Children and youth in BC are waiting for permanent families. They need special parents who can meet their unique needs.

Do you know someone who’d be a great fit? Tell them about BC’s waiting kids and encourage them to think about opening their heart and home to a child or teen.

Stepping Stones is a trauma-informed life skills program for youth created by the Adoptive Families Association of British Columbia (AFABC).

The curriculum is designed to be licensed and facilitated by community organizations who are working with youth transitioning from government care aged 18-25.

Stepping Stones helps youth build foundational life skills in the areas of self-awareness, empathy, stress-management, creative thinking, critical thinking, decision-making, and problem solving.

Do  you know of a community or provincial organization that might be interested in licensing our curriculum?

Please share this info with them or reach out to Michelle Tappert, Manager, Youth Programs, at mtappert@bcadoption.com.

If you are looking for life skills programming in your area, please visit the Life Skills page on our partner site for youth, AgedOut.com.

JANUARY 11: Seekers Youth Group

Seekers (formerly Peer Banter) is an online group for youth with permanency experience. Hang out, talk, connect, and have fun with other youth who get it.

JANUARY 16: WAITING PARENTS GROUP

Connect, reflect, learn, and build your support network while you wait to welcome a child or youth.

JANUARY 17, 24, 31: NEW – COMPLEX BEHAVIOURS COFFEE CHAT

This brand-new weekly drop-in group is for parents of children and youth with complex needs (including FASD). Grab your coffee and join us to talk, vent, seek advice, and feel supported by your peers.

JANUARY 25: LAUGH-A-MINUTE

Calling all comedy fans! Our funniest annual fundraiser is back at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. Enjoy live comedy while supporting BC’s most vulnerable kids. 

Host Brian Anderson will donate a dollar for every laugh he hears during the show. All you have to do is show up and LAUGH!

BEGINS FEBRUARY 8: SAFE BABIES ONLINE WORKSHOP

Are you planning to foster, adopt, or provide permanency for a baby or toddler? This three-part online workship is for you. 

Parents and caregivers will learn about infant development, substance exposure, sleep issues, household and infant safety, support services, self-care, and more.

BEGINS MARCH 1: PARENTING TEENS & TWEENS 

Learn about the joys, challenges, and typical behaviors associated with parenting a teen or tween in or from care.

The three-part online workshop will help parents understand teen development and provide tips and tools to support their parenting journey. Topics include positive identity formation, the impact of transitions, mental heath, disruptions and breakdowns, and more.

BEGINS APRIL 11: TRAUMA-INFORMED PARENTING

Parenting kids with trauma can be tough at any stage of their development. This three-part online workshop empowers caregivers with trauma-informed tools and strategies. Attendees will also learn about different types of trauma, the relationship between trauma and adoption, and how trauma manifests at different ages and stages. 

TIP OF THE MONTH: RESPITE CARE

“The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn is to ask for help.”

Many permanency families need respite care at some point. But the struggle to access funding and find trustworthy and reliable caregivers is real. In this article, an experienced adoptive and foster mom encourages you to ask for help—and shares practical, outside-the-box ideas about how to find and fund respite.

Respite: how to make it a reality for your family

RECOMMENDED READING

Invisible Boy: A Memoir of Self-Discovery
by Harrison Mooney

This powerful coming-of-age memoir by Vancouver writer and journalist Harrison Mooney appeared on almost every “best Canadian books of the year” list. Harrison shares his story of growing up as a Black adoptee in a white family, suffering racism and abuse, claiming his Black identity, and reuniting with his biological mother.

Do you have a book, movie, podcast, or article to recommend? Send it our way!

FCCBC Chinese New Year Gala

Families with Children from China BC (FCCBC)’s beloved gala is back in person for one last time!

FCCBC has been a lifeline of support and encouragement for families and children adopted from China for 25 years. If you’ve ever been involved in FCCBC, you’re invited to their final Lunar New Year party at Floata Restaurant in Vancouver on Saturday, Jan 21.

Purchase your tickets by Jan 8 on the FCCBC website.