Foster kids to get money for recreation, savings plans

The first thought that comes to mind reading this article is that it doesn't account for all the other children living in poverty and is unfair to those low income families and single parent families who are struggling to survive.
Is this a fair program? What about those other children? What benefits do they get? Maybe they get other benefits?

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Foster kids to get money for recreation, savings plans
June 27, 2008

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Laurie Monsebraaten
SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTER

Ontario's new child benefit will help the province's 19,000 foster kids get the learning and recreational opportunities they need to become successful adults, Children and Youth Services Minister Deb Matthews announced yesterday.

"Every child has different dreams, skills and goals," Matthews said in an interview about the fund, to be administered by children's aid societies and used for everything from new skates, to school trips and private tutoring.

"We want it to be as flexible as possible and based on each child's individual needs."

In addition, those from age 15 to 17 will get up to $3,300 deposited into bank accounts for use after they leave care, along with money management training to help them manage their savings.

The Ontario Child Benefit will provide up to $50 per month for all low-income children starting in July. Money from the benefit for foster children amounts to $11.5 million and includes the 2008-09 payment of $600 per child as well as the $250 down payment from last year which they never received.

The fund will grow to $16.2 million in 2011 when annual payments reach $1,100 per child. That's the amount youths aged 15 to 17 will receive annually in savings accounts when the benefit is fully rolled out.

YouthCAN, the advocacy arm of the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies, applauded the new fund and savings plan.

"We know from talking to youth that financial support is really important and youth worry about living in poverty," said Amanda Rose, of YouthCAN, in a statement. "Helping set up bank accounts and getting help with budgeting are things youth need."


Toronto Star




http://parentcentral.ca/parent/article/450175

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/benefits/ncb-e.html

Check out this link. It describes the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) which is a part of the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). The NCBS is the portion of the CCTB which aims to reduce and prevent child poverty. I wrote my thesis on this program so I have a strong background in it.

Thanks for the post, MI_13. Lots of info there.

MI_13 wrote:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/benefits/ncb-e.html

Check out this link. It describes the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) which is a part of the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). The NCBS is the portion of the CCTB which aims to reduce and prevent child poverty. I wrote my thesis on this program so I have a strong background in it.