Please send me as much detail as possible regarding the following six questions relating to so-called ‘signing on’ payments for new foster carers joining your foster care service. These may also be known as incentive payments for new foster carers:
1. Do you offer incentive payments for new foster carers joining your service?
No, we offer a rate that is dependent upon the needs of the children the foster family are looking after.
2. If such payments are offered, how much is paid to new foster carers?
Following our responses to question 1 we do not hold this information
3. If such payments are offered, do you pay a flat fee to all new recruits?
Following our responses to question 1 we do not hold this information
4. If such payments are offered, are they paid upon sign-up or when a child is first placed?
Following our responses to question 1 we do not hold this information
5. If such payments are offered, how long has this been in place?
Following our responses to question 1 we do not hold this information
6. If such payments are offered, has it made a difference to how many foster carers have been recruited since it was introduced?
Following our responses to question 1 we do not hold this information