Adoption Monthly #6: June

We hope you've had a great summer, !

September is here, and that means cozy sweaters, hot apple cider, and back to school!

Back to school can bring up unique challenges for adoption and permanency families. School and adoption: Navigating the education system provides information on navigating Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings, tips for how to talk to teachers about adoption, and more! Created by adoptive families, for adoptive families, this guide is intended to make the transition back to the classroom a little bit easier for you and your family. 
Meet Howard Legacy Youth Fund winner Elizabeth Hunter!

Every year, through the Howard Legacy Youth Fund (HLYF) Bursary, two $2,000 awards are made available to youth in or from care who plan to study at a post-secondary level in any institution in BC. The HLYF bursary program is funded by Peggy Howard, a long-term champion for youth. As an adoptee herself, Ms. Howard has a personal interest in supporting youth in and from BC’s foster care system to reach their academic and career goals.

Elizabeth Hunter was selected from a competitive pool of candidates for one of this year's Howard Legacy Youth Fund Bursaries. Elizabeth is pursuing a BA in Health Sciences, Minor in Indigenous Studies at Simon Fraser University and lives in Vancouver. 

AFABC is incredibly grateful to Peggy Howard for her generous support, which has empowered youth from care for 10 years. 

Read Elizabeth's story here. 
Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is a day for all Canadians to reflect on the impact of the residential school system and to mourn the children who never came home.

At AFABC, we are working with a trusted partner, Indigenous Perspectives Society, to finalize our Truth and Reconciliation plan. In all that we do, AFABC is committed to listening, learning, and participating in reconciliation. 

This year, from September 27-October 1, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will be running free virtual programming for grades 5-12. Created by Indigenous storytellers, programming will include traditional ceremonies, artistic performances, and conversations with Elders, knowledge keepers, Survivors, and children of Survivors of residential schools. To register your family for this week of digital programming, visit the Eventbrite page. 
Upcoming events
Safe Babies

Three-part live online workshop
Registration required
$150 registration fee

For those planning to foster, adopt, or provide permanency for a baby or toddler—especially if there is risk of prenatal exposure. Caregivers learn about infant development, substance exposure, sleep issues, household and infant safety, support services, self-care, and more. Certificate of Completion provided upon completion of workshop and infant/child CPR/First Aid training.

Starts 7:00pm Thursday, Sept 23
REGISTER
TIP

Three-part live online workshop
Registration required
$95 registration fee

Parenting kids with trauma can be tough at any stage of their development. This popular online workshop helps parents understand the relationship between trauma and adoption. Parents will learn about the different types of trauma, how they manifest in the developing child, and learn strategies for parenting from a trauma-informed place. Plenty of time is built in for discussion.

Starts 7:00pm Tuesday, Oct 19
REGISTER

Click here to view AFABC's complete event calendar
Important dates in BC

Click on the links below to learn more: 
 
Donate now

This past year, we fielded more support requests and matched more kids with permanent families than ever before, thanks to donors like you.

The easiest way to support AFABC is a monthly donation. Your dollars go furthest when we can plan for them. And automation means it's one less thing for you to think about.
DONATE NOW
 

Questions or comments? Reply to this email or communications@bcadoption.com

Adoptive Families Association of BC
200 - 7342 Winston Street
Burnaby, BC V5A 2H1
Canada
604-320-7330

Reg. No.: #118777671RR0001

Unsubscribe from Adoption Monthly

Opt out from all emails from AFABC