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Part of Adoption

Supports for Permanency

Families who adopt or obtain private guardianship of a child in permanent government care can apply for financial assistance.

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Adoption

As of September 1, 2025, an income test applies to receive the basic maintenance rate in the Supports for Permanency program. See the eligibility section on this page for more details.

Overview

The Supports for Permanency program (SFP) provides financial and other support to families who adopt or obtain private guardianship of children under the age of 18 years in permanent government care.

Available supports include:

  • basic maintenance rates for families who meet the income threshold and eligibility criteria outlined below
  • up to $70 per week to help with the child or youth’s emotional and behavioral needs
  • respite care of up to 576 hours per year per family
  • up to 10 counselling sessions per year
  • treatment of a child in a residential facility
  • reimbursement for the costs of transporting a First Nations child or youth, the caregiver and other family members in the home to the child or youth’s band(s), community or extended family to maintain cultural ties
  • medically necessary orthodontic treatment assistance
  • medical or psychological assessment assistance necessary to qualify for other programs and services

Eligibility

Families who adopted a child or youth or obtained private guardianship of a child or youth who was the subject of a Permanent Guardianship Order or Permanent Guardianship Agreement in Alberta may qualify for the SFP program.

As of September 1, 2025, guardians who have a combined gross income of $180,000 or more per year and whose adoption or private guardianship order was granted on or after this date are subject to an income test - but only for the basic maintenance payment. These families will still be eligible for all the other types of support offered by the program.

There are 2 exemptions.

  1. Existing recipients of SFP will continue to receive the basic maintenance rate on an ongoing basis, as they normally do, until their child/children age out of the program.
  2. Families who filed a court application on or before February 28, 2025, but whose order is granted after September 1, 2025, will also not be subject to income testing.

Your family may also be eligible for additional services coordinated with the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program.

How to apply

To apply for Supports for Permanency, contact your nearest Children and Family Services office or Delegated First Nation Agency.

Resources

Contact

Connect with Alberta Adoption and Permanency Services with questions or comments.

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