By Sheila Pepper, Child and Family Convenor
New information this month is a pilot project by BC Family Connections at four centres in BC for support and services. Family connections centres will provide a one-stop location for support, therapy and information. Centres will provide the same core services to everyone. Families will be able to access a centre from their local community. Smaller communities will have access using mobile services or virtual technology. Centre teams will create a comfortable, welcoming, inclusive and safe space by using a trauma-informed, culturally safe and respectful approach. Centres will be run by service providers contracted by the ministry.
Please consult challenges faced by BC families:
https://www.bccf.ca/media/uploads/resources_pdf/letstalkfamilies2014_fullreport_final.pdf
This report lists the many challenges families face: income security, employment, physical and mental health, addictions, housing, food, education, child care and protection, neighbourhood and community safety, violence, and legal issues.
Here is a link to the BC Child, Family and Community Services Act:
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96046_01
Another link to Children’s Rights and Participation in Family Law in BC:
Family caregiving at both ends of life is increasing for BC families. Additional services for parent, adolescent and family therapy are more in demand. The long Covid shutdowns have been complicating service availability.
The Minister of Child and Family Development is the Honourable Mitzi Dean and the Deputy Minister is Allison Bond. They have set up a new Indigenous child support program including aspects of reconciliation.