Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The committee is very appreciative of the role that foster parents play in ensuring that children can grow and prosper in a caring environment. Enough cannot be said about the people that are willing to take children into their homes on a moment's notice. They are a vital part in the delivery of social services in the Northwest Territories and need to be recognized and supported as such.
Part of Supplementary Appropriation No. 1, 2007-2008 is $1.011 million for increases to the basic maintenance rate and to increase the age of child rate. This will result in increases of up to $18 per day in some communities for the basic maintenance rate, and for the age of child amount $4 for children up to the age of five, $3 for children up to the age of 12 and $5 for children up to the age of 18.
These increases recognize the cost of living in our communities and also recognize the different costs associated with children of different ages.
The committee is sure that these increases will help cover the costs for existing foster families and possibly encourage some families who could not afford to continue at the existing rates.
It is not clear that there will be any effect on the number of foster homes in the NWT.
Recommendation
The committee recommends the department work towards increasing the number of foster homes in the NWT and that a plan, complete with numbers of existing foster homes, targeted increases and required resources be presented to the Standing Committee on Social Programs as part of the 2009-2010 business plans.
Conclusion
Mr. Speaker, the committee would like to thank all those who spoke at our hearings and raised their concerns with the application of the Child and Family Services Act. We look forward to the government's response to this report.
Recommendation
The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends the government provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I'd like to pass it back to the chair of our committee and the Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.