Pay and support

Pay and support

Is it a full-time job?

Many fostering services will expect at least one adult to be a full-time home-based foster carer as there are certain time commitments you will need to make (such as attending meetings and facilitating contact). However, some types of fostering will be more demanding of your time than others. If you work full time you may want to find out about respite care or support care (see types of fostering).

Will I receive training?

Experienced foster carers are child care experts working with some of society’s most vulnerable children and when you are preparing to foster you will receive training to help you and your family identify and build upon the skills you already have, and develop new skills needed to foster. Once approved, you would be expected to undertake ongoing professional learning and development to help maintain and develop these skills.

Do I get paid?

All foster carers receive a fostering allowance which covers the cost of caring for a fostered child. These vary widely across the UK, but in England and Northern Ireland at least meet the government’s recommended minimum of £100 per week. If you are thinking about fostering you should check that the fostering service you might work for offers allowances which will cover the full costs of looking after a child and not leave you out of pocket. Many fostering services pay their foster carers in recognition of their time, skills and experience. You should find out about the fees on offer, this is likely to vary depending on the type of foster care you are suitable for.

What support is available?

If you do decide to become a foster carer you will not be expected to 'go it alone'. There are various sources of support available to you. The most important will be your supervising social worker, a member of the team allocated to support you from your fostering service, who should meet regularly with you to discuss any concerns you have, offer you supervision, and arrange any training you feel you need. Membership of the Fostering Network provides free legal protection insurance, access to a vast network of foster carers in a similar situation to you, and a range of information and advice services. Ask your fostering service about membership of the Fostering Network when you apply to foster.

What about my own children?

If you decide to become a foster carer this will, of course, have a huge impact on everyone living in your home. The sons and daughters of foster carers will have to share their parents, their toys and their friends, as well as cope with difficult and challenging behaviour. They may find themselves taken into confidence by a child or young person who has suffered abuse. Despite these difficulties, many say that being part of a foster family has had a positive impact upon them, and helped them to understand others better. If you have sons and/or daughters of your own, speak to them about fostering before you decide to apply and make sure it is a family decision. The whole family should be involved in the assessment process.