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Province announces funding supplement for school children in foster care

Feb 7, 2020 | 12:42 PM

B.C’s Ministry of Education has announced a new funding supplement for B.C children in foster care.

The allocated funds would be dispersed at school districts across the province and will expand priority funding to more children struggling with mental health and those living in low income communities.

Exactly how much money the program will provide is unknown, but the according to a news release from the province, details about the dollar amount will be released during the 2020 budget.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that years of neglect have left far too many of our most vulnerable children not getting the supports they need to be engaged and successful in school,” said Rob Fleming, minister of education, said. “Our government is doing things differently by putting the success and well-being of students first, while ensuring equity in the way we fund public education.”

The extra funding is designed to deliver services based on individual school needs and could include programs like trauma counselling, breakfast or lunch programs, additional classroom support for mental health issues or tutoring.

The announcement is the first of two phases of the province’s program designed to improve education for B.C. students.

“We want to give every child and youth in care the chance to thrive and overcome challenges they could face,” said Katrine Conroy, minister of children and family development. “From an early age, right through school, high school and post-secondary, we’re working to support children and youth, help guide them and make sure they can access the services they need in order to succeed.”

THe BCTF is applauding the supplement funding announcement saying in a statement the money will provide needed support to the province’s most vulnerable children.

“Whether it’s hot lunch programs, mental health supports, or extra counselling, we know those students need more and I am thrilled to hear help is on the way to them. It’s an incredibly important change that will help undo some of the damage done by the previous government. Children and youth in care are some of our most vulnerable students. It is so important that they get the extra help in classrooms and in the community to keep them well and help them thrive,” BCTF president Teri Mooring said.

This is the second round of funding supports announced for B.C children in care. In 2017, the NDP government announced a tuition waver program for former foster kids who have spent at least two years in care.

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