IFCO 2011 Came to Victoria, BC, Canada … and it was Amazing!!
Thank You to Everyone who contributed to the Success of IFCO 2011: Planners, Funders, Sponsors, Presenters, Volunteers and Delegates.
The IFCO 2011 Conference Planning Committee worked extremely hard to deliver a dynamic, successful conference that provided delegates an opportunity to take part in meaningful educational experiences; to engage in numerous and worthwhile networking sessions; and to enjoy a variety of entertaining social activities.
The theme of “Fostering Hope -Together We Can Make a Difference” was in recognition of the crucial role we all play in the life of a child in care. Over 600 Foster Parents (Carers), Adoptive Parents, Social Workers, Clinicians, Teachers, Child Care Workers and volunteers from around the world all came together at IFCO 2011 to learn, share and collaborate.
Working Together As A Team –
In Partnership – We CAN and DO Make a Positive Difference!
Conference Summary Information can be viewed through the following links:
SUMMARY of IFCO 2011 CONFERENCE EVALUATION FORMS
IFCO 2011 Workshop Evaluations Summary
IFCO 2011 Conference List of Presenters -092011
Who Should Attend?
- Foster parents/relative caregivers
- Adoptive parents
- Childcare workers
- Social workers
- Key workers
- Facilitators
- Managers
- Policy makers
- Residential care workers
- Youth
- All who have an interest in the provision
of good services in foster care
Information Links
- Tourism Victoria
- Victoria Conference Centre
- International Foster Care Organization
- Special thanks to Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services and Prairie Child Photography for generously gifting some of the photos for our website.
History of Victoria & First Nations People
The province of British Columbia boasts the highest Indigenous diversity than anywhere else in Canada.
There are three main First Nations language groups on Vancouver Island: the Coast Salish, the Nuu-chah-nulth and the Kwakwaka’wakw. The capital city, Victoria, is the home of the Lekwungen People who are also known has the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. Lekwungen is the original language of this land, and the traditional culture has been here for thousands of years.
The Lekwungen People have hunted and gathered here for thousands of years. This area, with its temperate climate, natural harbours and rich resources, was a trading centre for a diversity of First Peoples.
Victoria Conference Centre
In the heart of downtown Victoria, British Columbia, by the spectacular Inner Harbour is the Victoria Conference Centre; a bright, modern and technically advanced meeting place that is most inviting. Here, you can defy convention within the environs of an historic city and one of the world’s top travel destinations.
It’s business, in the most pleasurable surroundings possible.
Travel & Accommodation
Victoria is well prepared to welcome conference delegates, with more than 3200 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Victoria Conference Centre. From internationally known to independent hotels, and major resorts to economy lodges, Victoria is well known for superior accommodation and sophisticated service. We easily meet all hotel needs and budgets.
Many of our downtown hotels offer spectacular ocean, harbour and mountain views, and our hotel styles range from historic to modern, and from large to boutique.
Messages of Support
The Former Minister of Children and Family Development, Tom Christensen, summarized our vision beautifully:
“Hosting an international conference in Victoria will provide wonderful opportunities for those involved in fostering, all the way from policy makers to the parents of children who are in foster care, to learn from one another in order to enhance the system and to enrich the lives of the children, youth and families involved.”
Peter Dudding, Executive Director Child Welfare League of Canada:
“On behalf of the Child Welfare League of Canada, I want to welcome the IFCO Conference and delegates to Canada. We believe that foster parents are an essential part of the child welfare system. We are honoured to have this prestigious conference come to British Columbia in 2011 and look forward to meeting you all. Thank you.”
Funders, Sponsors & Donors
Founding Funder
Adoption & Permanency Trust Fund
c/o Victoria Foundation
Funder/Sponsor
Learn About IFCO
IFCO is the only international network dedicated to the promotion and support of family foster care all over the world.