A report by The Policy Exchange, Fostering Ambitions: Reforming the foster Care System in England and Wales, calls for widespread reform of fostering to address a shortage of carers.
A year-round fee depending on experience would give foster carers greater recognition, the report argues.
The think-tank said the fee should be set locally but based on a nationally agreed set of principles. Through this fee additional money will be handed out based on length of time a child stays with the carer. The characteristics of the child would also be taken into account.
A top tier of experienced foster carers should also be created to recognise the skills of those who care for children with complex and challenging needs. For this group a formal salary should be brought in.
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