Senator Dana Morris Dixon wasn’t on the programme. But after she told the 145 foster parents being recognised for their service on Thursday that she, too, has been a foster mom for the past seven years, she won sustained applause.

Morris Dixon, who is also the education minister, explained that on hearing of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) function at AC Hotel Kingston, she felt obliged to attend and tell the foster parents thanks personally. And when she was invited to say a few words, the Government legislator pleased the audience with news that the Administration intends to increase the bi-monthly stipend for foster families to help care for their wards.

“I know the contribution is not enough. One of the things I’m discussing with the permanent secretary is how we can increase those payments, and I’m committed to moving that forward,” Morris Dixon said.

“While I recognise that the budget is tight, it is something we must work through. We will do our best to resolve it because it’s not easy for you to care for these children. I know you are digging into your own pockets to take care of them. I also recognise that, for many children, especially those with special needs, there are additional costs such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological therapy. It’s a lot of expense, even just the cost of transporting them when CPFSA supports you. It’s a significant burden, and I recognise that,” she said.

Foster parents currently receive a stipend of $8,000 per month per child, paid every two months. That amounts to $16,000 every two months. They also receive additional benefits, including coverage for school, exam and medical fees, and assessment costs for medical exams. Each child receives a $10,000 back-to-school educational grant annually, as well as a $10,000 Christmas grant every year.

The proposed increase was welcomed by some of the foster parents, one of whom told the Jamaica Observer that she has been a guardian for 16 years.

“It has been very challenging, especially with the costs, particularly for school. My daughter is now in sixth form, and it’s very difficult. Sometimes, I don’t even notice when the stipend has been deposited into the bank, because there’s always so much to pay for. If it’s only every two months, you can’t afford to stop and think. So, an increase would be a real encouragement,” said the woman, who opted not to be named.

The minister explained that a full proposal will be prepared to assess when the stipend was last increased and to consider other factors, such as inflation, before presenting it to Cabinet for approval in the next three months.

“We are going to lobby for this increase because it is incredibly important for the work that our parents are doing. They are not required to do this. They are taking children who, in many cases, have experienced trauma and other challenges, and they are providing them with a home. That is a powerful act of kindness, and I believe the least we can do is ensure that they are adequately supported financially for the job they are doing,” she said.

According to Morris Dixon, discussions regarding the stipend increase will continue with CPFSA, which will also assist in preparing the final proposal for Cabinet.

Laurette Adams-Thomas, chief executive officer of CPFSA, welcomed the minister’s announcement.

“This is something that the CPFSA is very pleased about. For many years we have recognised the need to ensure that children within institutions are placed in family environments. One of the things we’re advocating for is the deinstitutionalisation of children,” Adams-Thomas said.

“Foster care is one of the options we are exploring, and we’ve identified that the stipend or grant provided is currently insufficient. I’m delighted to know that the minister is on board,” Adams-Thomas said.

She also pointed out that supporting the national foster care programme not only benefits children but has a positive impact on Jamaica as a whole.

“It contributes to improving national security, as we both understand that much of the violence we are witnessing today is a result of a breakdown in the family environment. By strengthening families, we are working towards making Jamaica a better place to live, work, raise families, and do business,” she said.

At December 31, 2024 there were 4,624 children in the care of the State. Of that number, 2,719 are living in familial environments, which includes foster care.