Allowances for foster carers

Introduction

Foster carers receive an allowance for each child or young person we place with them. The rates from 29 March 2009 are by age as follows:

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Allowance rates from April 2009

These allowances are paid fortnightly to meet the cost of the child's normal maintenance and clothing. They are also designed to cover all the costs of a placement.

A pocket money allowance for the child or young person is also paid. This is shown above and is also included in the basic weekly allowance. You should note that you are expected to pay the full amount to the child from 29 March 2009.

In addition to the above allowances the following allowances are also made for normal fostering placements:

Birthday:

An allowance equal to one week at the above rate for age is made in the payment period to the child's birthday.

Christmas/other Main religious Festival Allowances:

An allowance equal to the above rate for age is paid in the payment period which includes or directly precedes 1 December in each year.

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Specialist Fostering Allowances

Where children are subject to specialist fostering arrangements the following additional weekly payments can be made:

Disability payments are based on 50% of current disability living allowance.

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Multiple Placement Allowance

The Multiple Placement Allowance is an additional payment for each foster child where foster carers have three or more children placed with them at any on time by Bristol City Council. The weekly allowance is £7.25 per child.

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