Alberta’s government Introducing New Initiatives to Enhance the Well-being of Both Caregivers and Young People in Care October 2023

Alberta’s government is investing more than $23.6 million in new supports for foster caregivers and measures to improve stability for young people in care.

Starting Nov. 30, Alberta’s government will begin paying the daily skill fee or special rates to foster caregivers caring for Transition to Adulthood Program participants who are 18 years or older. This $16.7-million initiative will help more foster caregivers provide mentorship, support and stability for vulnerable young people at a critical juncture in their lives.

Given the demands and challenges foster caregivers face every day, $6.5 million over four years is being dedicated to cover the cost of five hours of counselling per 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. Caregivers can also access mental health supports through the Counselling Alberta website

To support increased stability for young people in care and provide more licensed foster homes, Alberta is introducing the Refer-a-Foster Caregiver program. Through a $450,000 investment over four years, current foster caregivers will receive $500 for each referral to an individual, couple or family that becomes licensed to provide a foster home for children and youth in need.

View Full Alberta Government Release
View Video of Announcement