Foster parents, adoptive caregivers, extended family members caring for children, and Community Living BC (CLBC) home-share providers can all expect an increase in the funding from the province.
The added financial support is the first increase caregivers have received since 2009, and come from the province’s promise of $64 million over three years to the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
“Caregivers open their homes and hearts to children and adults who need their support,” said Premier John Horgan in the announcement.
“For 10 years, the cost of living has steadily increased while caregiver rates have stagnated. Our government is making different choices by increasing support rates for caregivers, to make life more affordable and build stronger, more inclusive communities.”
While caregiver support rates remained idle, the rate of inflation in Canada rose approximately 15% between 2009 and 2018.
The province hopes that the increase in funding will help attract caregivers who previously turned away from fostering children due to the rising cost of living in BC.
The specifics
Foster parents will receive an additional $179 each month per child, and eligible adoptive parents will be granted $105 to $120 per month for post-adoption assistance.
“I have met with so many foster parents and family caregivers, especially grandmothers, who have been struggling to provide for the children in their care,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development.
“The most important thing is that children are raised in a safe, loving home, and I am proud to be part of a government that is addressing a long-standing inequity for extended families, especially Indigenous families, and investing in the well-being of all children when they need it most.”
 home-share providers can all expect an increase in the funding from the province.){kind=link}