Independent Fostering Agencies
On average, Independent Fostering Agencies pay a basic weekly fostering allowance and fee of £420 per week for all ages of children.
Some IFAs also pay foster carer enhanced payments of up to double their standard rate, dependent on the needs of the child, such as :
- Parent and child placements;
- Children with special needs;
- Remand placements.
The weekly allowance for each child fostered is intended to cover living costs such as food, clothes, basic travel and household bills. There is also a reward element for the foster carer in recognition of the demands of the fostering task.
Local Authority Fostering
From April 2011
Outside London
0 to 4: £131.47 - 5 to 10: £149.76 - 11 to 15: £186.43 - 16+: £226.74
In London
0 to 4: £154.30 - 5 to 10: £175.90 - 11 to 15: £219.05 - 16+: £266.01
The Foster Carer's Allowance is provided to cover the following:
Household costs, food, clothes, travel, school dinners and any other things required to look after a child. The payment takes into account the fact that foster care for children cost more than caring for birth children.
In addition to the fostering allowance other payments may be made to foster carers, depending on their experience and qualifications. These payments maybe between £50 and £200 per week.
Generally, fostering allowances are paid directly into the foster carer's bank account every two weeks.
IFAs and LAs
Local Authorities and Trusts are legally responsible for the well being of all children in public care and they need to find the best fostering placements, often in an emergency, for children and young people who cannot live with their families.
LAs have difficulties providing enough foster care placements in house due to their shortage of foster carers and therefore look to IFA's who provide a fostering service to Local Authorities and Trusts and work in partnership with them.
IFA 's have their own foster carers, social workers, therapists and education staff who work hard to ensure that the needs of the carers and children are met to high standards and without delay.
As a potential foster carer, it is important that you find out about the financial aspects of fostering prior to your application to a Fostering Agency.