In Scotland there is no national minimum for Fostering Fees or Allowances therefore every Local Authority and Provider are able to set their own amounts, which can vary across the country.
"On average, for a child placed with you as an approved Foster Carer, the combined fees and allowances per annum would be around £25,500 (£490 per week) - This may vary dependent on the age of children, in relation to maintenance payments."
At Care Visions Fostering Scotland, we know that awareness of the financial aspects of fostering can help you make your decision as to whether it is the right path for you and your family. We believe that our foster carers should be rewarded for their commitment, time and dedication it takes to be a foster carer. In recognition of this we offer you a generous package of financial support consisting of fostering Fees and Allowances, with additional payments added on for specific expenses. Let’s think about some general questions;
How are my Foster Carer Payments worked out?
We are here to lend a hand to help you understand how Foster Carer Payments work within Care Visions:
- Foster Carer Payment – In relation to foster pay, our Foster Carers receive an allowance for each child they foster. This foster carer payment is made up of a Professional fee for the Foster carer and an allowance for the child/children you look after.
- The fee rates are very competitive and reflect that, in many situations, the main carer will need to be at home full-time to be available for the child, although this depends on the needs of the child.
- The foster care allowance is paid to cover the costs of caring for the child in your home. They are based on several factors including the age of the child and whether they have any specific needs e.g health or disability. Sometimes referred to as foster care allowance rates, these allowances cover the day-to-day cost of fostering a child, including:
- Clothing
- Food
- Activities and clubs
- School dinners
- Personal items
- Pocket money
- Additional costs incurred for utility bills
How much Are the Fostering Allowances?
On average, for a child placed with you as an approved Foster Carer, the combined fees and allowances per annum would be around £25,500 (£490 per week) - This may vary dependent on the age of children, in relation to maintenance payments.
In addition to this, we recognise that when a child comes to live with you there may be some additional outlays eg, personalising the child’s room, travel etc so we offer the following:
- A Start Up Payment at the outset of every placement.
- An additional travel allowance to support attendance at meetings, appointments with the child, training etc
- Further contributions at key times in the year for children and families such as Birthdays, Christmas and Summer holiday times to support you with the extra expenses incurred.
Why foster with Care Visions?
As one of the leading Independent Providers in the sector we are proud to offer you a reassurance that your Fees and Allowances are competitive, are reflective of your commitment and skills, and are reviewed on a regular basis.
We aim to be the provider of choice for prospective foster carers across Scotland. We recognise that in addition to the extensive financial package offered you also need to consider the other supports available to you. As a new foster carer, you will be allocated a Therapeutic family worker for the first 3 months after Approval to support you in all aspects of understanding the child’s needs and to work alongside you to develop strategies to offer them the best care. You are also offered a comprehensive training programme, locality based support groups in your area and 24/7 On-Call support. More information on our training here: Foster Care Training In Scotland - Care Visions Fostering
What about Tax and Foster Care Payments?
In relation to Foster Care Pay, Foster Carers are classed as self-employed for the purpose of fostering therefore they are entitled to generous tax relief. More information on this is available from the HMRC website at: https://www.gov.uk/foster-carers/help-with-the-cost-of-fostering
The Fostering Network also provides further guidance on Tax and National Insurance at: https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/finances/tax-and-national-insurance
2023 Changes:
The Qualifying Care Relief fixed amount per household, per year, has been increased for UK foster carers to £18,140 (previously £10,000) in the 2023 UK Spring Budget. QCR had not been increased since its introduction in 2003 and the change is being welcomed by many groups including The Fostering Network who offer more information on this specifically via: Qualifying care relief films | The Fostering Network
Do you need more information about Foster Care payments?
It’s natural to give thought to whether fostering will be an affordable option for you. So, we hope that we can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to your financial situation and how that fits with fostering. If you’d like to find out more about foster care payments and how this might affect your own personal circumstances, please give us a call on 01786 477 810 or complete our online enquiry form below and we’ll be happy to assist you.
