The Fostering Network report Can't Afford to Foster found thatthree-quarters of foster carers are paid less than the minimum wage,while 40 per cent receive no payment at all. It also showed that 88 percent of carers do not have a full-time job and have to rely on a feefrom fostering to meet living costs, even if it is inadequate.
Half of foster carers have to rely on their partner's salary to supportthem, while 34 per cent take on additional work outside the home. Around17 per cent of foster carers claim benefits such as jobseeker'sallowance and income support.
The report, published yesterday (6 March), found foster carers who arepaid face financial instability when children move in and out of theircare, with at least one third reporting they are not paid for 52 weeks ayear.
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