The province’s Acting Child and Youth Advocate says increasing monthly support for foster families is a positive move.

The provincial government has earmarked $8 million to increase monthly support for foster families – ranging from $395 to $680 per child, based on age and location.

Karen Gray says she’s pleased with the increases, which she says will help to address a drop in the number of homes available to take in children.

She says increased financial assistance will also help family members who want to take in a grandchild, niece or nephew.

She says with kinship care the situation is different, but she believes that more family members would be willing to take in a child if the compensation was greater.