The BC Foster Parents Association is now a New Living Wage Employer!

BC Foster Parents Association (BCFPA) has just become a certified Living Wage Employer - committing to pay their staff and contracted workers a living wage.

The BC Foster Parents Association (BCFPA) is a registered non-profit charity that aims to bring together foster caregivers, social workers and other stakeholders working to continuously improve the standard of care for children in our province. For over 50 years, they have consulted about the revision and development of policy and practice within British Columbia’s child welfare sector. BCFPA provides information to the general public about fostering and recruitment services to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and Indigenous Child and Family Services Agencies (ICFSA). They offer the community a support network through Branch affiliations and their Solutions Program, accessible fostering information and education, a hub to share news across their sector and insurance resources for foster caregivers.

"We are proud to be part of BC’s vibrant community social services sector which is strained by high turnover rates. Our people are our strength, and we recognize that recruitment and retention of staff is vital to our continuous success. By being a Living Wage Employer, BC Foster Parents Association has made providing a living wage to our employees and service providers one of our highest priorities, ensuring that they not just survive but also thrive." - BCFPA

As the cost of living has increased across BC, the importance of paying a living wage has never been more important. The living wage is the hourly amount someone needs to earn to pay for basic essentials like food and rent, it doesn’t include paying off debt or saving for retirement. The Living Wage for Metro-Vancouver is now $24.08 an hour.

“We’re delighted that the BC Foster Parent's Assocation has become a Living Wage Employer. We hope it encourages other employers to join the Living Wage movement. Paying a living wage is good for workers, employers and the local community” said Anastasia French, Living Wage for Families BC.

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. There are now almost 400 Living Wage Employers across BC.

Find out more about organization on their website BC Foster Parents Association – Another branch of the family tree.