"While there has been some improvement since last year, an unacceptablylarge number of foster carers are still being expected to contribute tothe cost of looking after a fostered child from their own pockets," saidRobert Tapsfield, chief executive of the Fostering Network.
The survey also found that an extra 35.2m each year is needed toprovide all foster carers in England with the network's recommendedminimum. "In 2004, the Government pledged to set and fund a nationalminimum allowance for foster carers in England," said Tapsfield.
"Today's figures demonstrate the need for immediate action, and we urgethe Government to fulfil its promise."
The Government is expected to consult on proposals to establish anational minimum allowance for foster carers in January next year.
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