Melanie Filiatrault
President
British Columbia Federation of Foster Parent Associations
200
—
7342 Winston St
Burnaby BC V5A2H1
Dear Melanie:
Thank you for your letter of October 25, 2007, regarding an annual cost of living increase for foster
parents.
As you know from your organization’ s involvement with the process that resulted in the Family Care
Home payment increases announced in March 2007, cost of living factors were one of key
considerations in the overall compensation analysis.
During my travels throughout the province I have been fortunate to meet many foster parents who have
expressed their appreciation for the most recent set of increases that have brought Family Care Home
payments into line with the current standard of living. However, I can appreciate the concerns
expressed by the foster parents attending your Annual General Meeting, and those expressed by other
foster parents that the continuing rise in the cost of living does impact the overall economic status of
foster families.
Your suggestion about building in an annual cost of living increase to the Family Care Home payment
rates is worth consideration. The ministry is committed to working with the British Columbia
Federation of Foster Parent Associations (BCFFPA) and other provincial and regional stakeholders
through the provincial recruitment and retention sub-committees and working groups of the Caregiver
Support Services Framework Project. The compensation paid to foster parents is one of the priorities
already identified by this project. I look forward to this work being done.
The BCFFPA remains a valued partner in our process to enhance foster care services in British
Columbia and we look forward to further discussions with you on this important issue for all foster
parents.
Tom Christensen
Ministry of
Children and
Family
Development
Office of the
Minister
Mailing Address:
Parliament
Buildings
Victoria BC V8V
1X4
Location:
Parliament Buildings,
Victoria
Sincerely
Minister
Ref:
168773
