CYP Now - Letters: Fostering allowances

We are pleased the Government has set suggested national minimum allowances for foster carers at a higher level than originally proposed (Children Now, 2-15 August).

But let's remember that these allowances are for the basics. It is moneyto pay for the essential costs of looking after a child.

Minimum allowances do not take into account the cost of birthdays,religious festivals, holidays, start-up costs such as a cot or increasedhousing costs. Neither does the acknowledgment of the need for minimumallowances tackle the vital issue of how to recognise and reward carersfor the difference they can make to a child's life.

By setting minimum allowances, the Government is confirming thatlooked-after children need a minimum amount of financial support. But ifwe are serious about improving outcomes for these children then theymust have the same opportunities as other children.

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