What would I be paid for fostering?
Foster carers receive a fee for each child they foster and an allowance for each child.
The fee is the carer's income for the work they do and their use of skills.
The allowance covers the cost of looking after the child, for example, to cover cost of food, clothing, activities, holidays, school equipment, pocket money and so on. The allowance varies according to the child's age.
Example - Children aged 0-11 years
Mr and Mrs A look after two children (Sadie and Angus), a brother and sister, aged 6 and 9 years old.
0-11 fee = 2x £160 = £320.00 per week
Child's allowance X 2 = £267.40
Total = £587.40 per week
For looking after Sadie and Angus Mr and Mrs A receive £587.40 per week.
They receive an additional £1069.60 to cover the children's Christmas and birthday costs bringing the total to £31,614.40 per year.
Example - Young people aged 12-18 years
Mr and Mrs B look after Joe who is 14 years old.
12-18 fee = 1x £220 per week.
Young Person allowance = £163.74 per week
Total = £383.74 per week
For looking after one child (Joe), Mr and Mrs B receive £383.74 per week.
They also receive an additonal £654.96 to cover the children's Christmas and Birthday costs bringing the total to £20609.44 per year.
Example - Three siblings aged between 0-18
Mr and Mrs W look after three siblings aged 5, 9 and 14.
0-11 fee = 2x £160=£320
Child's allowance 2x £133.70 = £267.40
12-18 fee = 1x £220
Young Person allowance = £163.74 per week
Total = £971.14 per week
For looking after three siblings Mr and Mrs W receive £971.14 per week.
They receive an additional £1724.56 to cover the children's Christmas and birthday costs bringing the total to £52223.84 per year