A Voice For Alberta’s Foster and Kinship Caregivers
Advocacy at the forefront for Alberta’s foster and kinship caregivers. Our devoted team delves deep into the intricacies of policies and procedures to champion your needs and ensure you’re heard.
Strong Leadership, Transparent Governance
AFKA is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of foster and kinship care. Because the needs and challenges of each child and family are unique, it’s hard to create policies that best support everyone. AFKA focuses on leadership and governance to push for clarity and fairness in the system.
A Vision For The Future
Programs, Services & Support
We are committed to building programs, services and support that meet the ever-evolving needs of our communities.
We want our programs to be genuinely helpful and supportive, focusing on creating connections between caregivers and additional support they may need.
Advocacy
We are a strong voice for caregivers, raising profile and awareness of AFKA and its work so that we can support more people. We aim to empower caregivers to self-advocate, knowing they can lean on us anytime.
AFKA connects individual caregivers and the foster and kinship community with internal and external partners, resources, and any additional support that improves the lives of caregivers and the children they care for.
I.D.E.A.
AFKA is deeply committed to being lifelong learners about Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
AFKA supports any Children’s Services licensed/approved foster, kinship and adoptive parent without judgment and works to be an ally for all Alberta foster and kinship caregivers.
Growth & Innovation
We continue to dedicate time and attention to improving operations as we grow. We strive for optimal efficiency, ensuring Alberta families benefit from streamlined programs and accessible support.
We refuse to be stuck in old patterns. Embracing the evolving world, we champion innovative programs that extend our support to even the most underserved regions of Alberta.
Excellence. Transparency. Accountability. This is our commitment.
At AFKA, we recognize the significance of our mission and operate with a commitment to excellence, transparency, and accountability. Our province’s remarkable foster and kinship families deserve nothing less than an organization that champions their cause with unwavering dedication.
Here is what you can expect from us:
Transparency
We are proud of our programs, how we manage our budget, and the relationships we have built with policymakers. We run our organization with openness and transparency.
Accountability
We remain accountable to our Board of Directors to ensure that every decision we make is in the best interest of Alberta’s foster and kinship caregivers.
Operational Excellence
We always seek ways to refine our processes and enhance our programs and services. We know it’s essential to be innovative and always learning.
Fiscal Responsibility
We are committed to managing our finances responsibly and with integrity. We want to maximize every dollar to benefit Alberta’s foster and kinship caregivers and the children they are raising.
Making a Difference in the Lives of Alberta’s Caregivers
Bylaws and Policies
Meet The Board
Terri Forseille
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
Join the Board
Are you interested in getting involved?
AFKA CURRENTLY HAS THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES:
Treaty 6
Treaty 7
Criteria:
Members of the AFKA Board must be either an AFKA Foster, Kinship or Lifetime Member.
Details on becoming an AFKA Foster or Kinship Caregiver Member can be found on our membership page.
If you are interested in filling one of these vacancies, please contact:
Melissa Jones, Chief Executive Officer
Email: melissa@afkaonline.ca
Phone: 780-701-4090
Upcoming AFKA Board Meetings
AFKA holds regular Board meetings, and the Board also meets regularly with the Presidents of the Local and Regional Associations. Upcoming meeting dates are available below.
If you have an item you would like brought forward at any of these meetings, please contact your AFKA Regional Board representative or Regional/Local Association President.
Upcoming AFKA Board Meetings:
January 17, 2024 (Virtual) – 1:00pm-3:30pm
April 25, 2024 (In-person, Edmonton, AB) – 12:30pm-3:30pm
Upcoming AFKA Board and President’s Meetings:
January 18, 2024 – 9:00am-11:00am
April 26, 2024 – 9:30am-11:30am
*Meeting dates and locations are subject to change*
Regional and Local Associations
Local groups consist of foster and kinship caregivers. Each group has its elected leaders, conducts regular gatherings, and nominates a spokesperson for Regional Council discussions. We also welcome caregivers to these Regional Council sessions.
The contributions of these local groups are essential for the overall success of the provincial association. AFKA counts on feedback from caregivers throughout Alberta to guide our decisions and develop supportive offerings. Local concerns are first shared with the Regional Council. If they aren’t resolved there, they’re raised with AFKA. By empowering these local groups, we amplify the voice of foster and kinship caregivers, ensuring the best for the children they look after.
Local groups play a crucial role in supporting caregivers. Even in remote areas, caregivers can form small groups to exchange updates, offer mutual support, share innovative ideas, and facilitate training opportunities.
For information on becoming involved and having your voice heard, contact your local association president for information on upcoming meetings. If there is no active association in your community or area, and you are interested in starting one, please contact us for more information!
