Find Support with FSI
The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) supports families who have a family member with a disability by connecting them to our provincial network of volunteers—Resource Parents/Peers (RPs). Trained RPs support families with their own lived experience, and are a valuable source of support, knowledge and guidance.
Get to Know FSI
Resource Parents/Peers
Resource Parents/Peers (RPs) are dedicated volunteers located across BC who understand the unique journey of having a family member with a disability.
With their own lived experiences, trained volunteers are here to support and connect with your family, providing valuable guidance and expertise.
We Are Here for You!
When you connect with one of our Resource Parents/Peers (RPs), you can expect them to:
- listen attentively and understand your needs
- share valuable community resources
- share successes and celebrate with you, forming meaningful and lasting relationships
Our Support Process
FSI receives a family support request.
Anyone can call for support. Professionals often call FSI to brainstorm ways to best support families in BC.
FSI staff will speak with the family and learn about their needs.
FSI staff and the family will decide the best way to match with a Resource Parent/Peer (RP) based on age, region, diagnosis, experience and others.
FSI staff will make a referral to resources right away. AND/OR FSI staff will make a referral to a Resource Parent/Peer (RP).
FSI staff and RP’s can seek guidance from FSI’s Indigenous Practice Advisor at any time for additional support.
A Resource Parent/Peer (RP) calls a family.
Family will get a call within 7 business days. Resource Parents/Peer (RP) can share their experiences, guide to resources, mentor advocacy, and much more.
When to Refer a Family to FSI
A family wants to connect with other families
A family needs support and encouragement from other parents
A family is struggling and feeling overwhelmed
A family is in need of advocacy support and guidance
A family is going through transitions
A family is looking for support moving through systems
Top Issues Facing Families
- Mental Health - no access point for support for both children and adults and/or wait times are too long
- Public Assessments have extremely long waitlist and/or private assessments are extremely expensive creating additional barriers
- Inclusive Education – (lack of) – kids not in school
- Lack of coordination of services – no “case management” or planning support
- Caregiver burnout – feeling tired and done “fighting”
- No diagnosis = no services
- Limited funding (adult and child)
- Families feeling pressure/being offered to put kids in care when they ask for essential supports their families need
- Housing – no choices/options
- Transition – issues around who does what (when)
- Lack of respite supports – no access to caregivers
- Child protection – families reach out to professionals(CYSN) for help and child protection cases are opened
- Waitlists- children aging out of early intervention supports before accessing services
- Long wait times for services
Family Support Institute of BC Rights of Persons Served
The Family Support Institute of BC protects and promotes the rights of the individuals and families we serve (“clients”). This policy applies to all programs and services providing support to clients.
The Family Support Institute of BC (“FSI”) recognizes the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals accessing its services and complies with all applicable laws and frameworks, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the BC Human Rights Code, the Personal Information Protection Act (British Columbia), and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Our Commitment to Individuals and Families
The Family Support Institute of BC is committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Individuals and families have the right to receive support in a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and respectful manner.
FSI actively considers the diverse needs of the people we serve and tailors services to be accessible and culturally responsive. Individuals and families are invited to share aspects of their identity or circumstances that they would like FSI to consider in providing support, including but not limited to culture, age, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, race, language, and religion or spirituality.
All individuals have the right to be free from discrimination for any reason.
FSI is committed to advancing cultural safety, anti-racism, and reconciliation, and to respecting Indigenous rights, perspectives, and approaches to support.
Right to Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal
Individuals and families have the right to choose whether to access support from FSI and may decline or withdraw from services at any time, without consequence or impact on future access.
Individuals and families may determine the nature, frequency, and extent of their engagement with FSI.
Confidentiality of Information
FSI ensures that all information pertaining to persons served is kept confidential and is disclosed only with the explicit consent of the individual or as required by law.
FSI recognizes that trust is foundational to peer support. Information shared by individuals and families is provided within a confidential, relational context and will not be shared with external parties without consent, except where there is a legal obligation to disclose, such as situations involving risk of harm or duty to report.
Privacy
FSI respects the privacy of persons served and takes measures to safeguard their personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Right to Independent and Non-Surveilled Support
Individuals and families have the right to access peer support in a space that is independent from government and service delivery systems.
This includes the right to speak openly and share experiences without concern that their information will be monitored, evaluated, or shared externally without their consent.
Freedom from Abuse, Exploitation, and Neglect
FSI is committed to providing an environment free from abuse, financial or other exploitation, retaliation, humiliation, and neglect. Any such concerns will be addressed promptly and appropriately.
Relational Safety and Respect
Individuals and families have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion in all interactions.
FSI is committed to providing an emotionally and psychologically safe environment that is non-judgmental, inclusive, and responsive to individual needs and experiences.
Access to Information
Persons served have the right to access information relevant to their support and decision-making processes. FSI ensures that individuals receive necessary information in a timely manner, including access to their own records where applicable.
Informed Consent
FSI respects the autonomy of persons served by obtaining informed consent or refusal for service delivery, release of information, concurrent services, involvement in meetings, and participation in research projects, where applicable.
Consent must be voluntary, informed, and may be withdrawn at any time.
Participation in Discussions and Protection of Peer Support
Individuals and families receiving support from the Family Support Institute have the right to be fully involved in all discussions about their circumstances.
If an external agency requests to meet or speak about an individual or family without them present, FSI will:
- Explain that our practice is to include the individual or family in discussions about them
- Seek explicit consent from the individual or family before sharing any information
- Support the individual or family to participate in a way that feels comfortable and safe
As a peer support organization, FSI’s role is to walk alongside families, grounded in lived experience. We do not provide independent, clinical, or neutral assessments, and will not participate in processes that compromise confidentiality, trust, or the integrity of the peer support relationship.
FSI is committed to upholding the dignity, rights, and voice of the individuals and families we support in all interactions.
Right to Role Clarity
Individuals and families have the right to understand the role of FSI as a peer support organization.
FSI does not act as a service provider, case manager, clinician, or decision-maker, and does not participate in system-led assessment or oversight processes involving individuals or families.
Access to Advocacy Services
Persons served have the right to access self-help, peer support, and advocacy services. FSI supports individuals and families in connecting with these resources as needed.
Research Ethics
When persons served are involved in research activities, FSI adheres to established ethical guidelines to ensure their rights, dignity, and well-being are protected.
Participation in research is voluntary and based on informed consent.
Investigation and Resolution of Alleged Infringement of Rights
FSI has procedures in place to investigate and resolve any alleged infringements of rights in a fair, timely, and respectful manner.
Communication of Rights
Rights of persons served are clearly communicated prior to the initiation of support and at least annually thereafter for individuals receiving ongoing services.
Complaint Procedures
The Family Support Institute recognizes that concerns or grievances may arise and values the opportunity to address them promptly and effectively. Complaints may be made:
Via online form: FSI complaint form
Documentation and Continuous Improvement
FSI documents all formal complaints and conducts regular analysis to identify trends, areas for improvement, and actions taken. The effectiveness of these actions is reviewed to support continuous quality improvement.
Concerns and Complaints
Do you have a complaint or concern around the services you have received from FSI? You may submit a complaint to us.
“Talking to another family member makes a huge difference in feeling less alone, feeling accepted and understood.”
“I will still email the FSI Resource Parent who helped me through those transition years, particularly during high school years.”
“When I first contacted FSI many years ago, I was in crisis and it was so wonderful to talk to another parent who could give me real life advice.”