Annual National Conference
Held annually, our National Conference introduces new initiatives in services, creates a forum for sharing in the progress and challenges of supporting families, and brings friends and colleagues together from communities large and small.

Family Service Canada's Conference 2006

Celebrating the Power of Families and Communities
September 28 - 29, 2006, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Executive Directors' Leadership Forum
Held annually in February, this three day workshop brings together Executive Directors for intensive leadership training in management and policy topics selected by member agencies.

Canadian Family Services Accreditation Program
This is a recognized, formal process of accrediting family services agencies in governance, financial management, human resources, legal standards and specific program service delivery standards. Administered by Family Service Ontario (Toronto), the program includes:

• a self-study report,
• a two day on site peer review, and
• a committee and board verification of standards compliance.

Being an accredited agency ensures adherence to standards of service and quality assurance to users of services, funders and the public.

Certified Canadian Family Educators Program
This is a recognized, formal process of certifying individuals who are qualified and experienced in providing family life education groups, workshops and courses to assist individuals and families with their relationships and preparation for parenthood and life's stages and key events.

The Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs (FRP Canada) will administer this program by maintaining standards, the certification and re-certification process and providing workshop opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.

Outcomes Evaluation Program
Family service agencies participate in a formal system of tracking outcomes of services provided to individuals, families and communities. Originally developed by Catholic Family Counselling Centre (Region of Waterloo), this system provides data from 30 agencies for bi-annual reports for each agency and a collective national report.

Information Dissemination, Consultation and Networking
Family Service Canada acts as a clearing house of information to its member agencies on current issues affecting families, management and human resources topics and on upcoming events. When members request consultation and advice on programs and services, legal liability issues, etc., Family Service Canada either finds the information and/or links agencies with their colleagues who have the required expertise.

Member agencies participate on national advisory committees or ad hoc task groups to share expertise and to contribute to national initiatives. By providing various networking opportunities, Family Service Canada encourages knowledge-sharing and partnership approaches to enrich family services across Canada.

National FSEAP Network Administration
Family Service Canada administers the cooperative network of member agencies that constitute the Family Services Employee Assistance Program. With offices and services available across Canada, FSEAP member agencies hold EAP contracts with employers locally, regionally and nationally. The Family Service Canada office provides support services to maintain the cooperative network through the National FSEAP management committee.

Research and Development
Family Service Canada initiates research and studies on topics of interest which will assist family-serving agencies and further knowledge about effective family functioning, 'best practice' models of services and family service agency achievements.

Family Service Canada develops specific projects on key issues affecting families such as an Anti-Bullying Project for children ages 6-12; early intervention projects; Bridging the Gap: Multi-Ethnic Services project; and HIV/AIDS Training Modules for Family Service Agencies.