Foster carers receive a weekly allowance for each child which varies according to the age of the child. In 2008/9 the amount varied from £102 to £154 per week.
In addition community parents receive a weekly fee for the first child placed and 70% of the full fee for subsequent children in placement at the same time. In 2007/8 the full fee for a child aged under 11 years was £110 and £120 for a young person over the age of 11 years. For some young people with particularly challenging behaviour an additional support package may be available.
Foster carers also receive an annual holiday grant, Christmas/festival and birthday allowances in respect of a foster child.
Carers who offer regular short planned break care receive a proportion of the weekly allowance and fee depending upon the period of care given.
The family placement team can advise you of the current rates of allowance as the amount is reviewed each year.
