Alberta Foster Parent Association

Membership Benefits

Click here to download the membership application.

The Alberta Foster Parent Association is a provincial not-for-profit association that consists of a provincially elected president and regionally elected directors. The role of the AFPA is to support foster families, advocate for the rights of children, educate the community about foster care, provide and arrange for training and social gatherings, and serve as a liaison between foster families and Alberta Children’s Services. In addition to negotiating on behalf of foster families for fair maintenance fees, skill fees and quality training, the AFPA offers the following services and benefits:

• Foster Allegation Support Team (F.A.S.T.) – This program offers support to foster families and adoptive families who are undergoing investigation of child abuse. Foster families and adoptive families can access this program province wide.
• Legal Assistance Program – Offers financial support to foster parents and their biological children who are charged with a criminal offence under the Child Welfare Act while carrying out their duties as foster parents.
• Conflict Resolution Program – Offers foster families and adoptive families support when they find themselves faced with a conflict they cannot resolve on their own.
• Citation Awards Program – The AFPA provides financial assistance, pins and plaques to the various districts and regions to provide citation and awards events to recognize the long-term service of foster families across Alberta.
• The Bridge – The AFPA’s quarterly newsletter provides information to foster families regarding policy and procedure changes, foster care related issues and activities throughout the province.
• Annual Training Conference – Provides foster parents with an opportunity to further develop their skills by offering a wide selection of workshops to choose from. In addition, it provides the opportunity for foster parents to network with other foster parents and social workers from across the province. *Members also receive reduced conference registration fees. Adoptive families are also welcome to attend.
• Foster Family/ACS Worker of the Year Awards Banquet – Regionally selected foster families and workers are acknowledged for their outstanding service to children in care. Recipients of these awards are invited to attend the Awards Banquet held annually at the Annual Training Conference.
• President’s Meeting – The AFPA hosts a minimum of three President’s meetings a year. Presidents of district and regional associations are brought together to discuss provincial foster care issues and to offer direction to the AFPA Board of Directors.
• Fields Discount – AFPA members receive a card that entitles them to a 10% discount on all items they purchase (excluding prescription drugs, tobacco, lottery tickets, etc.).
• Brick Warehouse Discount – AFPA members are issued a certificate from The Brick and Avis Car Rental that enables them to purchase Brick merchandise at discounted prices.
• Avis Car Rental Discount – AFPA members are issued a certificate from Avis Car Rental that enables them to rent vehicles at discounted prices.
• Hughes - AFPA memebers are issued a Hughes Card which entitles them to save 5.5cents/litre off the gas purchase at all participating Hughes Gas Stations.
• After Hours Support line (780-906-3890 / 1-800-667-2372) – Both foster families and adoptive families have access to this support line. During working hours this line rings directly to the AFPA office; after hours the calls are forwarded to the after hours support line.
• Discount for West Edmonton Mall passes – AFPA offers a discount on Choice Passes. A Choice Pass allows the bearer to enjoy one of the following: World Water Park, Galaxyland Amusement Park or a same day combination of any two of the following: Deep Sea Adventure Submarine Ride, One Round (18 Holes) of Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf or an All-Day Marine Life Pass

For general information, membership inquiries, or to access one of the many programs offered by the AFPA, click here for more information on how to contact us.