In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all children and youth in the Child in the Home of a Relative (CIHR) program, all previously unscreened caregivers will now be required to undergo screening checks beginning Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011.

In December 2007, screening was introduced for all new CIHR applicants, except for those already receiving benefits who were exempt. Recently the ministry reviewed its decision and determined that as a precautionary step to help ensure that no children are being put at risk, all previously unscreened caregivers will now be asked to undergo screening checks. This screening will include all adults, 18 years and older, living in the home.

The CIHR program provides financial assistance to a family who makes a private arrangement to care for a niece, nephew or grandchild when the parents are unable to care for their child in their own home. The change in policy affects families caring for approximately 1,800 children and youth in British Columbia.

This change also addresses concerns raised by Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the Representative for Children and Youth, and is consistent with similar actions taken by the federally administered Child out of the Parental Home (COPH) program for on-reserve First Nations.

Families affected by this change are receiving letters notifying them of the new policy and requesting that they fill out consent forms agreeing to a criminal record check and a check for previous contacts with B.C.'s child welfare system.

The screening will begin with families caring for the youngest and most vulnerable children, with the entire process expected to be completed by March, 2012. Participation in the screening process is a requirement for the continuation of CIHR benefits. Caregivers who consent to the screening will continue to receive financial assistance as long as the child remains in their home.

The CIHR program was capped April 1, 2010, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development introduced an alternative out-of-care program called the Extended Family Program.

For more information about changes to the CIHR policy, please visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/meia/online_resource/verification_and_eligibility/cihr/resources_for_clients.html

For information about the Extended Family Program, please visit: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/alternativestofostercare/extended_family.htm

Contact:

Corinna Filion
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-2007