MEMBERS UPDATE – CFS Rate Schedule Effective June 1, 2024 Reflecting Increases for Foster, Kinship and Other Caregivers

Alberta’s government is investing $22 million over three years to help foster, kinship and other caregivers look after young people in government care.

Foster and kinship parents are vital in helping young people in government care stay connected to their siblings, culture and community, but the rising cost of living means they face increased financial pressure in covering day-to-day necessities like food and clothing.

To make life more affordable for foster and kinship caregivers, and respond to their strong advocacy, Alberta is adjusting various caregiver rates, effective June 1. This will benefit almost 7,000 caregivers across the province and the 10,000 children, youth and young adults they care for and ensure they can continue to provide stable and loving homes for vulnerable children and youth who need a safe place to stay. Families who adopt or become private guardians of children in government care will also be positively impacted by these changes…
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CFS RATE SCHEDULE

Caregiver rates will be increasing June 1, 2024, by 4.2 per cent as per the Caregiver Rate Schedule and will be adjusted on an annual basis starting on January 1. Caregivers will receive:

4.2 per cent increase to the basic maintenance per diem (foster, kinship and supports for permanency caregivers);
4.2 per cent increase to the $2.60 babysitting/relief per diem (foster and kinship caregivers); and
4.2 per cent increase to the skill fee per diem rates for all age groups (foster care only).

The Caregiver Rate Schedule has been updated with the new rates and will be available soon on open.alberta.ca (attached as well).

Communication has been sent to contract teams to share with contracted agencies to support the June 1 increase. Should agencies have questions they can connect with their regional contract team.

The new rate increases will commence on June 1, 2024, and caregivers will receive the increase on June 21, 2024. As well, these rates will be adjusted annually going forward on January 1.