The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors has announced an increase in the monthly stipends for traditional and kinship foster parents.
Effective May 1st, 2021 Bermuda’s traditional and kinship foster parents have received a 10% increase in their monthly stipends, and will receive another 10% increase effective May 1st, 2022, and thereafter CPI increases to ensure they stay in line with inflation.
Minister, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, said, “Bermuda has 57 children in foster care and the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) relies heavily on the openness and willingness of Foster Parents to provide care to children.”
“As the Government remains committed to providing for the needs of children in foster care, DCFS supports families of traditional and kinship foster children by providing:
● A monthly stipend for food and personal care items
● A clothing allowance up to four times a year
● Child care, dental, medical, and transportation needs of foster children are regularly assessed on an individual basis and are covered as needed
“However, these are not the only means of tangible support offered and families can reach out to DCFS for additional support as needed.”
Minister Furbert added, “Not only is the Government committed to providing for foster children, they are committed to providing for the foster parents who selflessly support them.”
“A legislative commitment has been made in the Children’s Act Section 54 (1) to support the registration of foster parents, the licensing of foster homes, and a financial reward to foster parents for care and maintenance of foster children.”
Minister Furbert concluded, “When a child enters a home as a foster child, they become intricately linked to their foster parents along with the extended family of the foster parents.”
“To all those who have opened their hearts and homes, you are the unsung heroes in our community. We thank you for caring for Bermuda’s children as it truly does take a village to raise a child.”
To learn more about Foster Care & Foster Parenting, please contact the Foster Care Coordinator, Mrs. Selena Simons on 294-5871 or smsimons@gov.bm