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Fostering Allowances 2012-2013

We recognise:

• the skills, experience and commitment of foster carers caring for children and young people
• the role foster carers play in working with families in partnership with us.

Our Allowances booklet outlines the scheme of weekly payments and the Progression Scheme for all foster carers.

This payment scheme was developed following extensive consultation with foster carers, councillors and staff. The scheme is based on the Payment for Skills Principles recommended by The Fostering Network, and the new Standards for Foster Care developed by the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) to ensure that all foster carers receive induction, training and support and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Annual inflation increases are made in April each year as agreed by Devon County Council. The payment scheme is designed to establish fair, equitable and transparent financial arrangements across the county. It is designed to make sure that foster carers and social work staff are clear about the payments.

Basic Principles

• Basic Weekly Allowances are payable to all mainstream foster carers and include an element to cover specific costs, such as school excursions.  
• The Carer’s Progression Scheme reflects a three-tier approach and incorporates payments to all foster carers including mainstream, kinship, specific, concurrent carers and carers in specialist schemes such as the Family Care Workers Scheme, Remand Carers and the Young People’s Accommodation Service. It recognises carer’s skills, experience and training and learning in caring for children and young people with more complex needs. It enables carers, should they wish to do so, and should they have the necessary skills and competencies, to progress and develop the skills to care for children with complex needs. The scheme is regularly reviewed, and any recommendations for amendments will be consulted on with carers, councillors and staff.
• A Travel Allowance can be claimed individually by carers.

Fostering Allowances booklet 2012-2013 (412KB - pdf help)