Mar. 11 Biweekly Update: Social Services Key Insights

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

March 11, 2025

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Table of contents

  • Reconciliation
  • Opportunities brought to you by the Federation
  • Youth
  • Families
  • Women
  • Seniors
  • Children
  • Good news

Reconciliation

Introducing Residential Schools 101 | University of Manitoba

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is expanding its educational outreach with free monthly Residential School History and Legacy 101 webinars led by Sandra Bender, the centre’s community engagement and education program coordinator. Over the past seven months, Bender has delivered more than seven dozen presentations, addressing the growing demand for education on the residential school system and its legacy. The webinars are designed to be accessible for those new to the topic while remaining engaging for those with prior knowledge. Alongside NCTR director Kaila Johnston, Bender presents to diverse audiences—including corporate groups, government sectors, universities, schools, and churches—highlighting key issues, Calls to Action, and tangible steps toward reconciliation. A non-Indigenous ally, Bender is committed to ensuring respectful, accurate, and thoughtful discussions in her presentations, emphasizing that understanding the full truth is essential to reconciliation. Sign up for the webinar here.

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Opportunities brought to you by the Federation

The Federation is dedicated to supporting our members and strengthening the broader community social services sector. We offer a range of ways to stay informed, build connections, and grow your skills.

Stay informed about the latest in the sector by exploring our calendar of training sessions, webinars, and events designed to help you succeed.
Get connected and expand your professional network through opportunities created specifically for community social services professionals.
Looking for a new career? Explore current job postings and find your next opportunity in the community social services sector.

Visit our website today to discover all the ways we can support you!


The Federation of Community Social Services of BC, in partnership with the Community Social Services Health and Safety Association, invites you to join us for the Caring for Communities Health and Safety Conference.

This two-day event will bring together professionals, advocates, and community leaders to explore key topics in workplace health and safety — mental health, decolonization and more — all through the lens of the community social services sector.

Day 1: Preconference
Your choice of full-day training workshop:
Mental Health First Aid
Introduction to Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Day 2: Conference
Plenary sessions including:
Keynote: Warren Hooley
Trauma-Informed Workplaces
and more to be announced

Your choice of breakout session:
Resilience
Boundaries and Respectful Assertiveness
Culture of Care & Selfcare/Resilience

Register here: Caring For Communities Health and Safety Conference

For youth from care, financial barriers can make post-secondary education challenging. That’s why The Federation Youth Education Bursary exists—to support students pursuing careers in human and social services. Since 2009, we’ve awarded $296,925 to 217 students, covering tuition, books, and supplies.

💰 What You Need to Know:
✅ Up to $2,000 per academic year (two semesters)
✅ Can be combined with other bursaries or tuition waivers
✅ Funds go directly to the academic institution
✅ Must be used within 18 months (for 2025 recipients, by January 2027)
✅ You can apply more than once and receive the bursary multiple years in a row

📝 Applications close May 5, 2025. Applicants will be notified in the summer. Apply here: 2025 Youth Education Bursary

Youth

Most BC youth aren’t exercising enough, and it’s linked to mental-health problems: UBC study | Vancouver Sun

A UBC study published in “BMC Public Health” found that most BC youth aren’t meeting Canada’s guidelines for daily exercise, with only 26% getting the recommended hour of physical activity. Excessive screen time, mainly social media and video games is a key factor, with boys generally exercising more than girls due to fewer sports opportunities for the latter. The study surveyed over 26,000 students in Grades 6 to 8 and found that meeting movement, sleep, and screen-time guidelines correlated with better mental health, optimism, and life satisfaction. While 73% of youth met sleep recommendations, only 14% adhered to screen-time limits, and just 4% met all three guidelines. Researcher Dr. Eva Oberle suggests that schools offer year-round physical education and create outdoor spaces that appeal to teens. The findings align with BC’s recent decision to ban mobile phones in schools to address mental health concerns and reduce classroom distractions.

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Families

BC signs agreement with feds to expand school food programs | CBC News

BC and the federal government have signed a funding agreement to expand school meal programs across the province, with a commitment to sourcing local food. The $39.4 million in federal funding, spread over three years, will enhance programs in over 1,000 schools, benefiting 90,000 students and saving families with two children an estimated $800 annually on groceries. Education Minister Lisa Beare emphasized the importance of ensuring no child learns on an empty stomach and pledged to work with school boards to prioritize local food sourcing. Carolyn Broady of the School Trustees Association highlighted the impact on rural and remote communities. BC is the 10th province or territory to join the National School Food Program initiative.

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Women

International Women’s Day march held in Vancouver Saturday | City News

Vancouver’s International Women’s Day march took place on March 8, 2025, outside the Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza, joining global events to celebrate and advocate for women’s rights. Organized by a volunteer committee led by Yasmin Simsek, the march emphasized intersectional feminism, anti-colonial solidarity, and the challenges faced by marginalized women, particularly Indigenous women in BC. Speakers from local organizations highlighted issues such as the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the political landscape’s impact on women, and the struggles faced by women in Palestine. The event underscored the message that true freedom requires liberation for all.

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Seniors

Vernon seniors worked to make the community more accessible | Vernon Morning Star

The Community Connections Self-Advocate Group in Vernon has spent 13 years working to improve accessibility and advocate for community issues, with support from the Kindale Developmental Association. Initially formed in 2010, the group grew to include members from surrounding communities and tackled topics such as BC Transit accessibility, affordable housing, and disability rights. Through meetings, guest speakers, and outreach efforts, they raised awareness and influenced local decision-makers. While the group held its final meeting in November 2024, its members remain committed to social connections and continuing advocacy in other ways. They express gratitude to those who supported their efforts, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in creating a more inclusive community.

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Children

Plaintiffs in child welfare class action reflect on compensation | APTN News

First Nations children and families affected by the on-reserve child welfare system will be able to file for compensation starting March 10, 2025, under a $23 billion settlement finalized in 2023. This settlement resolves two class-action lawsuits against the federal government following a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling that Canada discriminated against First Nations children by underfunding support programs. The initial claims period applies to individuals removed from their homes between 1991 and 2022 and their caregiving parents or grandparents. Representative plaintiffs Melissa Walterson and Karen Osachoff, who played key roles in the lawsuit, reflected on the long fight for justice and emphasized the importance of having strong support systems in place.

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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 to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles 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 relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

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