Mentoring Program
Mentoring Program for Foster Parents
The FPSS Foster Parent Support Services Society has a Mentor Program for Foster Parents.
If you are an experienced Foster Parent and wish to contribute to the quality of fostering practice, then this program may be for you.
What is a Mentor?
A mentor is an experienced foster parent who has completed basic mentoring training. Mentors are selected with the following qualities in mind:
- A positive attitude towards the Ministry and the caregiving community
- A strong knowledge base
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially listening skills
- Empathy – a sense of caring and support
- Are flexible and open
- Sees solutions and opportunities
- Patient
- Willing to share their knowledge, skills and experience.
Why would a foster parent want to become a Mentor?
Not everyone will want to be mentor, but mentoring provides an opportunity to contribute to the quality of fostering practice by helping new foster parents improve their skills and knowledge and helping foster parents remain in fostering.
It is also an opportunity to help current foster parents in their own growth and development. Some of the other benefits might be developing their own caregiving skills and being recognized as a role model.
Ministry staff by providing support, clarifying issues, and ensuring that you get the information you need within the time frames.
Recognized as credible liaisons between foster parents and social workers.
Sworn to protect your privacy.
How does one become a Mentor?
Mentors will be experienced foster parents with at least 3 years of experience.
They hold a current MCFD contract, have good listening skills, and have either completed the BC Foster Parent Education Program Certification or are in the process of achieving certification.
In order to become a mentor the foster parent must make a commitment, attend an orientation session and sign a confidentiality agreement.
