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 48-72 hours. 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 services to clients.
Family Support Institute of BC (“FSI”) recognizes the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals accessing its services and complies with all applicable governmental laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the BC Human Rights Act, 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. We believe that you have the right to receive support in a culturally safe and trauma informed manner.
FSI will actively consider the diverse needs of the people we serve and tailor our services to be accessible and culturally responsive. As you engage with our services, we invite you to identify any aspect of yourself or your situation that you would like us to know, so that we may provide the best possible support. This may include, but is not limited to: Culture, age, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, race, language and religion/spirituality. You have the right to be free from discrimination for any reason.
FSI implements the following policies to uphold and promote the rights of persons served:
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.
Privacy
FSI respects the privacy of persons served and takes measures to safeguard their personal information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
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 incidents will be promptly addressed and resolved.
Access to Information
Persons served have the right to access information relevant to their care and decision-making process. FSI ensures that individuals receive necessary information in a timely manner, including access to their own records.
Informed Consent
FSI respects the autonomy of persons served by obtaining informed consent or refusal for service delivery, release of information, concurrent services, composition of service delivery teams, and involvement in research projects, where applicable.
Access to Advocacy Services
Persons served have the right to access self-help support services, and advocacy support services. FSI facilitates access to such resources as needed.
Research Ethics
When persons served are involved in research projects, FSI adheres to established guidelines
and ethics to ensure their rights and well-being are protected.
Investigation and Resolution of Alleged Infringement of Rights
FSI has procedures in place to thoroughly investigate and resolve any alleged infringements of rights in a fair and timely manner.
Communication of Rights
Rights of persons served are clearly communicated to individuals prior to the initiation of service delivery and at least annually thereafter for long-term program participants.
Complaint Procedures
The Family Support Institute recognizes that there may be occasions when concerns or grievances arise regarding our services, and we value the opportunity to address these issues promptly and effectively. Complaints may be made via an online form: FSI complaint form; via
email to: or via phone to our Office Manager: (604) 540-8374.
Documentation and Analysis
FSI documents all formal complaints received and conducts an annual analysis to identify trends, areas needing improvement, and actions taken to address them. The effectiveness of these actions is evaluated to ensure continuous 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.”
