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Payment and Training for Foster Carers
Payment and Training for Foster Carers
Kingston foster carers, including family and friends carers, are paid an allowance for the child’s expenses and other carers are paid a fee for themselves. Carers are expected to manage the allowance as they would for their own family budget. The amount paid depends on a variety of factors, including the age of the child and their needs.
The basic weekly allowance for a disabled child is 50% higher than the regular amount. Extra allowances are made to cover the child’s birthday, Christmas celebrations and holidays. Carers may be entitled to receive fee increments as they gain experience.
Short breaks carers receive a percentage of the rate paid to other carers based on the number of nights’ care they provide.
Payments for fostering will not usually affect State Benefits. Guidance about tax, insurance and pensions is provided as part of basic training.
The current (2012-2013) allowances and fees for new carers are:
| Age band (years) | Basic weekly allowance |
Fee 1 (Approx 50% of allowance) |
Level 1 Total weekly allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | £154.50 | £77 | £231.50 |
| 5-10 | £176 | £88 | £264 |
| 11-15* | £219 | £109.50 (+50) | £378.50* |
| 16+ | £266** | £133 | £399 |
* Includes Market Factor, £50.00 weekly for 11 – 15 age group
** Includes allowances paid directly to young people over 16 into their own bank account
Training
All foster carers undertake training each year, starting with the Skills to Foster course which serves as an introduction to fostering before the home study assessment is taken, prior to formal approval.
Foster carers are now expected to complete a Workbook during their first year and to attend ongoing training to build on their skills each following year. Some carers go on to achieve a professional NVQ qualification.
Carers who have completed their Workbook and an additional two years in fostering (three years for respite carers), move up to Level 2 and receive an enhanced fee.