Allowances

All our foster carers are paid a weekly allowance for each child placed with them to pay for the child's day-to-day needs such as food, clothing, nappies and outings, for example. Foster carers also receive a generous weekly fee as a reward to the foster carer for the work they do. Additional fostering allowances are paid for a child's birthday, travel, Christmas and other festivals and holidays. Any benefits you already receive are not affected by these payments.

1st April 2008 the Fostering Allowance per child:

Ages of child Weekly Allowance (per child placed)
0-4yrs £80.82
5-10yrs £92.03
11-15yrs £114.53
16+yrs £139.94

In addition to the fostering allowance, Caerphilly County Borough Council pays a weekly fee to foster carers.

1st April 2008 the Fostering Carer fees per child:

Type of Carer Weekly Fee (per child placed)
Probationary carer £55.34
Mainstream carer £66.40
Career carer £171.55
A pro rata fee is payable for respite carers.

There may be occasions when as an approved foster carer you don’t have a child living with you. Caerphilly County Borough Council will continue to pay you a fee per week as a ‘retainer’ payment.

The decision as to which type of foster carer is applicable to you will be based upon your ability to meet the specific responsibilities of a probationary, mainstream or career carer. It is usual practice for all foster carers to be Probationary for 6 months following approval but in some instances they may be considered as a Mainstream or Career carer. Your approval as a probationary, mainstream or career foster carer is regularly reviewed.