Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

$23.6 million

Alberta government increasing supports for foster caregivers

Oct 25, 2023 | 1:39 PM

Alberta’s government says it is investing more than $23.6 million in new supports for foster caregivers and measures to improve stability for young people in care.

Government officials say foster caregivers provide stable and loving temporary homes for vulnerable children and youth who need a safe place to stay. In response to the advocacy of Albertans providing foster care, Alberta’s government says it is introducing new initiatives to enhance the well-being of both caregivers and young people in care.

Consistent, supportive relationships are critical, officials say, both for youth in care as they transition out of the foster system and into adulthood and for the caregivers who support them. Starting Nov. 30, Alberta’s government says it will begin paying the daily skill fee or special rates to foster caregivers caring for Transition to Adulthood Program participants who are 18 years or older. This $16.7-million initiative is expected to help more foster caregivers provide mentorship, support and stability for vulnerable young people at a critical juncture in their lives.

“Entering adulthood is challenging enough without having to navigate it alone,” says Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services. “The connection, guidance and mentorship foster parents provide is crucial for those aging out of care, and the actions our government is taking will ensure young adults have consistent support from people who know and care about them.”

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Given the demands and challenges foster caregivers face every day, the government says $6.5 million over four years is being dedicated to cover the cost of five hours of counselling per year for each licensed foster home in Alberta. This is hoped to make it easier for foster caregivers to access mental health supports when they need them and ensure they have the supports they need to continue their work.

Officials note, counselling sessions for foster caregivers can be arranged through Children and Family Services or through a licensed counsellor of the caregiver’s choice. Caregivers can also access mental health supports through the Counselling Alberta website.

“Foster caregivers are highly skilled individuals providing essential, 24-7 care,” adds Melissa Jones, CEO, Alberta Foster and Kinship Association. “Their well-being is important, and we are very pleased to see that new funding is on the way to make sure they are supported so they can focus on supporting kids.”

“Foster caregivers are the backbone of our child protection system and ensure a better future for the children in their care. Wood’s Homes is pleased Alberta’s government is helping to build good mental health for not just those in care but for those who care for them,” shares Bjorn Johansson, CEO, Wood’s Homes.

Refer-a-Foster Caregiver

Existing caregivers know what makes an excellent foster family and can see those qualities in the people around them, making word-of-mouth referrals an effective recruitment strategy within the fostering community, says the Alberta government.

To support increased stability for young people in care and provide more licensed foster homes, Alberta says it is introducing the Refer-a-Foster Caregiver program. Through a $450,000 investment over four years, current foster caregivers will receive $500 for each referral to an individual, couple or family that becomes licensed to provide a foster home for children and youth in need.

Alberta government quick facts

• In 2021-22, 4,366 children were placed in foster care.