The provincial government is adding $23.6 million to support Alberta foster caregivers, including funding for counselling and for those helping older youth.
The UCP government said that on Nov. 30, the province will start paying the “daily skill fee or special rates to foster caregivers caring for Transition to Adulthood Program participants who are 18 years or older.” That amounts to $16.7 million, the province said Tuesday.
“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,” Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton said.
The province is also putting $6.5 million over four years toward counselling — five hours a year for each licensed foster home in Alberta.
Counselling sessions for foster caregivers can be arranged through Children and Family Services or through a licensed counsellor of the caregiver’s choice, the province said. Caregivers can also access mental health supports through the Counselling Alberta website.
“Foster caregivers are highly skilled individuals providing essential, 24-7 care,” said Melissa Jones, CEO of the 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.”
The government also announced a new program called Refer-a-Foster Caregiver.
The province will spend $450,000 over four years to incentivize word-of-mouth referrals. Current foster caregivers will receive $500 for each referral to an individual, couple or family that becomes licensed to provide foster care.
In 2021-22, Alberta saw 4,366 children placed in foster care.