Manitoba Government News Release–The Manitoba government is addressing the needs of children in the care of Child and Family Services by making a 10 per cent increase to basic maintenance rates, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced today.
“Every child in Manitoba deserves to grow up with the supports they need to thrive,” said Fontaine. “While the large majority of children in care receive over the minimum daily rate, this increase to the basic rate means every child in care will see more support for their day-to-day needs.”
The province is investing $3.59 million to support an increase in basic maintenance rates for children in care, including children in foster homes, and those under kinship and customary care agreements.
Basic maintenance is the minimum amount payable to a foster parent to support a child in care through a Child and Family Services agency. It is intended to cover basic needs such as food and clothing. Daily rates will increase to between $24.32 and $34.72, depending on age and where the child lives.
The minister noted basic maintenance rates have not increased since October 2012.