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Community Social Services: Weekly Bulletin Oct. 02, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

October 02, 2024

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Table of contents

  • Reconciliation
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Children
  • Opportunities
  • Families
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Disability
  • Career Opportunities
  • Communities
  • FSGV
  • Good News

Reconciliation

First Nations Leader Says BC Conservative Candidate’s Residential School Postings Are ‘Outrageous, Disgusting and Very, Very Sad’ | Press Progress

BC Conservative candidate Sheldon Clare sparked outrage for his social media posts suggesting that residential schools provided “opportunities” for Indigenous children, which Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs condemned as “outrageous, disgusting, and very, very sad.” Clare’s posts promote residential school denialism, challenging the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and downplaying the traumatic legacy of these institutions. Clare’s stance has raised concerns about his ability to represent Indigenous constituents and whether he is fit for public office. Grand Chief Phillip emphasized the harm of spreading such distorted historical views and hoped that reconciliation efforts would prevail.

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Reconciliation Book Club

Bone Black

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on October 23, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Bone Black” by Carol Rose GoldenEagle. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Children

Can Grace Lore Fix the Ministry for Children and Families? | The Tyee

Grace Lore, BC’s Minister of Children and Family Development, faces the daunting task of reforming one of the province’s most challenging ministries. The ministry, plagued by high-profile child welfare failures and systemic issues, struggles with understaffed social workers and significant complaints, particularly from Indigenous communities. Despite the challenges, Lore is committed to transforming the system, drawing on her personal experience with her son’s health struggles, her advocacy for vulnerable children, and her collaboration with First Nations to address Indigenous child welfare. Known for her empathy, determination, and ability to connect, Lore aims for bold action to ensure safety and support for BC’s children and families.

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Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members stay up to date with what is happening across the community social services sector. Check our calendar for training opportunities, webinars, and events.

Families

BC Father and Daughter Combat Violence with Love and Moosehide Medicine | Grand Forks Gazette

Raven Lacerte and her father co-founded the Moose Hide Campaign, inspired by a hunting trip along British Columbia’s Highway of Tears, a region plagued by violence against Indigenous women. The campaign aims to end violence against women and children by encouraging open conversations through the distribution of moose hide pins, with over six million pins given out since its inception. Rooted in their family’s experiences and Indigenous heritage, the campaign calls on men and boys to take a stand. It has grown into a national movement, with Lacerte emphasizing the need for collective action, love, and healing to create a safer future for all.

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Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at The Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Disability

BC’s New Centre for Dyslexia Will Fill Gaps for Dyslexic Learners | News Wire

The newly announced Centre for Dyslexia in Vancouver, BC, aims to address significant gaps in support for dyslexic learners, their families, and educators. With up to 1 in 5 students affected by dyslexia, many of whom remain undiagnosed, the Centre will provide essential resources and services, such as free or affordable programs and professional training for educators. As a community hub, it will collaborate with local, national, and international partners to promote best practices and champion equitable education. The Centre, founded on over 40 years of expertise from Fraser Academy, seeks to enhance early detection and intervention to prevent negative outcomes like dropout rates and under-employment while celebrating the strengths of dyslexic thinking.

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Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Communities

Advocates Rally in Vancouver Against Proposed Involuntary Care | City News

On September 29, 2024, community groups and advocates gathered in downtown Vancouver to protest proposed involuntary care policies in British Columbia. Emotions ran high as participants voiced their concerns about the implications of these policies, particularly how they would affect people struggling with addictions and mental health issues. Outreach worker Blake Edwards criticized the idea, expressing that such measures erode trust in the healthcare system. The BC NDP and BC Conservatives support involuntary care, with NDP leader David Eby targeting those with addiction and mental health challenges. Meanwhile, the Green Party, led by Sonia Furstenau, advocates for voluntary care, deeming involuntary treatment ineffective. Many rally participants emphasized that the focus should instead be on addressing the toxic drug crisis and housing issues.

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FSGV

FSGV Benefit Wayfinder 2024 | The Federation

The Federation, in collaboration with Family Services of Greater Vancouver, is offering a FREE virtual workshop to help frontline staff improve their support for clients with financial struggles using Prosper Canada’s Benefits Wayfinder. This training will equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to assist clients in discovering and applying for benefits and will include effective, trauma-informed money conversation techniques. The workshop is available on November 5, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and is limited to 30 participants per session. Additional dates will be added, and a waitlist is available by contacting Katherine Lim at info@fcssbc.ca. Register today and share this opportunity with your colleagues!

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 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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