Thinking about fostering – confused about allowance & agencies

Franbern

Haven't times changed? Back in the 70's I was a foster parent with two local authorities. Specialised in under-5's and also had several pre-adoptive new-borns. Two of these stayed with me, one forever, the other one until his teens.
Back then, we received very small amount of money, just meant to cover extra costs of food. I can remember a sum of £4.50 a week for a baby.
Great times, we were part of the social group with other foster parents, had meet-ups, and training was arranged. Extra costs, could be applied for (not always granted). When one baby needed to go into a bed from a cot, they provided the bed, but not the bedding.
We all did it out of love of children, did not even get our NIS paid, which years later affected my Pension.

I did the same in the 70s but always had babies who were to be adopted . I got them at a week old and at 6 weeks old the mother could then by law sign away the child . It never was only 6 weeks and lasted quite a bit longer. I had one of my own still in nappies but did it to give these babies a good start in life the alternative being the orphange . I got very little for doing it from the local authority .

It’s very understandable to feel torn when the money side comes up alongside the wish to help. Before deciding, I’d ask the local authority or agency for the allowance breakdown in writing: what is for the child’s day-to-day costs, what is an actual fee, what expenses can be claimed, and what happens during gaps or respite. Also ask about training, support after hours, tax and pension implications, and whether kinship or short-break options might suit better. A local foster-carer support group can be wonderfully honest about the reality. It’s a big commitment, so taking time to get clear answers isn’t being mercenary—it’s being sensible and protecting everyone involved.

Haven't times changed? Back in the 70's I was a foster parent with two local authorities. Specialised in under-5's and also had several pre-adoptive new-borns. Two of these stayed with me, one forever, the other one until his teens.
Back then, we received very small amount of money, just meant to cover extra costs of food. I can remember a sum of £4.50 a week for a baby.
Great times, we were part of the social group with other foster parents, had meet-ups, and training was arranged. Extra costs, could be applied for (not always granted). When one baby needed to go into a bed from a cot, they provided the bed, but not the bedding.
We all did it out of love of children, did not even get our NIS paid, which years later affected my Pension.

Is it the hot weather?

That sounded a bit AI-ish

The OP has just responded to her own post???????

Your friend is right—the fostering allowance is there to help cover the costs of caring for a child, while also recognising the commitment foster carers make. Most carers find that, with good planning and support, it helps meet a child's everyday needs.

When choosing a fostering agency, I'd recommend looking beyond the allowance. Ask about the training they provide, 24/7 support, supervision, respite options, and what current foster carers say about their experience. A supportive agency can make a huge difference throughout your fostering journey.

Wishing you all the best as you explore your options—it's wonderful that you're considering making such a positive difference in a child's life.

I used to give respite care for children with special needs (or whatever the current term is) This is less of a commitment than fostering but of great value to both the children and their parents. I was paid and also got great support from Children’s Services.

Iam64

The amount of foster carer gets can depend on the agency she works for, private tend to pay more than local authorities. Children coming in to be looked after will be traumatised by the changes and likely to have experienced high levels of neglect and abuse.
Support from agencies varies. The assessment then training can seem demanding.

That is right, private do pay more than local authorities

You can make enquiries with any agency or local authority fostering service with no obligation. If you then feel you would like to take it further, you can also go on to have an initial visit, again with no obligation. This would cover all the questions you have and a lot more besides. The person you speak to will be very honest about the challenges involved. You can then take your time to decide if this is really something you would like to do or not. Agencies are very used to dealing with many enquiries that go no further, so never feel you are wasting their time. The difference good foster carers make to young people’s lives is huge, well done for even considering it.

If you're concerned about the money side of things I wouldn't do it .
It's about giving a child a safe , loving environment to live in
It's really hard work and the older you are the harder it is.

Think what it was like bringing your own children up .
Now you are older It's going to be a lot harder , especially has many children have issues.

Good luck with it.

The amount of foster carer gets can depend on the agency she works for, private tend to pay more than local authorities. Children coming in to be looked after will be traumatised by the changes and likely to have experienced high levels of neglect and abuse.
Support from agencies varies. The assessment then training can seem demanding.

It s very unusual for a child to need fostering without there being serious problems in the past, either in utero or in their previous lives. So the biggest consideration is not the money but the challenges that the children present. You need to be really prepared for this.
I am not trying to put you off ... these children desperately need loving homes, but it is very important that potential problems are recognised.
Good luck with it all.

I think you need to speak to professionals.
It’s a huge commitment and these young people have often had very little consistency or stability.
If a foster placement breaks down it can set a child back a long way.
You mist also be aware that many young people in care suffer from foetal alcohol or foetal drug syndrome as well as attachment disorder/anxiety.

My friend was a foster carer for several years. She specialised in teenagers, often from the same family. She was getting about £600 a week for each of them and on top of that the kids uniforms were paid for, they were provided with lap tops, all out of school activities were paid for and loads of other stuff.
She was also paid mileage.

She was excellent with the kids and they all did very well with her.