Those working in the social services sector are increasingly called upon to support children and youth with intersecting support requirements (e.g., special needs, mental health issues, addiction struggles, past trauma). And the quality of services provided to these young people is directly affected by the way those people within the system work together.
The Federation and MCFD are planning this event with intention so that it offers people working in BC’s social services:
This two-day learning event is intended for people who lead teams working with children and youth with complex needs: Team Leads, Program Supervisors, Program Managers, Directors of Practice, Directors of Operations, Consultants.
Workshops and presentations will focus on strength-based programming on topics such as complex behaviours, family well-being and preservation, resilience, mental health, cultural connectedness, and trauma-informed practice.
The Federation of Community Social Services of BC and the Ministry of Children and Family Development are striving to find new ways to empower and inform BC’s social services sector. This learning event is an opportunity for DAA, MCFD, and community sector staff to come together, build relationships, and deepen their understanding of the different roles, supports, and services that make up our sector.
Our goal is for all conference participants to leave this event with new ideas and inspiration to apply to their work, new connections with colleagues from across the sector, and renewed confidence in their capacity to create an improved system of support for children, young people, and their families and communities.
Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone attending the conference.
Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver Airport
3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC
Accommodations can be booked by phone (1-866-382-3474) or by emailing res@pacificgatewayhotel.com.
The Federation’s Travel Subsidy is available to Federation members and Indigenous organizations to help offset costs of agency participation in conferences and general meetings for Federation members.
The application form can be downloaded here. For more information, contact The Federation office.
Alex Nelson is a gifted speaker and prestigious Aboriginal role model. He is a member of the Musgamagw–Tsawatainuek tribes of the Kwakwala-speaking people and currently resides in Victoria with his wife Nella, daughter Tasha, and grandsons Gigalis and Komanagila. A 7-year survivor of St. Micheal’s residential school in Alert Bay, Alex knows that connection, ceremony, and a sense of belonging are important and so has dedicated his life to helping children and youth.
In this foundational keynote, Jeska Slater (IndigenEYEZ and Young Artist Warriors) will set the tone for conference, help participants to be open to what they will be learning, and help individuals connect with their personal agency/responsibility and move through systemic barriers to relate what they learn back to their work.
Research suggests that children with autism frequently experience co-occurring anxiety disorders that can negatively impact their well-being, development and day-to-day functioning. Dr. Connor Kerns (Assistant Professor in UBC’s Department of Psychology) will provide an overview of this research and provide guidance around the signs of problematic anxiety in a child with ASD and what treatment options are likely to be beneficial.
Joe Roberts is an expert on resiliency and change. In 1989 he was homeless living under a bridge. 12 years later he was a celebrated CEO. Joe will share his story of transformation and inspire us to “see possibilities not probabilities.” Watch Joe’s video invitation here.
The First Person Panel will consist of youth and family member representatives from the people/communities we serve, including Keynote Speaker Alex Nelson. This discussion will center the expertise and perspective of service recipients—particularly those with intersecting support requirements and identify gaps in service that service providers might not be aware of. It will help uncover new ideas about how we might best collaborate and break down silos to meet the needs of youth and families and guide both practice and policy shifts.
Elders Suzanne Thomaidis and Leo Nolin will share how reclaiming their Métis Identity helped their journey from trauma to wellness.
In this session, Dr. Chris Lalonde, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Victoria, will share and discuss research regarding the impact of cultural connection on Indigenous youth rates of suicide.
Discussions around the kitchen table can be some of the most lively and enriching conversations! Join us as we gather around the table to talk about the impacts and possibility of using a “Quality of Life” lens in our work with children, young people and families. Participants will be invited to witness a conversation and join it. Bring your ideas, questions and curiosities!
This session, with Dr. Patrica Peterson & Dr. Bill Morrison from WMA Wellness, will focus on integrated mental health services for children and youth.
This presentation will focus on research based positive behavioural interventions and an interconnected systems framework (wraparound) for children and youth with complex support needs. Multiple examples of research in practice will be highlighted including British Columbia based examples. The session will conclude with an open discussion of strengths, challenges, and future directions for strength based wraparound support in BC.
In this session, counsellors and elders from Hulitan Family & Community Services will share a model for addictions support that is grounded in an understanding of systemic trauma and explain what this kind of approach looks like in practice.
Follow us online for daily news, social sector events, job postings, conference videos, and more.
