Questions and Answers - Support for Grandparents Caring for Children in need of Protection

The Ontario government is committed to helping more vulnerable children grow up in safe, caring and permanent homes.

As part of new reforms to Ontario's child well-being and protection system, grandparents, extended family members and community members caring for children in need of protection may now be able to receive financial support. Members of aboriginal communities who are looking after a child in a formal customary care arrangement may also be eligible.

You can contact us at 1-866-559-4597 toll-free for further information.

Q1. Under what circumstances would I qualify for ongoing financial assistance under this policy?

• If you are looking after a child in the care of a children's aid society and are approved as a foster parent, you will receive the foster care rate of about $900 a month.
• The children's aid society determines that your aboriginal grandchild is in need of protection and places the child with you under a formal customary care agreement that is supported by a Band declaration. You will receive a foster care rate of about $900 a month.
• You adopt your grandchild through the children's aid society. Depending on the child's needs and your ability to meet those needs, you may receive short-term or ongoing support up to the foster care rate of about $900 per month.
• Your grandchild is a Crown ward. You obtain legal custody of your grandchild under the Child and Family Services Act. Depending on the child's needs and your ability to meet those needs, you may receive short-term or ongoing support up to about $900 per month.
  

Q2. My grandchild is currently receiving services from a society, has been assessed by the society to be in need of protection and is now in my care. Am I eligible for any short-term or emergency funding?

You may be able to receive short-term or emergency financial aid.

Short-term or emergency funding pays for things not immediately available through other government or community programs. It is meant to address immediate health and safety concerns which could be:

• an unforeseen need for overnight accommodation
• home repairs such as fixing a broken window or installing safety locks on windows and doors
• transportation to a child's counselling sessions.

Q3. I was granted legal custody of my grandchild. Am I eligible for any financial assistance?

Children's aid societies have a mandate to provide services to children who are or may be in need of protection.

If your grandchild was a Crown ward and a child protection order was made granting you custody, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

You are not eligible for financial assistance if you obtained custody under any other type of order and your grandchild is not subject to any child protection order.

Q4. I stepped forward to take care of my grandchild a couple of years ago. Why can't I get financial aid from the children's aid society?

Children's aid societies have a mandate to provide services to children who are or may be in need of protection. Families taking care of children not in need of protection may apply for services and supports through other programs, including the Ontario Works Temporary Care Assistance.

Q5. What criteria do the children's aid society use to determine my eligibility for funding?Are the criteria the same for all children's aid societies across Ontario?

All children's aid societies across Ontario are required to follow the same funding policy guidelines to determine eligibility for funding. There are a number of circumstances in which a grandparent caring for children in need of protection may be eligible. Discuss your situation with your children's aid society case worker.

Q6. What could the financial support be used for?

Financial support could be used to meet the child's basic needs, including food, clothing, medical and dental care, school supplies, and start-up costs such as the purchase of bedroom furniture for the child.

Q7. If I am eligible for financial assistance, when does it start to take effect and when can I expect to receive my money?

Financial assistance is available as of February 6, 2007. Speak to your children's aid caseworker to find out when you will receive the money.

Q8. I'm a grandparent and my daughter is struggling to care for her child. I don't want to have to take over the care of my grandchild. Will children's aid give her any financial assistance?

If the children's aid society determines your grandchild is in need of protection and is at risk of being admitted to their care, your daughter may be eligible to receive short-term or emergency support to avoid admitting the child to care.

Q9. I would like to care for my grandchild who is in need of protection. Do I need to go through a screening process first?

Background screening checks are required for all adults who would like to care for a child in need of protection.