The Supports for Permanency program offers services and financial support to families who provide permanent placements to older and special needs children who are in the permanent care of Children’s Services. This support is intended to encourage and secure permanent placements, such as adoption or private guardianship, by families who might otherwise find it difficult to meet the needs of these children.
Eligibility
The program applies only to families where the child:
- Was in the permanent care of the of Alberta Children’s Services
- Has been adopted or the caregivers have assumed private guardianship
Getting Started
- Apply to all other relevant government and community resources that might meet the child’s needs. These resources include the
Family Support for Children with Disabilities program, Mental Health Services and Health and Welfare Canada.
- Contact Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority – Adoption Services at (403) 297-6038.
- Arrange to meet Supports for Permanency Caseworker.
Next Steps
- If eligible, the Supports for Permanency program will reimburse the family for the costs of respite and any services they must purchase for the child. Maintenance may also be provided.
Contact Information
Calgary and Area Child and Family Services
Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority - Adoption Services
#60 10233 Elbow Drive SW Calgary AB. T2W 1E8
Phone (403) 297-6038
Fax (403 297-6446
crv-info.general@gov.ab.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What assistance is provided by Supports for Permanency Program?
A: Two types of support may be provided to eligible families:
- Maintenance
- Financial assistance to purchase services required by the
child
Q: What does maintenance entail?
A: Maintenance is equal to basic foster care rates and is available to families whose gross family income is under $60,000.00 a year.
Maintenance rates are determined by the age of the child:
Q: What assistance is provided by Supports for Permanency Program?
A: Two types of support may be provided to eligible families:
Supports for Permanency - Maintenance Rates
| Child's Age |
Daily Rate |
Average Monthly Rate |
| 0 - 1 years old |
$ 17.25 |
$ 525 |
| 2 - 5 years old |
$ 19.29 |
$ 587 |
| 6 - 8 years old |
$ 21.16 |
$ 644 |
| 9 - 11 years old |
$ 22.34 |
$ 680 |
| 12 - 15 years old |
$ 25.31 |
$ 770 |
| 16 - 18 years old |
$ 28.94 |
$ 880 |
|
Q: What services warrant financial assistance?
A: Parents or private guardians are eligible for parental relief to a maximum of 576 hours a year per.
As well, financial assistance may be obtained to:
- assist in maintaining a child's First Nation cultural ties
- if the child has behavioural or emotional problems, then funding is available for the following:
- Counseling to a maximum of 10 sessions per year, and
- $70 per week to purchase additional services to address the child's behavioural or emotional problems.
The adoptive parent or private guardian assumes all financial responsibility for the child except for those costs covered by the agreement.
Q: What support services are available for children who have a disability?
A: Under the new Family Support for Children with Disabilities
(FSCD) Act, additional supports are provided. The services through the FSCD program will be coordinated with the Supports for Permanency program and will compliment the services offered by the Supports for Permanency Program.
Q: What will the change to the new Supports for Permanency program mean to those families currently receiving the Post Adoption Support Program?
A: There are two options available:
- If a Post Adoption Support program is currently in place, upon the expiration of
that agreement, the family has the option to extend the agreement under the
current Child Welfare Act regulation until November, 2005, or
- A family can choose to access the current legislation until November 1, 2005 or
access the new Supports for Permanency program under the Enhancement Act.
Q: How long is the Supports for Permanency Agreement in effect?
A: Supports for Permanency assistance is available until a child turns 18 years of age. Agreements are available for periods of up to twelve months.
Q: Are there any support groups for adoptive
parents in the Calgary Region?
A: Yes, the Calgary
Adoptive Parent Society provides information and support to anyone who has
applied to adopt, is in the process of adopting process, or has adopted a child.
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