BC211
BC211 is a non-profit society that connects people to community, health and government resources for help, where and when they need it. They help you find support services for all of life’s challenges. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7 in over 150 languages.
Pathways to assessments and supports for children with developmental concerns [PDF]
Supplied by Danielle Smith Executive Director and her team at MCFD Early Years and CYSN
Out of Care Kinship Caregivers Resource Handbook [PDF]
Fairness is grateful to Marna Forsyth, Network Facilitator with Interior Community Services for sharing this resource handbook.
Healthy Kid Program: dental and optical
Through the Healthy Kids Program, children of low-income families can get help with the costs of Basic dental care, Prescription eyewear, Hearing instruments, Alternative hearing assistance.
Interwoven Connections
Interwoven Connections represents the tapestry of families and relationships formed through adoption, kinship and customary care. Based in Ontario.
- Aggression toward Family and Caregivers in Childhood and Adolescence Program (AFCCA)
- National Consortium on AFCCA – useful to all kinship caregivers.
- FASD and Me
RISE Grant Program
Children and Youth raised in Kinship Care under 27 years of age are eligible for grants for as much as $1,000 annually that will help individuals cover costs for registration, equipment and travel for sport, physical and cultural activities. Examples of eligible activities:
- sports, such as soccer, hockey and basketball;
- physical activities, such as drop-in fitness or aquafit classes; and
- cultural programming, such as Indigenous traditional dance, hiking, art and canoeing.
To apply: https://isparc.ca/grants-recognition/rise-grants/
Includes: Adoption, Continuing Custody Order with a Director, Extended Family Plan, Interim Custody Order with a Director, Interim Custody Order with person other than a parent (54.1 54.01), Permanent Transfer of Custody Order with person other than a parent Special Needs Agreement, Temporary Custody Order, Temporary Transfer of Custody Order, Under the Guardianship of a Director – Adoptions Act, Under the Guardianship of a Director – Infants Act, Voluntary Care Agreement, Youth Agreement, Child in the Home of a Relative Program
Funding and Benefits Directory & Resources for people with disabilities
A directory of funding and benefits available to BC residents including BC Disability: BC PWD, Canada Disability Benefit, BC disability assistance, BC disability services, news, and resources. A Also available: a funding guide to help explore numerous funding opportunities. Includes tips to help you find funding and write funding applications, as well as templates and examples for your use.
Foundrybc.ca, offers information, resources and connection to services for young people and their families/caregivers across BC. Foundrybc.ca provides young people and their families/caregivers with resources for mental health and well-being, substance use, social support and services, navigation assistance and self-care. Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people ages 12-24.
Provincial Tuition Waiver Program Handbook
Funded by the Provincial B.C. Government, this program is for former B.C. youth in care who are planning to or, currently attending either full-time or part-time studies by paying for their tuition (yes – you read that right, full tuition paid for!). There is also an annual $3,500 grant to cover additional education costs like books and computers.
More information can be found here, which includes a link to the application.
Community Financial Support for former Youth in Care Students
These scholarships, bursaries and awards are funded by different community organizations and are given to the general public. These awards below are not connected with post-secondary institutions and it’s open for anyone in the public meaning anyone that is eligible can apply for them.
British Columbia’s Representative for Children and Youth
Are you a child, youth or young adult having trouble accessing government services? Feel you are being treated unfairly or not being listened to? We can help you! (by chat, text, phone or email)
BC’s Representative for Children and Youth supports you in dealing with the provincial child and youth welfare system.
Cheap or free computers for non-profit/low-income families
Refurbished computers only to eligible students living in BC.
