How to Become a Kinship Caregiver in Alberta

It Starts With a Child Who Needs Placement

You do not apply to become a kinship caregiver the way you apply to become a foster parent. Formal kinship care in Alberta begins when Children and Family Services determines that a specific child needs intervention, and a relative or someone with a significant relationship to the child steps forward to provide a home.

If CFS is investigating a concern about a child in your family, you can let the caseworker know you are willing and available. CFS policy prioritises a kinship placement when possible, considering relatives and people significantly connected to the child before other placement options.

The Home Assessment

Once CFS identifies you as a potential kinship caregiver, they conduct a home assessment. This is less extensive than the full foster care licensing process, but it covers:

• Physical safety: smoke detectors, safe sleeping arrangements, adequate space, secure storage for medications and cleaning products
• Background checks: criminal record check and a child intervention record check for every adult in the household
• References: CFS may contact references who can speak to your relationship with the child and your ability to provide a stable home
• Interview: a caseworker visits your home, talks with you about the child's needs, your capacity, and your support network

In urgent situations — when a child needs immediate placement — CFS can approve a temporary kinship placement on an expedited basis while the full assessment is completed.

The Kinship Care Plan

After approval, CFS establishes a Kinship Care Plan. This documents the daily per diem rate you will receive, any supplementary supports (respite, babysitting, infant allowances), and the expectations for both you and CFS. The plan also covers the Kinship Initial Placement Allowance (KIPA) — up to $900 for immediate setup costs like a bed, car seat, or clothing.

The Kinship Care Plan is a working document. If the child's needs change — a disability is identified, respite needs increase, school costs arise — the plan can be updated with your caseworker.

What You Receive as an Approved Kinship Caregiver

Approved kinship caregivers receive daily per diems from $26.00/day (ages 0–1) to $39.66/day (ages 16–17) as of April 2026. These are non-taxable. On top of the per diem, you can access recreation allowances, camp fees, babysitting reimbursement, and cultural travel funding for First Nations children.

The child's medical and dental care is covered while in government care. You do not claim the Canada Child Benefit during a formal placement — the government claims the Children's Special Allowances instead.

The Difference From Foster Care Licensing

Foster parents go through PRIDE training (or equivalent), a multi-month licensing process, and ongoing training requirements. Kinship caregivers go through a lighter assessment because the relationship with the child already exists. You are not a licensed foster parent — you are an approved kinship caregiver for a specific child.

If you are interested in the longer-term picture — transitioning from kinship care to a Private Guardianship Order, accessing SFP, and claiming federal benefits — the Alberta kinship financial help guide maps the full financial journey from first placement through to permanent guardianship.

See more Alberta guides →