2026 Conference: A Beacon of Hope for the Future of Foster Families

The filing of a constitutional appeal the day before the conference set the tone as foster families drew closer together and became more united. This conference shed light on their daily reality, with its great joys and equally great challenges. The petition also helped raise awareness of a reality specific to certain foster families, thereby uniting every participant in a spirit of unwavering solidarity. Read the article: https://ffariq.org/en/news/no-systemic-inequalities...

All Are Important

Held on October 17 and 18, 2026, this conference provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of all categories of foster families: family-style resources (RTF), mixed-family banks (BM), local foster families (FAP), as well as those who cannot be represented by the FFARIQ, such as prospective local foster families (PFAP) and individuals to whom a child is entrusted.

These families all play a fundamental role in the lives of children under the care of the DPJ, but they do not receive the same treatment or support from the system. The FFARIQ is aware of this and is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness among the authorities. It was against this backdrop that the first in a series of podcasts titled “Between the Heart and a System Under Stress,” featuring Jean-Marie Lapointe, was launched. Follow us at: https://ffariq.org/en/ffariq/the-podcast-series

We know that a foster family is a caring solution for children in the DPJ’s care. Thanks to you, children who need love more than anything else find refuge in a truly loving, caring, and safe family. It was to the tune of the FFARIQ’s catchy theme song that our president, Mélanie Gagnon, made her entrance and opened the conference. The energy was palpable. Link to listen to the MP3

Pearls of Wisdom

The two guest speakers took the foster families in attendance on a rollercoaster of emotions: laughter, tears, introspection, relaxation…

First, Émilie Vincent, a trainer and consultant in compassionate relationships, spoke to us on a topic that concerns everyone: Navigating Frustrations and Strong Emotions: Supporting a Child’s Resilience.

Using metaphors involving plants and gardeners, she effectively explained the steps to take when working with a child. Here is a particularly meaningful excerpt:

“The plant may have been through some rough weather. It may have lacked water, human warmth, or nourishment. You are the gardener responsible for providing the right living conditions for the child. A foster parent is like a gardener. Patience! Because the roots draw growth, love, and stability from the soil. I can’t pull on the plant to make it grow.”

In the afternoon, Chantal Lacroix began by inviting us all to “let go of the excess.” Using a technique derived from Japanese martial arts, the Kiai, a large group movement allowed us all to unite in a shared energy. Ki (vital energy, spirit, and breath) and Ai (the act of uniting and harmonizing) are expressed through a loud shout or a resonant exhalation. It’s truly liberating, and it also helps increase concentration and restore balance during times of crisis.

Chantal told us about losing her job and the long journey she undertook to find herself again. She confronted her fears and learned to take care of herself. She stepped out of her comfort zone, one small step at a time. It is through her own experience that she is now able to speak about these topics and offer advice rooted in her own reality.

Here are a few words of wisdom, self-evident truths that we all too often forget in the whirlwind of daily life, that Chantal Lacroix reminded us of:

“Good health lifts you above reality. When you lose it, you fall.
“You have to choose yourself; otherwise, who will do it for you?”
“Turn toward the sun, and the shadow will be behind you.”
“The way we treat ourselves teaches others how to treat us.”

She invited us to dare to live the life we want. The foster families went through a range of emotions as they listened to her story.

An Evening Themed Around the ’70s and ’80s: What a Blast!

The photos speak for themselves! The foster families were more than happy to slip into their costumes to get into the spirit of those wild years! The Discothèque Group and DJ Simon Cadoret brilliantly got the party started. It was almost impossible to sit still in your chair!

Sunday: Annual General Meeting

The agenda was packed for the annual general meeting held on Sunday, October 18. A review of the past year’s achievements was presented, along with plans for the 2026–2027 year. FFARIQ member foster families can view the 2025–2026 Activity Report at votreespace.ffariq.ca.

Glowing comments poured in from all sides throughout the weekend! The foster families were delighted to be together again.

Finally, we would like to thank our many partners for their great generosity! Thanks to them, we were able to give the foster families gifts worth $15,555!

We look forward to seeing you next year for another memorable edition of our conference!