Child and Youth Support Program

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.

• 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

• 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

There may be a wait time to process applications.

• Children / Families - Child Care
• Financial Supports - Ongoing Assistance

Closed statutory holidays.