.  Here's the Health Canada website where you can find out the latest news on that new crib, bath toy, or favorite food you bought last week.  While you're browsing the site, take advantage of the electronic-news sign-up lists so you can get alerts sent directly to your personal email. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/index-eng.php

 

 

Aboriginal and Metis Sites

 

 

www.AnxietyBC.com - The Anxiety Disorders Association of BC site is an excellent resource for caregivers and includes specific techniques.

BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations

Casey Family Programs - This site provides resources to help prepare youths for living on their own

Child Seat Info line 1-877-247-5551 - www.childseatinfo.ca and www.icbc.com/roadsafety

Federation of BC Youth in Care Network

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - a listing of resources in BC

Foster Parent Support Services Society - The Support To Family Care network service provider for Vancouver Island

Government of British Columbia - Ministry of Children and Family Development

Harewood Community Schools - this website has a variety of free activities that might spark an interest for our foster families and their children in care.  There are dance, yoga, bridge, garden club and sports activities offered on this website so please feel free to check it out and join in.

Health Canada - a great resource for childhood illness, nutrition and healthy living

Health Supports for Children in Care and Youth Agreements Guide - September 2007 - A new Children In Care resource guide - which provides information about health and developmental supports and services for Children In Care

Nanaimo Youth Services

Parent Support Services of BC - this site has an excellent 43 page resource booklet for grandparents raising grandchildren. 

Power Pages - The Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks (FBCYICN) presents POWER PAGES - a magazine for and about youth who are in, or from, care.  This is a great read for youth and anyone involved in the lives of youth who are either in or from care.  Find the POWER PAGES (under Newsletters) and lots more at www.fbcyicn.ca.