The PEI Grandparent and Alternative Care Provider Program, in plain language.

Information reviewed September 2026. Program rules can change, so use the linked official source for eligibility and current requirements.

What the GACP program is

The Grandparent and Alternative Care Provider Program is a PEI child welfare program for children who have been found in need of protection and require care outside a parent's home. The caregiver can be a grandparent, another relative or a close family friend who already has a relationship with the child.

The key point is that GACP is tied to child protection circumstances. It is not a general payment automatically available to every grandparent or relative who raises a child.

The two GACP streams

Why does my GACP worker ask questions again every six months?

For permanent GACP placements, PEI policy requires a placement review six months after the original GACP Agreement is signed and every six months after that. Completing the reviews is required for continued GACP funding, and a review may happen more often if the GACP Social Worker considers that necessary for the child's best interests.

That explains why a review has to happen. The public policy sets the review schedule, but it does not say that a caregiver must retell every unchanged and painful part of the family's history from the beginning at every visit.

These questions do not remove the requirement to participate in the review. They are a way to ask for the review to be handled as clearly and trauma-informed as possible.

Government of PEI: GACP permanent-placement information

Who can be considered a care provider?

PEI defines a care provider as someone other than the child's parent who has primary responsibility for the child's day-to-day care. That may include a grandparent, extended family member or family friend with a relationship to the child.

What financial support can include

Approved caregivers receive monthly financial compensation intended to help with ordinary day-to-day costs such as room and board, food, utilities, clothing and household supplies. With approval, additional support may sometimes be available for needs such as vision care, medical support, special equipment or services not covered by another government program.

Important requirements to understand

Questions worth asking your worker

• Which GACP stream applies to this child, and why?
• What document proves my legal authority?
• What expenses are included in the monthly payment?
• What additional child-specific expenses can be requested?
• Who approves medical, vision, equipment or special-needs costs?
• What contact with the parent is permitted, and does it require approval?
• What happens if circumstances change or reunification becomes possible?
• Who should I call when my GACP worker is unavailable?

GACP does not replace every other support

A GACP caregiver may still need to deal separately with CRA, schools, health providers, disability programs, counselling services and legal matters. Keep copies of approvals and ask each service what documentation it needs.

Official information

• Government of PEI: Grandparent and Alternative Care Provider Program
• Government of PEI: Social Development and Seniors policies
• Government of PEI: Child, Youth and Family Services Act overview