FAQ

How caregivers feel when a child leaves can range from relief to profound loss, and often involves a mix of both. You may regret having become attached, or feel you did not do enough. These feelings are natural and widely shared. Developing caring feelings for children who live with you is a normal part of fostering and not something to prevent. At the same time, foster care is by nature temporary, and success often means a child moving on, whether back to family, to a permanent placement, or to independence. Learning to let go is a real part of foster parenting, and it takes time.

After a child leaves, your family may need time to adjust before welcoming another placement. It is sometimes wise not to take a new child in immediately just because a space has opened up. Only after you have processed the transition should you decide when or whether to continue fostering. Discuss your feelings with your resource social worker or your local foster parent support association.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

The family care payment is issued in arrears, so the first cheque arrives only after the first month of care is complete. If you need money to cover food and household expenses while you wait, you can request a payment advance from your resource social worker. If granted, it is simply deducted from your first month’s payment to bridge the gap; it is not a penalty.

If a child arrives with no clothing, or with clothing that is inadequate, you can request a one-time clothing grant from the child’s social worker to bring their wardrobe up to standard. After this initial grant, clothing costs are budgeted from the regular monthly payment going forward.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

Some children arrive needing immediate, significant purchases beyond ordinary household supplies, such as specialised furniture, adaptive equipment, or a bicycle. MCFD may authorise payment for these extraordinary items on a case-by-case basis. These payments are not deducted from your first regular payment, but items bought this way belong to the Ministry, not to you or the child, and should be returned or transferred if the child moves placements.

This kind of support must be discussed with your resource social worker before you buy anything. Aside from the child’s clothing needs, which go through the child’s social worker, all start-up expense discussions happen with your resource social worker. Getting prior approval is essential, as purchases made without authorisation may not be reimbursed.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

You must carry at least $1 million in automobile third-party liability insurance on any vehicle used to transport a child in care. This is a firm requirement, not a recommendation. Third-party liability covers you if another person is injured or their property is damaged in an accident where you are at fault. The BCFFPA recommends going further and obtaining $3 million in coverage, reflecting its experience with real-world claims.

A vehicle used to transport a child must also be mechanically sound and safe, operated safely, and driven by someone holding a valid Class 5 licence (or a Class 7N licence in full compliance with graduated licensing conditions). Because foster caregivers have somewhat different insurance needs than most families, it is worth talking to your insurance agent about your coverage, your group classification, and whether your current policy meets the minimum before transporting children.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

If a youth in care is permitted to drive your vehicle, you should obtain appropriate ICBC liability coverage of at least $1 million specifically for that situation.

Youth driving arrangements must be discussed with and approved by the child’s social worker before they begin. Speak with your insurance agent to make sure your coverage is set up correctly for a youth driver.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

Because foster parents are not employees of the provincial government, you are not covered as an employee under WorkSafeBC. Two situations are still worth knowing about. If you employ your own support staff, such as hiring and paying a home support worker yourself, you may be considered an employer under WorkSafeBC rules, and WorkSafeBC recommends registering. WorkSafeBC also offers Personal Optional Protection (POP), an income-replacement insurance product that may interest caregivers who want coverage if they are injured and unable to care for children.

WorkSafeBC recommends that all foster caregivers register with them by telephone to understand how their policies apply to your circumstances, even if you are not an employer and do not take out coverage. Other income-replacement plans are also available through private insurers, and the BCFFPA has useful information on this topic.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

In general, money you receive for being a foster parent that is used for the care of the child placed in your home is not taxable. The family care rate is designed to reimburse caregiving costs, and that reimbursement character generally places it outside taxable income.

The rules can be interpreted in different ways, though, and the treatment has some nuance depending on your circumstances. Rather than relying on general tax advice from sources unfamiliar with foster care, consult the BCFFPA or FAFP, who know the specific tax situation of BC foster caregivers, and Revenue Canada (CRA) for the most current and authoritative guidance. Getting specific guidance helps you file accurately and avoid surprises.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

The BCFFPA offers comprehensive dental and extended health plans to its members and their families. These are group benefit plans available specifically to foster caregivers who hold a current, valid BCFFPA membership, which will be verified before a policy is issued.

For current plan details, premiums, and enrolment information, visit the BCFFPA website or contact the association directly, toll-free, at 1-800-663-9999. Note that life insurance, segregated funds, disability insurance, and critical illness insurance are handled separately from BCFFPA membership, so speak with a private insurance adviser about those.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

Among the most important goals for a young person approaching independence are gaining practical life skills, having their financial affairs in order, and feeling confident about the future. Work through the key areas with the youth and their social worker before they leave care. Ask whether you have been invited to a Youth Transition Conference, and whether the youth has completed the Youth Planner (their social worker can print it). Make sure the youth has a Life Book of significant events and photos to take with them, along with a record of the doctors and dentists they have seen.

Cover banking (a savings and a chequing account, and the value of saving), employment (a résumé, a cover letter template, and knowing how to look for work), and health care (a regular doctor and dentist, recent check-ups, and how MSP and Fair PharmaCare will work once they are an adult). For youth planning post-secondary or vocational training, make sure they know about the SAJE programme and the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program. For Aboriginal youth, check whether there is a cultural plan and whether the youth takes part in cultural activities.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

Before a youth leaves care, help them understand how the Medical Services Plan (MSP) works once they become an adult. If the youth is 18, encourage them to complete an income tax return so they can receive the GST/HST credit and become eligible for premium assistance when they take out their own MSP. They will also need to register for Fair PharmaCare once they have their own MSP.

If the youth takes prescribed medication, make sure they know how it will be paid for once they turn 19 and leave care. These are practical steps that are easy to overlook but make a real difference to a young person managing their own health coverage for the first time.

Source: Foster Family Handbook