Failure to meet fostering costs
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
More than half of England's local authorities are failing to pay foster carers enough to cover their costs, forcing them to dip into their own pockets or see the children they care for go without, according to research.
The Fostering Network found fostering allowances of most councils did not meet the charity's recommended minimum weekly amount - which is based on the government's Family Expenditure Survey - of £118.60 for a child under four, rising to £168.18 for a teenager.
In total, 17 local authorities did not even meet the government's minimum allowance rates, set 18 months ago, of £102 for a child under four and £151 for a teenager. Allowances are intended to cover the full costs of caring for a child, from nappies and food to birthday presents and outings.
Robert Tapsfield, chief executive of the Fostering Network, said: "Foster carers are still having to dip into their own pockets. Is it surprising that there is still a shortage of foster carers?"