February 1, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
The basic family care rate (maintenance) is all inclusive and covers the day to day
costs of caring for a child or youth in care. All foster parents with a Restricted,
Regular, Level 1, 2, or 3 contract receive this rate.
Current maintenance rates are $757.67/mth for a child aged 11 and under, and
$866.11/mth for a child aged 12-19. This amount covers maintenance of the child and
includes, but is not limited to clothing, recreation, household costs, allowances, school
fees, transportation and personal needs.
In addition to the basic maintenance rate, Level 1, 2, and 3 homes receive a service
payment (fee for service) which varies depending on the Level of care provided. This
amount, with the exception of 3 days of relief, is for the use of the foster parent, in
order to maintain the placement.
In an effort to provide clarification regarding what portion of the overall contract
payment may be construed as income for the purpose of determining mortgage
approval, following are the current Specialized Care Fee for Service Rates as set out
by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Level One Specialized Care Payment (per child) – up to six children in the home
One child any age
$396.56/mth – 3 days relief (approx) $150.00 = $246/child
Level Two Specialized Care Payment – up to three children in the home (basic
minus 3 days relief)
One child
$1,078.94/mth – 3 days relief (approx) $180/child = $898.94
Two children
$1,845.76/mth – 3 days relief (approx) $360/2 children = $1,485.73
Three children
$2,508.54/mth – 3 days relief (approx) $540/3 children = $1968.54
Level Three Specialized Care Payment ) – Up to two children in the home (basic
minus 3 days relief)
One child
$1,755.20/mth – 3 days relief (approx) $270.00 = $1,485.20
Two children i
$2,990.20/mth – 3 days relief (approx) $540.00 = $2,440.20
If you have any questions regarding this information, please call the Federation
Provincial Office at 1-800-663-9999.
Yours truly,
BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations
Melanie Filiatrault- President
