Ever wondered why your foster parents receive an allowance to take care of you?
You might have mixed feelings about someone being paid to offer you a home and even wonder whether they’re only doing it for the money.
The truth is that becoming and then being a foster parent takes a lot of time, energy, and commitment, and is not something people do to profit from.
If foster parent pay has been weighing on your mind, join us as we take a closer look at fostering allowances to help you understand exactly what they are and why your foster family receives one.
Why fostering allowances matter
If foster families didn’t receive any payment for providing a home for a child or young person, then it would seriously limit the number of foster parents to help children in need of a safe, stable home.
After all, caring for children isn’t free – from groceries, clothing, and school supplies to gas, electricity, and water, there are costs involved that you may not have even realised.
Providing a fostering allowance means finances aren’t a barrier for people out there who’d really like to make a difference but aren’t wealthy. It also means that foster parents have enough money to cover more than just the bills. Whether it’s a family day out, a fun activity or a hobby you want to explore, it ensures they have more than enough to invest in your future and build happy memories together.
All our foster parents are additionally expected to provide you with pocket money and a savings account; their social worker will agree on an amount when you move into their care. If you aren’t receiving either of these, talk to your social worker.
What do fostering allowances pay for?
There are two parts to your foster parent’s fostering allowance:
Part one: expenses
This part of their allowance prevents them from falling into hardship because they’ve chosen to help a child by welcoming them into their home. It covers expenses that can quickly add up, including:
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Part two: professional fee
Our foster parents complete training, work with lots of different professionals, and are available to you day and night. Their responsibilities often mean they can’t work elsewhere, as parents who care for their own children would.
This part of the fostering allowance recognises all the hard work they put into completing the extra bits they legally have to do, like recording daily logs, writing reports, and attending meetings. It’s the side of fostering that our foster parents often tell us is the only bit they see as ‘work’.
Do my foster parents really care about me?
Yes, our foster parents don’t just decide to foster on a whim; they truly care about children and are being the change they want to see in the world. Some of our foster parents have been in care themselves, whereas others have worked in other caring professions and are using their transferable skills to make a difference.
We don’t just let anyone become a foster parent; they have to show us that they’re doing it for the right reasons. Every single applicant goes through a very thorough process that involves sharing their life experiences, rigorous background checks, and obtaining references from various people in their lives.
Many of our foster parents tell us that the hardest thing about their role is saying goodbye. If they didn’t really care, they wouldn’t feel this way.
Are my foster parents doing it for the money?
No, as we’ve explored in this blog, a lot goes into being a foster parent. From the initial fostering assessment and training to daily admin and regular meetings, it would be a lot of effort to do it ‘just for the money’.
Not only that, but even though our fostering allowances are generous, most of the money foster parents receive will go into caring for you and providing you with the happy home and childhood you deserve.
It’s also important to remember that fostering isn’t the only paid caring job role. Doctors, nurses, teachers, and social workers are all paid for the work they do because, after all, how else would they be able to afford to pay their rent or mortgage and general living expenses without receiving a wage? It’s the same for your foster parents.
Have questions?
We hope that this blog answers any questions you have about why your foster parents are paid to look after you. If you still have worries, you can reach out to your social worker, the participation team, other children and young people in your local network, and, if you feel comfortable, your foster parents.
You can also find lots more guidance and advice on our Being in Care Hub, from managing your money and tackling bullying to advice about leaving care and finding your first job. Our community is here to help you with whatever it is you need.
