We provide a range of financial and material support to meet the costs of caring for fostered children. Financial Support for foster carers is made up of 2 main components - a weekly allowance (child age related) and for many foster carers, a weekly fee (payment for your fostering skill level).
We introduced a 'Payment for Skills' model in 2008, where fees are payable to foster carers on levels 2, 3 and 4. Level 1 is an entry level for new carers to have a probationary year before progressing to Level 2. Level 3 is a progression level which is being introduced in 2010.
Level 4 fees reflect payment to our foster carers who provide the most skilled, experienced commitments to the most demanding children and young people. Entry at Level 4 would require people meeting particular criteria depending on the type of fostering - an example is our Fee Paid Career fostering recruitment campaign for fostering children over age 10yrs+ (see Introduction page for details).
Level 4 fostering replaces the term 'Fee Paid Schemes' although the types of fostering provided at this level remains largely unchanged. Foster Carers on all levels will receive the child age related allowance.
Allowance payment rates are informed by the DfCFS minimum allowances guidance. Amounts below are for the year April 2009 - end March 2010. (Allowances and Fees are reviewed annually).
Weekly Allowance Rates:
Childs Age:
0-4yrs £108.65
5 - 10 £123.75
11 - 15 £154.35
16yrs+ £194.70
Weekly Fees:
Level 1: No Fee (Probationary)
Level 2: £51 (1st child in placement)
£25.50 (each subsequent child in placement)
Level 3: tba (Progression Level, implementing in 2009)
Level 4 / Schemes: £260.70 (1st child in placement)
£428.60 (2 children in placement)
£537.65 (3 children in placement)
Other assistance:
We provide a range of material and other financial support, including essential equipment (e.g. beds / bedding / safety gates), fostered children’s clothing needs, certain transport costs and other expenses related to fostering commitments.
For more detailed information on allowances, fees and financial support, please contact us on: 0113 247 4747.
Please note:
Entry Levels to the Payment for Skills model will normally be Levels 1 or, if meeting criteria, Level 4. Most will enter at Level 1, moving to Level 2 after 6 - 12 months experience. Entry to Level 4 is possible only for those people meeting required competencies, skills and related experience. A full list of required tasks, skills and competencies for each Level is available to discuss with staff if you go on to foster with us.
photos posed by models