FAQ

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

The family care rate is designed to cover regular, predictable costs. It does not cover extraordinary or exceptional expenses, such as significant one-off medical costs, high-cost specialised equipment, or services beyond what a typical placement requires.

These situations are handled through supplementary supports and exceptional payment processes. Your resource social worker and the child’s social worker assess and authorise additional funds. If you find the regular rate is genuinely insufficient for a particular child, raise it with your resource social worker rather than absorbing the cost yourself.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

Cheques for family care homes are normally issued by MCFD by the 15th of the month following the month of care. So if a child was in your care during August, payment for that period arrives around mid-September. Direct Deposit is the most reliable and efficient way to receive payments and removes the risk of lost or stolen cheques; your resource social worker can set it up.

If a cheque is lost or stolen, report it to your resource social worker promptly. To receive a replacement, you will need to complete a letter of undertaking, a legal declaration confirming the cheque is lost or stolen. This is a Ministry requirement before a replacement can be issued. Rates are updated from time to time, and you will be notified when they change; current rates are available from your local MCFD or DAA office or the MCFD website.

Source: Foster Family Handbook

The family care rate is the monthly payment you receive to cover the regular, ongoing costs of raising a child in care. It is meant to reimburse the full range of ordinary costs and is budgeted across the year and across placements. It covers the child’s share of food, household costs and wear and tear, and day-to-day transportation; health and personal care items; clothing and clothing repairs; equipment for basic care and for sports and hobbies; family recreational outings; a personal spending allowance for the child; child minding while you are away on child-related business; gifts and ongoing creative, cultural, and physical activities; and all primary and secondary school costs.

The Handbook is clear that you should not end up out of pocket as a result of your work as a foster caregiver. If the regular rate is genuinely insufficient for a particular child’s needs, speak with your resource social worker about supplementary supports and exceptional payment options.

Source: Foster Family Handbook