---
title: Parent and Child Payment Policy
description: "**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…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/parent-and-child-payment-policy/"
updated: "2026-04-08"
category: Foster Carer Policies and Procedures
tags:
  - Parent and Child Payment Policy
---

# Parent and Child Payment Policy

**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**

1. **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.

![](https://handbook.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/image-4.png)