Child and Youth Support Program

Government of Alberta - Ministry of Children and Family Services


Description
Provides financial and medical benefits for a child or youth when the parents / guardians are unable or unwilling to care for the child and the child is being cared for in another home of an adult caregiver.

Service provides:

  • financial and medical benefits for a child or youth when the parents / guardians are unable or unwilling to care for the child, and the child is being cared for in another home of an adult caregiver

This program is intended to:

  • supplement some of the child's needs and offset some of the costs associated with the care of a child or youth
  • promote stable relationships for children by offering an alternate out-of-home placement

The care and responsibility of the child or youth remains with the parents / guardian and caregiver.

Income received:

  • the income of a caregiver is not considered in determining eligibility for this program
  • certain income that may be received on behalf of or directly by the child is considered for determining program eligibility, including: maintenance / child support payments and Income Support provided through Alberta Works or by any assured income support program where the child or youth is listed as a dependent

The Canada Child Benefit Supplement is considered an exempt source of income.

Eligibility
Yes, The caregiver and child may be eligible to receive benefits if:
  • the child or youth is 17 years or younger at the time of application
  • and attending school, employed full-time, or in a full-time training program
  • the child or youth’s income does not exceed the financial guidelines of the program
  • the parents / guardians have provided a letter of consent for the caregiver to provide care for the child or the caregiver has private guardianship of the child
  • the child must be residing with the caregiver 7 days per week
  • the parent / guardian who is unable or unwilling to provide care for their child may not be living in the same home as the caregiver
  • the caregiver does not live on-reserve; there may be other financial supports provided to help supplement families on-reserve
Biological and adoptive parents are not eligible to apply for the benefits for their own children.
Application Process
Service Access: Application Required, To access service:
  • contact the local Children's Services office directly, or call 310-0000 toll free for the phone number of the office nearest you
  • the caregiver is required to provide documentation to support the application
  • the caseworker may require an in-person meeting with the caregiver and child
  • the required forms will be provided by the co-ordinator if they determine that the applicant is eligible

Referral Process: No


Waiting Period: Yes,

There may be a wait time to process applications.


Toll Free
310-0000
Telephone
780-621-4021
Fax
780-542-3824
Web Site
http://www.alberta.ca/childrens-services-office-locations.aspx
Email
hs.cenabcfsa@gov.ab.ca
Languages
English
Fees
Fee: No


Fee Reduction: No


Membership Fee: No


Accessibility
Wheelchair access: Yes -
Other disabled access: Yes - Includes:
  • ramps
  • accessible washrooms
Topic(s)
Agency Information
View Agency Profile
Last Verified On
December 1, 2023
Address
5149 51 Avenue
Drayton Valley, AB, T7A 1R5
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Hours of Operation
Mon
08:15 AM to 04:30 PM
Tue
08:15 AM to 04:30 PM
Wed
08:15 AM to 04:30 PM
Thu
08:15 AM to 04:30 PM
Fri
08:15 AM to 04:30 PM

Closed statutory holidays.