Starting June 1, 2026, foster parents receive a monthly Integrated Foster Parent Rate for each child or youth placed in their home. This financial support helps with everyday costs of care, while also recognizing the valuable role foster families play in providing safe and caring homes for children and youth.
Integrated Foster Parent Rates Effective June 1, 2026
| Location | Foster Home Level | Basic Foster Care Rate | Block Funding | Level Fee | Children’s Special Allowance | Monthly Integrated Foster Parent Rate per Child/Youth |
| Island | 1 | $1,010 | $600 | $0 | $85 | $1,695 |
| 2 | $1,010 | $600 | $600 | $85 | $2,295 | |
| 3 | $1,010 | $835 | $1,600 | $85 | $3,530 | |
| Labrador | 1 | $1,160 | $600 | $0 | $85 | $1,845 |
| 2 | $1,160 | $600 | $600 | $85 | $2,445 | |
| 3 | $1,160 | $835 | $1,600 | $85 | $3,680 | |
| Remote* Labrador | 1 | $1,310 | $600 | $0 | $85 | $1,995 |
| 2 | $1,310 | $600 | $600 | $85 | $2,595 | |
| 3 | $1,310 | $835 | $1,600 | $85 | $3,830 |
* Remote Labrador rate includes the communities of Nain, Natuashish, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville, Rigolet, Norman Bay and Black Tickle.
Foster families manage financial supports issued on behalf of the child or youth to meet their day-to-day needs. The social worker will work with the foster family to ensure the financial support provided is sufficient.
The monthly Integrated Foster Parent Rate is received semi-monthly on the 1st and 16th of each month.
What Is Included in the Integrated Foster Parent Rate?
Basic Foster Care Rate:
The Basic Foster Care Rate is provided to help cover the day-to-day costs of caring for a child or youth. This includes common expenses such as food, clothing, personal care items, and regular activities. It also supports routine transportation in the community, everyday family activities, occasional babysitting, over-the-counter medications, school supplies, field trips, haircuts, and special occasions like birthdays.
Foster parents receive the following monthly basic rate per child or youth based on location. The rate is $1,010 in Newfoundland, $1,160 in Labrador and $1,310 in remote Labrador.
Block Funding:
Block Funding is a monthly lump sum that helps foster parents cover transportation, social and recreational activities, and the cost of one weekend of respite each month.
This approach provides flexibility, allowing foster parents to plan and manage these expenses more easily without needing to request approval for each individual cost.
Foster homes at Levels 1 and 2 receive $600 per month for each child or youth, while Level 3 foster homes receive $835 per month for each child or youth.
Children’s Special Allowance:
Foster families receive $85 per month for each child or youth.
Level Fee:
The Level Fee is provided to foster parents who have completed PRIDE Pre-service sessions. It recognizes the additional skills and responsibilities that come with levels of care.
Level 2 foster parents receive $600 per month, and Level 3 specialized foster parents receive $1,600 per month.
What Other Financial Supports are Available for Foster Families?
Placement Allowance
When a child or youth is placed in a foster home, a $200 Placement Allowance is provided. This is intended to help with immediate needs, such as school supplies, personal items, or specific food preferences.
Clothing Allowance
At the time of placement, the child or youth’s clothing needs are reviewed to make sure they have appropriate clothing for their age and the season. If needed, a Clothing Allowance of up to $300 may be provided.
Ongoing clothing costs are included in the Basic Foster Care Rate.
Christmas Allowance
A Christmas Allowance of $400 is provided for each child or youth in care. This is issued once a year to help with holiday-related expenses.
Respite
Respite is available to give foster parents a break and help reduce stress, especially when caring for children or youth with more complex needs.
Funding for one weekend of respite each month is included through Block Funding for Level 1 and 2 foster homes, and two weekends each month for Level 3 specialized foster homes. Additional respite may be arranged based on individual needs.
Child Care
Child care costs may be covered when a foster parent is working outside the home or needs to attend meetings, training, or appointments related to the care of the child or youth.
High School Graduation Allowance
A one-time High School Graduation Allowance of up to $750 is available to support graduation-related expenses. This may include things like tickets, clothing, a graduation ring, or a yearbook.
Health Services
Children and youth in care have access to full health services, including medical, dental, and vision care.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription medications are covered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.
Foster parents are responsible for over-the-counter medications, and support for these costs is included in the Basic Foster Care Rate.
Other Child-specific Costs
In addition to the supports outlined above, a social worker will work with foster parents to identify and arrange any additional services a child or youth may need. This could include supports such as counselling or tutoring, depending on individual circumstances.