Grand Cayman, 19 August 2024 – The Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development (MIISD), in collaboration with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), is announcing a long overdue stipend adjustment for approved foster parents in the Cayman Islands, effective this month.

The decision to adjust stipends comes after a thorough evaluation of current cost-of-living considerations and an in-depth analysis of feedback received from the 2023 Foster Parents’ Survey. The survey, which collected insights from foster parents throughout the country, highlighted the need for greater financial assistance to meet the growing demands of providing high-quality care to foster children. This decision is therefore a direct response to these concerns, reflecting the Government’s commitment to listening to and valuing the contributions of foster parents.

In view of increased cost of living, it has become even more important to ensure that foster parents have the resources they need to create a secure, supportive, and nurturing environment for the children in their care. As the last adjustment of the foster parent stipends was in 2015, going forward, this review will be conducted on an annual basis to ensure that stipends are better aligned with living costs.

Additionally, by offering more financial assistance, the Government hopes to attract new families to the foster care system, with the aim of ensuring that every child in need of care has access to a loving and stable home. The foster parent stipend adjustment is a crucial step in safeguarding the wellbeing of our children, ensuring that they have every opportunity to thrive and meet their full potential. Deputy Premier and Minister for Investment, Innovation and Social Development, Hon. André Ebanks, highlighted the importance of this decision, stating:

“In view of increased costs of living, it’s crucial that we equip our foster parents with the resources necessary to provide a safe and caring environment for our children. This stipend adjustment is about more than just financial assistance; it’s about safeguarding our children and ensuring their wellbeing. By investing in our foster care system, we not only retain the dedicated parents who play an essential role in our community but also encourage more families to consider fostering, which is a growing need in our Islands.”

Current Stipend

Approved Increased Weekly Stipend

Children aged 0-3 years

$195.00

 $260.00

Children 4-18 years

$160.00

$215.00

Special needs children

$220.00

$300.00

For information on the Foster Parent Programme, please email [email protected] or call (345) 949-0290.