Tribute To Our Resource Parents/Resource Family Member  - 2010
Resource Parent / Resource Family Member - Map - Where Are We In BC?
What We Offer
Getting Support From A Resource Parent/Resource Family Member
Role Of A Resource Parent / Resource Family Member
RP/RFM Job Description

Resource Parent / Resource Family Member - Map - Where Are We In BC?    

To ensure that the privacy of RPs/RFMs is kept confidential, the map place markers (eg. push pins) only list the city and the number of RFs/RFMs in that city.

What We Offer  

Directed by families, the Family Support Institute works to bring families together to share their expertise, joys and challenges and the special understanding of having a son, daughter or family member with a disability. As parents/family members search for services and programs, they often require information, encouragement, and support. The Family Support Institute is there for them. We work with families to help them solve problems and build confidence.

We deliver workshops on request on topics such as: Advocacy, Education, Friendships, Parent-Professional Partnerships, Transitions. Access to up-to-date information on services, current practices, and educational options is critical to families faced with difficult and confusing choices. The Family Support Institute helps families get the information they need. We also have a lending library, including a collection of videos, and a quarterly newsletter produced by families.

Getting Support From A Resource Parent/Resource Family Member  

Our Resource Parents/Resource Family Members are located throughout the province and they are available to families who are looking for support. Our RP's/RFM's all have children or a family member with disabilities and have faced the challenges themselves that come with having a son,  daughter, or family member with a disability. If you are looking to be supported by one of The Family Support Institute's Resource Parents/Resource Family Members, please contact our office at (604) 540-8374 and ask to be connected with an RP/RFM in your region and we will do our best to put you in touch with a volunteer in your community. We believe that once you have connected with another parent/family member, they will be able to support and guide you through the extraordinary circumstances that come with having a family member with a disability. They will also be able to share successes with you and together you can celebrate your children!

Role Of A Resource Parent/Resource Family Member  

Family Support Institute is non-profit society who has a network of Resource Parents/Resource Family Members in communities throughout B.C.  A Resource Parent/Resource Family Member is a parent or family member of a child or adult with a disability. We are not disability specific, in the sense that our parents/family members have children/adults who have a wide range of disabilities.

The role of a Resource Parent/Resource Family Member is a volunteer role. The amount of time that a Resource Parent/Resource Family Member puts into this position is determined by the amount of time they have and what their areas of expertise are, which determines what kind of involvement they have in this role. When we enroll a parent/family member into the role of a Resource Parent/Resource Family Member, we ask that they volunteer for a minimum of 2 years.

Some areas that are our parents/family members are involved in as Resource Parents/Resource Family Members are:

• 1:1 contact with parents/family members, whether it be on the phone or a face-face contact

• Sit on Parent Advisory Committees at schools

• Attend meetings with another parent/family member, being another set of ears for that parent/family member

• Attend meetings with another parent/family member, taking notes for that parent/family member, so that after the meeting, they have documentation of what was said at the meeting. This provides the information parents/family members need to keep a ''paper trail"

• Give presentations in their community

• Facilitate workshops
   

RP/RFM Job Description  

   Qualifications

• An RP/RFM must be a parent, guardian, or relative of an individual with a disability, be in an active role of being a support person or caregiver to that person, and possess good interpersonal skills.

• Each RP/RFM is a unique individual who contributes in their own way according to their interests and strengths

A.   Active Resource Parent/Resource Family Member

 Responsibilities

• All RPs/RFMs must be members in good standing of the Family Support Institute. Individuals must be up to date on their membership dues to be in receipt of all mailings and benefits of the FSI membership.

 1.       Stay Current 

 

1.1	Be familiar with local agencies, services and resources available to individuals with disabilities.
1.2	Direct families to local agencies, community services, other parents/families, and natural networks as appropriate when requested, e.g. local community organizations,  Association for Community Living, Child Development Centres, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Public Health Units, etc.
1.3	Read and be knowledgeable on all information originating from the office, i.e. FSI Bulletin, newsletter.

 

•  If unsure of how to fulfill any of the above, please contact the office and we will be pleased to assist you.

 2.      Stay Committed

 

2.1	Be familiar with and committed to the philosophy.

 

Mission Statement

 The purpose of the Family Support Institute is to strengthen and support families faced with the extraordinary circumstances that come with having a family member who has a disability. We believe that families are the best resource available to support one another. Directed by families, the Family Support Institute provides information, training, and province-wide networking to assist families and their communities to build upon and share their strengths. 

 

2.2	Be available to receive phone calls and if unable to follow-up, refer on to the other RPs/RFMs or the office.
2.3	When supporting another family be dedicated to offering all choices and do not judge another’s actions or statements.
2.4	Provide names of potential RPs/RFMs in the community when able to do so.
2.5	Make an effort to attend the Training Weekend at least once every three years.
2.6	Where two members of a family are listed as RPs/RFMs in the Directory, both need to be involved as individuals for continued Active RP/RFM involvement.

 

3.      Stay Connected

 

3.1	Whenever possible, with the support of the Provincial office, connect families with other families who have similar concerns and experiences.
3.2	Be actively involved in local community organizations or support groups such as Parent Advisory Council (at your school) or local Association for Community Living, Child Development Centres, Supported Child Development.
3.3	Expect to participate with ongoing communication with the Provincial office and other RP’s/RFM's on your community activities.
3.4	When requested, complete FSI areas of knowledge questionnaire to make other RPs/RFMs aware of your activities and experiences.

 

4.      Confidentiality 

• As we support families and obtain information about their circumstances or challenges, we must ensure that we respect their right to confidentiality, and if we pass on information in our desire to support them, we will abide by the following practice: 

  • We will provide general information on a need to know basis only

  • We will only provide information to others when permission has been obtained from the family