Strengthening support for caregivers

Alberta's government is investing $3.1 million to boost support for foster, kinship and permanency caregivers, with several changes taking effect this spring and summer.

Effective April 1, 2026, caregivers received a two per cent rate increase to help cover day-to-day costs including food, clothing and personal care.

Starting June 16, caregiver referral incentives triple to $1,500. The Refer-A-Foster Caregiver program is also expanding eligibility beyond current and former foster caregivers to include kinship and permanency caregivers, as well as non-profit organizations such as cultural associations, faith-based groups and community organizations.

Prospective caregivers will also receive financial support during the licensing process: $450 after completing pre-service training and $1,050 once fully licensed, for a total of $1,500.

Alberta is launching a new online portal giving caregivers secure access to information and services, including the ability to submit claims online. The portal was developed using feedback from 2024 roundtable discussions with kinship and foster caregivers.

Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton called on more Albertans to consider becoming caregivers. "By strengthening the caregiver program, we are helping ensure more children and youth have access to the stable, loving homes they deserve," he said.

Cheryl Fix, executive director of the Alberta Foster and Kinship Association, said the rate increase will help caregivers manage rising costs while continuing to provide safe, stable homes for children who cannot remain with their families.

Budget 2026 increased Children and Family Services funding by more than five per cent over Budget 2025.

Alberta currently has 1,476 licensed foster caregiver homes, 2,126 approved kinship care providers, and about 4,500 families providing permanent homes through adoption or private guardianship.

Source: Government of Alberta