FOR RELEASE
November 7, 2017
Funding increased for extended-family care
The Government of Yukon is increasing the financial assistance provided through Extended Family Care Agreements (EFCAs) to match the funding levels that foster parents receive.
Extended Family Care Agreements allow children who require out-of-home care to remain with members of their extended family, rather than being placed in foster or residential care.
Extended-family caregivers include people who are related to the child by blood; through a spousal relationship; or any other persons who have, or had, a parent-like relationship with the child.
With this increase, caregivers will now receive from $1073 to $1945 per child each month. Prior to the increase, EFCAs provided a base monthly payment of between $688 and $838 per child.
Quotes
“This government recognizes how important it is for children to maintain connections with their family, their culture and their community. This funding increase acknowledges the contributions of extended-family caregivers, and will lead to better outcomes for our children.”
–Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
“This announcement by the Yukon government is a crucial step forward in acknowledging the important role families and communities have when children require out-of-home care. Yukon First Nations look forward to working with the Yukon government on a collective level to ensure First Nations are involved in all child welfare matters with the goal of reducing the number of First Nations children in care.”
–Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Quick facts
As of June 2017, there were 64 children and youth under EFCAs (46 in Whitehorse and 18 in the rural communities) who were placed in 48 extended-family care homes (34 in Whitehorse and 14 in the rural communities).
In addition to financial support, caregivers are provided with services such as counselling, in-home support, home-maker services, respite care, and parenting programs.
Contact:
Stephanie Brown
CYFN Communications
867-393-9200 ext.9223
communications.officer@nullcyfn.net
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@nullgov.yk.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-8539
michael.edwards@nullgov.yk.ca
News Release #17-238
For an electronic copy, click here.