The Provincial Government is strengthening the foster
care program in Newfoundland and Labrador through substantial increases
in foster care rates. An investment of $1.3 million will be made in
2009-10, with an annualized investment of $2.4 million starting in
2010-11. The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community
Services made the announcement today in St. John�s.
"Foster parents play an incredibly important role in
providing a caring and supportive environment for children on a
temporary or long-term basis," said Minister Wiseman. "We are making
significant investments to assist foster families in our province. Our
government believes that foster parents should be provided the supports
that are essential to delivering quality care to children."
The provincial payment structure will now consist of
four age ranges: children up to two years of age; children from two to
four years of age; children from five to 11 years of age; and children
12 and over. Previously, separate rates were provided for children under
age 12, and children 12 years of age and older.
The monthly rate provided for children up to age two
will increase from $523.30 per month to $819 per month in 2009, followed
by an increase to $915 per month in 2010. The rate increase for children
up to age two incorporates a new infant allowance of $200 per month to
reflect the needs of caring for young children.
The monthly rate provided for children from two to
four years of age will increase from $523.30 per month to $619 per month
in 2009, followed by an increase to $715 per month in 2010; the rate
provided for children from five to 11 years of age will increase from
$523.30 to $669 per month in 2009, followed by an increase to $815 per
month in 2010; and, the rate provided for children 12 and older will
increase from $604.60 per month to $760 per month in 2009, followed by
an increase to $915 per month in 2010.
In recognition of the higher costs associated with
living in Labrador, an additional amount will be added to each of the
monthly rates for foster families in Labrador depending on the age of
the child and location of the community of the foster family. The
additional amounts range from $54 to $167 for 2009-10.
"The safety, health and well-being of children in care
are a top priority for our government," said Minister Wiseman. "We
recognize that there are a variety of costs associated with caring for
children and that is why we are making further investments to assist
with initial placement in a foster home and to support families around
the holidays. Each of these can also present financial challenges for
foster parents and it is important to ensure they have the resources
available to purchase the necessary items for children."
A new placement allowance will be introduced and
enhancements will be made to the Christmas allowance. The new placement
allowance will consist of $200 that will be provided when a child is
initially placed with foster parents. With enhancements to the Christmas
allowance, $200 will now be provided for children up to age four, $300
for children ages five to 11 and $400 for children aged 12 and over.
Previously, $180 was provided for children under age 12, and $200 was
provided for children aged 12 and over.
These new rates are in effect June 1, 2009, and will
bring Newfoundland and Labrador inline with the rates provided to foster
parents in other Atlantic provinces.
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