Financial assistance for kinship service

As a relative, extended family or community member who cares for a child in need of protection you might be eligible to receive financial support. Financial support can help prevent a child from coming into care and support stability of placements, according to the Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines.

Financial support may include:

  • start-up funding to assist with costs associated with assuming the care of a child (for example, furniture and home modification)
  • episodic funding to address a child’s personal, educational, recreational, health and other needs related to the child’s health, safety and wellbeing

Eligibility

All children’s aid societies across Ontario follow the Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines to determine who is eligible for funding and when it will begin.

You may be eligible to receive financial assistance if you are looking after a child who is a relative or a member of your extended family or community and who is in need of protection but who is not in the care of a children’s aid society. You must be approved by the society to offer kinship service.

Financial assistance for customary care

As a customary caregiver you might be eligible for funding, according to the Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines. You can get an ongoing subsidy equivalent to foster care per diem rates and one-time financial assistance.

If you’re eligible, you can receive one-time funding up to $6,000 per child subject to a customary care agreement to:

  • assist with initial costs of accommodating a child or youth in need of protection in your home (for example, furniture and a mattress)
  • make home modifications to meet foster care licensing regulations and standards (for example, window and door safety locks)

Eligibility

All children’s aid societies across Ontario follow the Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines to determine who is eligible for funding and when it will begin.

You may be eligible to receive financial assistance if you are a customary caregiver caring for a First Nations, Inuk or Métis child determined to be in need of protection by a children’s aid society. The eligibility criteria include:

  • a declaration by the band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community of either parent that declares the child will be cared for under customary care according to the custom of the band or First Nations, Inuit or Métis community (the child is supervised by a society according to the declaration)
  • a Customary Care Agreement must be in place
  • your home meets foster care licensing regulations and standards

How to apply

Discuss your situation with your children’s aid society caseworker.

For more information about financial assistance for family members caring for children in need of protection, please contact your local children’s aid society.