February 2009
RE: BCFFPA INSURANCE INFORMATION
To Whom It May Concern:
The BCFFPA Foster Parent Insurance Rider for Extended Property
Damage (the insurance rider) was implemented in September 1984. As an
indication of the value the then Ministry of Social Services placed on the
work of foster parents, the ministry paid for coverage for approximately
4,500 foster homes in the province. The Ministry of Children and Family
Development (MCFD) continues to provide this additional coverage for
family care resources that have children placed by a director designated
under the Child, Family and Community Services Act, Section 91. This
coverage extends to:
1.
Restricted, Regular, Levels 1, 2 & 3 Foster Care Homes as well
as Aboriginal Delegated Agency Homes #125396
2.
Residential Resource, “Mom & Pop” Group Homes #125397
If a foster parent fosters for a Delegated Agency and has a signed
contract, which follows MCFD guidelines, they are automatically covered.
Foster parents who foster for an Aboriginal band and hold a contract
directly with the band are required to purchase the rider themselves. In
1987 the insurance rider also became available to resources caring for
four or fewer children placed under contract (Satellite Homes). Because
these foster parents do not foster directly for the ministry, they are
required to become members of BCFFPA and purchase the rider
themselves. In order to be considered a Satellite Home, the children/youth
must reside in the caregiver’s primary residence. Otherwise the home is
considered a staffed resource (business) and is not eligible to purchase
the Rider.
The insurance rider is carried by AXA Insurance and is intended as a
supplement to existing insurance policies held by foster parents. Its
purpose is to provide coverage for the foster family home and possessions
against losses caused by a child in care. Where an insurance claim due
solely to malicious or willful acts by the foster child is not considered valid
or collectible under the foster family’s personal insurance coverage, the
rider will apply. The limit of coverage is $300,000.00 per occurrence for a
complete loss of house and contents.
