girl in pink hair doll being reflected in a mirror she is holding with pills on top of it | photo by matteo badini

📰 FCSSBC: May 24, 2024 Social Services Update

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unfold the recent happenings and advancements in social services

May 24, 2024

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Table of contents

  • Toxic drugs
  • FCSSBC: June 2024 current and emerging issues conference & AGM
  • Reconciliation
  • Youth bursary
  • Communities & families
  • Week highlights
  • Health & mental health
  • Children & youth
  • Housing & homelessness
  • Good news

Toxic drugs

Filmmaker takes toxic drug crisis documentary to B.C. MLAs | Global News

The documentary “Toxic” sheds light on British Columbia’s deadly drug crisis, aiming to humanize the issue and raise awareness about the real human cost. The film, directed by Rob Colbourne, features personal stories of individuals affected by addiction, first responders, and advocates. The filmmakers invited B.C. MLAs to a screening, emphasizing the importance of addressing the crisis through a multifaceted approach. The documentary seeks to broaden the discussion and hopes to be used as an educational tool in high schools across the province.

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Conference

June 2024: Current & Emerging Issues Conference and AGM

Presented by the Federation Association Benefit Plan

osoyoos conference visual identity: people with their hands in the air connecting with each other in a desert-y background | design by estella lum

Our June (from Thursday, June 13, 2024, to Friday, June 14, 2024) conference is designed to tackle the pressing issues that matter most to our members. Based on feedback from our members, we’ve tailored the agenda to cover current trends and emerging topics. The Federation AGM* on the final morning ensures we discuss these crucial issues and address organizational matters vital to our collective mission.

*AGM is exclusive to members.

Reconciliation

Change to B.C. law allows First Nations to directly own land | CBC News

The recent changes to B.C. law now allow First Nations to buy directly and own land in the province, eliminating the need for them to form a proxy to do so. This change has been described as a significant step towards reconciliation and is seen as a way to reduce barriers and costs that First Nations have faced. The previous barriers to land ownership were considered a relic from colonial times and a holdover from when Canada considered Indigenous people to be wards of the government. The new legislation is expected to make it easier for First Nations to provide housing and healthcare centers for their members and is seen as a positive development that will save money and expedite processes for First Nations.

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Youth bursary

The Youth Education Bursary assists young people who are, or have been, in care and want to pursue a career in the field of Human Social Services. Since 2009, we’ve awarded $296,925 in bursaries to 217 recipients to help students with the financial costs of tuition, books, and supplies for post-secondary study. Donations from FCSSBC members and the public are welcome! Bursary applications are open until May 31, 2024.

The FCSSBC Youth Education Bursary

Communities & families

Vancouver families supported by new child care centre | BC Gov News

The newly rebuilt David Lloyd George Elementary school in Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood has integrated 69 new child care spaces. The project was made possible through funding from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, the City of Vancouver, and the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The new child care spaces aim to make life more affordable for parents and provide children with opportunities for early learning and development. The Marpole Neighbourhood House Child Care and Early Years Learning Centre is seen as a significant step forward for the community, fostering stronger connections and creating a supportive environment for families. Additionally, the government has invested over $260 million to fund the creation of new licensed child care spaces in high-need areas throughout B.C.

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Week highlights

Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion 2024 | Canada

The third annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion (CCDI) is scheduled for May 23, 2024, with the theme “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All”. This virtual event aims to kick-start National AccessAbility Week and unite individuals and organizations to shape accessible and inclusive communities and workplaces across Canada. The Congress is open to the public and will involve persons with disabilities, disability organizations, public and private organizations, academics, innovators, and thought leaders.

Health & mental health

Personal but not medical data impacted after hack at B.C. health authority | Trail Times

A cyber security incident at the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia has impacted employee data and limited the personal information of others. The incident did not affect clinical information systems, and the organization is working with impacted individuals. The unauthorized access to the corporate network prompted immediate action, including deploying counter-measures and alerting authorities. The incident does not appear to be a ransomware attack and is unrelated to other cyber incidents in British Columbia.

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Children & youth

New video series focuses on youth gang and gun prevention | City of Burnaby

The City of Burnaby is launching a video series to help parents and caregivers recognize signs of youth involvement in gangs and guns. The series, featuring insights from local experts and the Burnaby RCMP, connects viewers with community support programs. It’s part of a larger project addressing gangs and guns, including services for youth and families, research, and community coordination. In March 2024, the city hosted a symposium with experts from Canada and the US to discuss preventing youth gang violence. The project is funded by Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund, supporting community partner programs and research projects led by SFU.

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Housing & homelessness

Freedom found in Vernon affordable housing complex | Global News

The Thunderbird Manor affordable housing complex, owned and operated by Vernon Native Housing Society, has provided much-needed accessibility and freedom to residents, including those living with disabilities. The second phase of Thunderbird Manor offers one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes for Indigenous Peoples with moderate and low incomes, with nine fully accessible units and 26 adaptable homes. The mayor of Vernon mentioned that the city’s affordable housing supply has doubled from 500 to about 1,000 units, with plans for further expansion. BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon emphasized the importance of government investments in affordable housing and praised the diverse and intergenerational community at Thunderbird Manor. Additionally, three one-bedroom homes are reserved for young people living independently and receive funding under the Ministry of Children and Family Development Services Agreement. Thunderbird Manor Phase 2 is situated next to Phase 1, collectively providing housing for Indigenous families, seniors, youth, and individuals and families with mobility challenges.

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Good news

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles included in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news that’s relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

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