Home - Belonging Network

Belonging for all.

At the Belonging Network (formerly Adoptive Families Association of BC), we provide support, learning, and connection for adoptive and permanency families and youth from government care in BC.

You belong here

Find support and resources for wherever you are on your adoption and permanency journey or your transition from government care. We’re here to help.

BEGINS MAY 20

Attachment, Grief, and Loss

This new three-part online workshop is for waiting parents who want to understand better how early relationships, grief, loss, and trauma can shape a child’s development. It centers on helping caregivers recognize how children communicate needs through behaviour and how responsive caregiving builds secure attachment.

What is permanency?

Permanency means belonging and lifelong connection. When a child or youth has permanency, they have stability and people they can rely on. We support all kinds of families that create permanency for children and youth. We also help youth from care get the skills and supports they need to develop physical, cultural, and relational permanency as they enter adulthood.

Adoption

A lifelong, legal arrangement that creates permanency for a child or youth who cannot return to their birth family.

Guardianship

A legal relationship that lasts until the child becomes an adult, though the emotional relationship often continues for much longer.

Kinship care

Arrangements where a child or youth is cared for by family, which can include chosen family. Grandparents caring for grandchildren are a common kind of kinship family.

Indigenous customary care

Indigenous ways of caring for children whose parents cannot care for them. These arrangements often emphasize keeping children connected to their families, communities, and culture.

Programs & workshops

Everyone finding or raising a permanency family needs special support. So do youth who are moving from government care into adulthood. Learn with us and gain the skills and confidence you need to navigate adoption, permanency, or independent adulthood. All of our educational opportunities are offered online so you can join us from wherever you are.

Introduction to Adoption and Permanency

This self-paced course is for anyone wanting to learn about adoption and permanency in BC, especially those interested in adopting from foster care.

Face to Face Connections: Family picnic

May 9: A family picnic at Trout Lake Playground in East Vancouver for adoptive and permanency families to connect and enjoy time together outdoors.

Attachment, Grief and Loss online workshop

Starts May 20: A new three-part online workshop for waiting parents who want to understand better how early relationships, grief, loss, and trauma can shape a child’s development.

Resources

Ever thought, “If only parenting/adult life came with a handbook”? We’ve produced and curated many resources that speak to many common (and uncommon) situations that adoption and permanency families and youth from care may find themselves in. Browse our toolkits to find resources organized into themes.

Toolkit

Permanency for youth

This toolkit provides valuable resources to support youth on their journey to permanency. Whether you’re a professional, parent, or caregiver, you’ll find helpful information and insights.

Meet the Jolicoeur family

The Jolicoeur family shares their inspiring adoption journey, filled with love, resilience, and valuable lessons. Their story offers unique insights for anyone considering adoption.

Story

New Beginnings podcast series

Listen to our podcast to hear from Isla, a birth mom; Sam, an adoptee; and Thomas, an adoptive dad. This three-part podcast follows the experience of each character as they navigate their way through placement day.

Podcast

Be ready to support LGBTQ+ Youth

Learn what you can do as a parent or caregiver to help 2SLGBTQIA+ young people feel safe and supported.

Article

Our impact

In 2024-25, the Belonging Network made a difference for children, youth, and families.

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Families, children, and youth served in 2024-25 fiscal year

Years of helping families and youth thrive

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Registered users of AgedOut.com

Our impact

In 2024-25, the Belonging Network made a difference for children, youth, and families.

0 +

Families, children, and youth served in 2024-25 fiscal year

Years of helping families and youth thrive

0 +

Registered users of AgedOut.com

Give the gift of belonging

Donate today to help us find caring families for waiting children, support foster youth as they transition to adulthood, and give adoptive and permanency families a place to turn to for support and connection during their unique and challenging journeys.

News & Stories

News

Statement on inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and advocacy

Our IDEAA Statement outlines our commitments to inclusion, diversity, equity,...

News

2026 bursary applications now open

Applications are now open for the Belonging Network’s three annual...

Story

Meet the Sandison Family

The Sandison family includes mom, dad, their teenage son, and...

Article

Ask the Expert: The nervous system and children’s behaviour

Johanna Simmons is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Play Therapist,...