Easily Accessible Mental Health Supports for Alberta Foster Caregivers Children and Family Services (CFS) acknowledges that foster caregiver well-being is crucial for ensuring children and youth's safety and care, as well as fostering satisfaction, stability, and retention. Therefore, as of November 30, 2023, foster caregivers (per active license) can utilize up to five one-hour counselling sessions annually ($220 per session). Also, this support is focused on supporting the mental health of foster caregivers and may include other family members as well as couples counselling. Foster caregivers can choose between accessing counselling from a professional already contracted through CFS or seeking their own private counselling support and being reimbursed. It is important to note that for reimbursement, counselling professionals must fall under the Health Professions Act. While prior approval is not necessary and you can access these services independently, it is advisable to inform your agency foster care worker in order to assist you with accessing the services if needed. If you have any additional questions about the caregiver’s mental health program or you would like to book an appointment, please contact our office.