So the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has suggested that your family move from the Extended Family Plan (EFP) to 54.01 & 54.1-Permanent Guardian Program.
Here are some things to consider…
Positive reasons for this transition:
- Adding more permeance to your child’s status in your home. Birth parents can still sue for custody though it is usually a high bar to reach.
- If you are unsure that the biological parent/s of your child or youth in your care may withdraw support for the EFP.
- 54 status means more independence from MCFD (e.g. no meeting every 90 days with SW’s, other reporting/monitoring obligations.)
Negative reasons for this transition:
- The Canadian Child Benefit and Canada Revenue Agency
There will be a significant financial impact to your family. You are no longer eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) as the CCB now goes to the BC Govt and MCFD. Because you won’t get the CCB, you will be ineligible to claim some tax deductions, such as transferring your disabled child’s tax credit to you. Your child will be ineligible to claim the new federal dental benefit, and you will be ineligible for the BC Family Benefit. Any federal credits such as GST Rebates are unavailable for your child. In total, this can add up to thousands of lost dollars per year. Our organization has estimated that this could be as much as $10,000- $13,000 per year per child depending on your own situation. - Medical and Dental
There is no longer access to the extended medical that was available in the EFP programs all dental and medical requirements are now your responsibility. Once again this could be a significant financial toll. You are able to access any provincial plans like the Healthy Kids which covers some of the costs for basic dental, optical and hearing assistance for children in low-income families. But the federal dental program is not available to your child. First Nations families or if your child has Indian status can access additional support through the First Nation Health Authority. - Supplementary Benefits
The child/youth may be eligible for programs such as Healthy Kid. Community supports may also be available based on need. Supplemental funding may be provided, in consultation with the team leader, for start-up fees; respite; childminding; cultural, transportation, workshops/training. These supports need to be negotiated at the time a new contract is signed many social workers do not know what is allowable, so this makes it difficult to receive adequate funding. - Aging out of Care Support:
Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerments (SAJE) if you entered a 54 program before your child reached 12 years of age currently, they will not be eligible for this aging out-of-care program. This will mean many years of financial and social support will not be available for your youth aging out of care. - Special Needs Support:
Enhanced Out Of Care support (EOOC) for children and youth with significant and complex needs. This program is new and undergoing year-one evaluation. MCFD plans to adjust the program based on findings. We have no knowledge how transitioning to 54.01/54.1 will impact your ability to access this program at this time.
