The Child & Youth Support Program is intended to promote stable relationships for children by offering financial and medical assistance for a child whose parents are unable or unwilling to provide care and who is being cared for in another home of an adult caregiver.  The intent of the program is to supplement some of the child's needs and offset some of the associated costs to the caregiver when the parents are unable or unwilling to provide care.

The child must not be in need of intervention services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (with the exception of a family enhancement agreement).   The program emphasizes minimal intrusion to the families of the child and caregiver, balanced with accountability of the caregiver and parent. 

Who is eligible for the program?

A caregiver may be eligible to receive benefits on behalf of a child if:

• The child's parent(s) have provided written consent and the child will be properly cared for in the home of the caregiver
• The child is under 18 years of age at the time of application
• The child is residing with the caregiver/guardian 7 days a week
• The child's income does not exceed the financial guidelines of the program
• The child's parent(s) do not live in the caregiver's home
• The caregiver does not live on a First Nations Reserve

How much will the caregiver receive on behalf of the child?

The amount of monthly benefits can vary based on:

• The age of the child
• The income of the child
  • Trust accounts
• Relationship of the caregiver to the child
• Applicability of child care expenses

A child is eligible for the Child & Youth Support Program if the child/youth's gross monthly employment income is less than $1000 when the child is not attending a full-time educational program or training program.

While receiving benefits from the Child & Youth Support Program, children can also receive medical benefits under the Alberta Child Health Benefit Program.

If the caregiver and child qualify for the basic benefit under the Child & Youth Support Program, other supplementary benefits may be available.

Applying for the Child and Youth Support Program

An application information is available at all District Offices of Central Alberta Child and Family Services Authority. The caregiver will be required to provide a letter of consent from the child's parents as well as other information to support the application.

A Central Alberta Child and Family Services staff member will assist with the application process and meet with the caregiver and the child to determine eligibility for benefits.