Health minister Shaun Woodward said that spending would increase by4m in 2006/07, followed by a further increase of 2m in2007/08. Of the initial 4m, 1.2m is being ringfenced toincrease foster care allowances.
Last week, a report by the Fostering Network showed that all health andsocial services trusts in Northern Ireland pay below recommended minimumfostering allowances (Children Now, 22-28 February).
Director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland Kate Lewis said: "Weare pleased the Government is taking the issue seriously. Thisinvestment will have a positive impact on allowances for foster carersand fostered children."
A spokesman for the Department of Health, Social Services and PublicSafety added: "The minister wants to ensure that the allowances carersreceive reflect the full costs of care that fostered children livingwith them receive. To this end the department has engaged with theDepartment for Education and Skills on a project to establish the costof foster care."
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