Archive for January 14th, 2016

  • January 14, 2016

    Dear Members and Friends of FamilyNet:

    Welcome! Here is our Updated Website.
    We are happy to introduce our re-newed and re-vitalized website for FamilyNet
    members, advocates, family members and anyone interested in a better life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

    The Goals of FamilyNet
    The goal of FamilyNet is to be a provincial voice for children and youth with disabilities,
    and adults with developmental disabilities and their family and friends. Based on what
    we hear from you, and what we experience ourselves, we present issues and concerns
    to Community Living BC, the Ministry of Social Development and other ministries as
    needed.

    Our intent, always, is to be problem-solvers, working to help make things better.

    We Need Your Stories
    Thus we encourage you to provide feedback via this website so that we can identify ineffective policies and suggest new ways of doing things.

    Senior Parent Concerns
    A major goal over the past few years has been to highlight the plight of senior parents
    and their concerns for their sons and daughters in the future. We have worked to
    ensure that decision makers and government are aware of these issues.

    Safeguards are Essential
    Adequate safeguards and monitoring are essential in community living. We know that
    for true community inclusion, our sons, daughters and family members need some paid
    support. But we also know that the friends and family around them will help improve
    their lives and keep them safe.

    Recommendations to CLBC and Government
    Some of our concerns over the past few years have led to the following
    recommendations to CLBC and to the Minister of Social Development:

    • Increase the number of family members and self-advocates on the CLBC Board
    • Institute a multi-layered approach to safeguarding and monitoring individuals
    • Integrate the roles of facilitators, analyst, and navigator to alleviate this rather
      complex and uncoordinated planning/funding system
    • Create an advisory process that welcomes input from family members and provides
      feedback on issues raised
    • Recognize and continue to maintain a range of residential options that will best
      serve people in varying stages of independence over their lives
    • Work collaboratively with other ministries to ensure smooth transitions from
      children’s services to adult supports.

    Our work at FamilyNet is on-going, and we look forward to hearing your stories and
    insights.

    With Best Wishes,

    Linda Derkach, President
    BC Family Net Society
    January 2016