Pay Rise For Foster Carers
Wandsworth Council raises fees and allowances from this month
The rate of pay for Wandsworth Council’s in-house foster carers are to be increased. From this month weekly allowances will be £196 a week for looking after a 0-10 year old and £255 a week for 11-17 year olds.
They get allowances to cover their costs, and fees as payment.
Weekly fees will go up to £170 for looking after 0-10 year olds and £200 for 11 – 18 year olds - making a total weekly payment of £366 and £455 respectively. These rates will also be paid for each additional child looked after, and there will also be an enhanced fee for fostering children and young people requiring intensive support. There will also be new one-off payments for emergency foster caring in addition to the normal weekly fee.
The aim is to recruit and retain as many high quality foster carers as possible so that children can receive stable long-term care and are not sent to children’s homes or referred to expensive foster agencies. People willing to care for older children and siblings are especially needed. Carers can be married or single, gay or straight, a homeowner or renting, and from any cultural background. All they need is a spare bedroom and a willingness to provide a home for a child in need.
Single foster carers, or at least one member of a couple, must be aged between 25 and 60 and be in good health. You will receive ongoing training and support.
The council’s spokesman for children and young people Cllr Kathy Tracey said: “Fostering is a hugely rewarding career and each carer we recruit makes a real difference to the life of a young person who needs a home. We recognise that it can be demanding, especially for people looking after older children and siblings, and we want to properly reward our foster carers for their work by paying some of the most competitive rates in London.”
Foster Care Fortnight starts May 8, and the council’s fostering team is keen to meet potential new carers. They will be out and about at various locations, including local supermarkets. Keep an eye on the council’s twitter feed, @wandbc, or Facebook page for updates.
April 11, 2017