Caregivers to get bump in new budget

By Sam Leishman - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on March 18, 2025.

The Alberta government says it plans to ease the cost-of-living challenges that foster parents and kinship caregivers are facing.

Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services, announced a two-percent increase for caregiver compensation on Monday, as part of Budget 2025. The draft budget was tabled on Feb. 27, but it has yet to receive royal assent and come into force.

As of Apr. 1, the rate increase will help cover the day-to-day expenses of caring for a child, including food, clothing, babysitting and additional supports for those caring for youth with complex needs.

This will build upon last year’s 4.2-percent rate increase.

“Foster and kinship caregivers are there to support some of our province’s most vulnerable young people by providing a safe and loving environment that helps them stay as closely connected as possible to their culture and their community,” Turton said. “We know that caregiving is a challenging role that requires plenty of training, time, energy and compassion. We also know that cost-of-living challenges are impacting caregivers across the province, similar to other Albertans.”

Nearly 7,000 caregivers and more than 10,000 children and youth are estimated to benefit from this $3.1-million total investment.

Turton went on to explain that the province is putting $11-million dollars into the foster and kinship care system over the next four years to enhance support for caregivers and their families, limit disruptions for kids seeking care and assist young adults as they age out of care.

That funding includes a new refer-a-foster-caregiver program, which offers existing caregivers $500 for anyone they refer who then becomes a licensed foster home.

“We’re hoping for a huge amount of potential foster and kinship care providers to enter the system. The more the merrier because we know it makes a difference for kids.”

Turton says the Alberta Government is committed to listening to caregivers and continually improving the system to support their work of providing children with strong foundations for their futures.