Introductions
The purpose of this Parent and Child Placement Payment Policy is to ensure that the financial support available to foster carers – and the agency’s expectations – are clear, transparent and fair. This policy also applies when both the parent and the child are looked after.
Total Weekly Payment
- £987 when both the parent and child live in the foster carer’s home.
- £507.50 when the parent is welcomed into the placement before the baby is born, with an additional £479.50 once the baby joins the placement.
(£479.50 for children under 11 and £507.50 for children aged 11 and over)
- If either the parent or the baby moves on from the placement, the weekly payment will be reduced in line with the change, reflecting the reduced support needs.
- Where two parents and one child, or one parent and two children, are placed, payments increase on the same pro-rata basis.
Structure of Payments
- Accountable Allowance – £122
- Purpose: This allowance belongs to the parent and their child, supporting their everyday needs.
- Breakdown: £53 child allowance + £69 parent allowance.
- Shared record-keeping: The foster carer, together with the parent wherever possible, should keep a simple record of how this allowance is used, promoting transparency and shared responsibility.
- Savings: A minimum of £10 savings per week for each child who is looked after is included within this allowance. The agency automatically transfers this amount into a separate savings account in the child’s name, ensuring it is safely set aside for the child’s future.
2. Foster Carer Allowance – £865 per week
- Purpose: Paid to the foster carer.
- What it covers: The foster carer’s professional fee and the costs of household expenditures such as rent, utilities, food and other everyday expenses associated with providing a safe and nurturing home.
- Adjustments: The allowance will reduce proportionately if the placement changes as outlined above.
