There are many reasons why our children come to be under the care of others. The Penticton Indian Band Social Development department supports our decisions regardlessly-whether they are temporary, short-term or long term decisions. Whether you are leaving for self-improvement programs (treatment centres, healing programs...), are experiencing one or more of many of the family dilemma's in which it is a decision made in the best interest of your child(ren) or you just need a break or the extra support- PIBSD supports these decisions.

The PIBSD program offers financial assitance to the individuals who take in and care for the children of another while they are living on the Penticton Indian Band reserve. Whether the parents are temporarily unable to care for the child or for longer term guardianships PIBSD offers financial assistance based on the age of the child.

• TO QUALIFY FOR G.F.A.
• You are caring for a child who is not your own 0-18 years of age.
• You and the child are residing on the Penticton Indian Band reserve
• There is a definate need for the financial assistance
• The child you are claiming for is NOT your son or daughter
• The child's parents are unable to provide the necessary financial support for looking after their child
• The child's parents have a written agreement with you which states that the child can & is residing with you

During the application for G.F.A. the Band Social Development Worker (BSDW) will need to check the income of the child's parents. If the child has a monthly income higher than the S.A. rates for their fanily unit size, the parents will be asked to contribute to the G.F.A. payment.

As a care giver, if you have legal (court ordered) custody of the child(ren) you may continue to be eligible for GFA without the written consent of the child's parents. IF all other sources of maintenance have been explored and you meet the criteria.

There is NO MAXIMUM LENGTH of time for GFA placement, however, if circumstances change or the health, care and safety interest of the child is not being met, the GFA agreement may be reviewed, changes may be made and/or the benefit is terminated.
The BSDW is expected to review all GFA files at least every twelve (12) months.

If GFA is denied and you are receiving Social Assistance from the Penticton Indian Band you may include the child(ren) as a dependant(s).

If the child is adopted by the caregiver, the GFA contract will end as the child would have a legal parent-negating the need for GFA.

**For current GFA rates for a child please contact the Social Services Department.

NOTE: You are also eligible to apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit for the child who is in your care. This benefit will NOT affect the rates of your GFA financial assistance and is NOT deducted for regualr social assistance monies.