To help ease cost-of-living challenges, Budget 2025, if passed, invests $3.1 million to increase rates by two per cent for foster and kinship caregivers. The increase will help cover day-to-day expenses such as food and clothing as well as provide additional support for caregivers who care for children with more complex needs.
Alberta’s government continues to make investments that enhance caregiver well-being, address cost-of-living and recruitment challenges, and increase stability for children and youth in care. These investments include funding to make counselling supports more accessible for foster caregivers, the refer-a-foster-caregiver program to grow Alberta’s pool of licensed foster families, and new supports to help foster caregivers provide care, stability and connection for young adults aging out of care.
“I am so proud to support foster and kinship caregivers and the incredibly important work they do every single day. Making life more affordable for Alberta’s dedicated caregivers will allow them to focus on providing the love, care and support that every child deserves and ensure they have a strong foundation for the future.”
In alignment with the mandate of Ministry of Children and Family Services, the rate increase is part of an investment of an additional $11 million for foster caregivers over the next four years to improve Alberta’s foster care system and minimize disruptions for children and youth in care. The increased caregiver rates will provide additional financial support to loving foster homes for children in care.
"Foster caregivers open their homes and hearts every day, and with the rising cost of living, this investment is an important step in ensuring they have the resources they need. We’re happy to support this initiative to help sustain the incredible work they do, ensuring they can continue providing care, stability, and safety for children and youth in their homes."
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- This rate increase will affect more than 6,800 caregivers with approximately 10,100 children and youth in their care.
- As of Dec. 31, there were 1,494 foster caregivers, 2,196 kinship caregivers and 3,013 families offering permanent homes through adoption or private guardianship across Alberta.
Related information
- Support for foster and kinship caregivers
- Become a foster caregiver
- Kinship caregiver resources
- Adoption
Related news
- Easing financial strain for foster families (June 5, 2024)