2% pay increase coming next month for foster and kinship caregivers: province

Alberta Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton speaks to the media in Calgary, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The province is increasing rates for foster parents and kinship caregivers by two per cent to help cover day-to-day expenses.

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“These incredible individuals help make a meaningful long lasting impact on so many, by opening their hearts and their homes to children and youth in need,” said Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton on Monday.

“Fostering and kinship caregivers are there to support some of our province’s most vulnerable young people by providing a safe and loving environment.”

A kinship caregiver is someone who takes care of a child or youth when their parents are unable to.

If Budget 2025 is passed, the province will spending $3.1 million on the pay increases.

Foster and kinship caregivers can make between $25.99 to $38.12 per day depending on the age of the child, according to the province in June 2024.

“These increases will help caregivers cover basic costs like food and clothing as well as babysitting,” Turton said.

The province says the increased rates will ensure caregivers have the resources they need, starting April 1.

The rate increase will go towards more than 6,800 caregivers to have around 10,100 children and youth in their care.