Foster carers receive a weekly allowance, which is a composite of funds intended for the household and the foster child. This financial support covers everything from the child’s personal needs to household expenses, aiming to mirror the support a child would receive in a traditional family setting.
Weekly fostering payments are broken down into ‘allowance’ and ‘pay’ elements. The allowance is the money that goes toward the cost of looking after the foster child, so covering the cost of clothing, food, pocket money etc. The ‘pay’ aspect is the money left over once the child is accommodated for, which can be used by the foster carer.
Our foster carers do not foster for the money, but we know that many could not foster without the extra help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is the foster care allowance determined? A: The allowance is based on age-specific rates set by is, covering the child’s personal needs and contributing towards household expenses.
Q: Can foster carers save part of the child’s allowance for larger future expenses? A: Yes, unspent weekly allowances can be saved for larger expenses, such as clothing or holiday funds, with prior discussion and agreement on allocation.
Q: What happens if a foster child requires respite care? A: The weekly allowance is transferred to the respite carer for the duration of the care period. Financial arrangements for alternative care settings should be discussed between the foster carer and the respite provider.
Q: How can foster carers ensure they are managing the allowance correctly? A: Keeping detailed records, involving the child in financial decisions, and maintaining open communication with the fostering agency and social workers are key practices for correctly managing the allowance.
