With the announcement of this year’s Saskatchewan budget on March 20th, foster families receive basic maintenance payments (varying from $689.99 to $1051 and a skill development fee of $125-per child, per month) after completing required training and one year of service.
The new payment structure that will take effect in the fall of 2019 will replace those two fees so that foster families will receive basic maintenance payments as before, plus $500 per month, per child once they complete the required training. Information sessions will be held in communities across the province and foster families are encouraged to attend.
Most foster families will see an increase in their monthly payments under the new structure said executive director of the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association Deb Davies. This new system is expected to be more consistent and recognizes the additional skills and training many foster parents undertake to ensure they can deliver the best care possible for children.
“It will also result in a larger pool of foster parents with specialized training in FASD, trauma, first aid and CPR,” said Davies.
“We will also continue to work closely with the Ministry to review compensation for homes that provide specialized care; families who care for children with complex medical needs and the social workers who work with them, have some significant administrative challenges and we are working to simplify that process.”
For more information about becoming a foster family in Saskatchewan, please call the SFFA at 1-888-276-2880 or visit their website.
