Skip to main content

Skip to navigation

The access keys for this page are:

Child in Home of a Relative (CIHR)


Overview: February 3, 2011

Effective: February 03, 2011

AS OF MARCH 31, 2010, THE CHILD IN THE HOME OF A RELATIVE (CIHR) PROGRAM STOPPED ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS. 

Persons who applied for CIHR on or before March 31, 2010 were assessed and grandparented upon acceptance based on regulations existing as of that date and as authorized by the Child in the Home of a Relative Program Transition Regulation.  The Ministry of Social Development (SD) continues to administer the CIHR program for these clients.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) expanded its out-of-care (not in foster care) options for families (and their relatives) when children are temporarily unable to live with their parents.

MCFD offers many programs and services for families who voluntarily request assistance. For more information, see the Extended Family Program (EFP) on MCFD’s website [see Resources for Clients]. Alternatively, phone or visit the nearest MCFD office. In Victoria, call 250 387-7027, elsewhere in B.C., call 1 877 387-7027.

Please Note:  MCFD’s Extended Family Program is not a replacement for CIHR.  EFP offers enhanced supports for children and families with a focus on family reunification. 

There are supports for families other than CIHR and the Extended Family Program. Relatives looking after dependent children may be eligible for the Child Tax Benefit, B.C. Family Bonus, Universal Child Care Benefit or the Child Disability Benefit.

Parents, legal guardians and persons with legal custody of a child who require financial support may qualify for income assistance through SD with the child as a dependent provided the family unit meets all eligibility criteria.

This ministry provides assistance to a CIHR on applications received on or before March 31, 2010 only if all of the following applied:

  • The child resides in the relative’s home
  • The child’s parent placed the child with the relative
  • The child’s parent does not reside with the relative
  • MCFD determines that there is no evidence of a level of risk to the child in the home that compromises the home as an appropriate place for the child

The parents are expected to contribute toward the cost of caring for the child.

The CIHR program is the responsibility of MCFD and is available under the Employment and Assistance Regulation existing as of March 31, 2010, and as authorized by the Child in the Home of a Relative Program Transition Regulation, to clients who applied on or before that date. This ministry administers the CIHR program on behalf of MCFD.