Northern Ireland fostering allowances to rise

Fostering allowances in Northern Ireland are to be increased to the same level as in England, it was announced today.

From October the minimum allowance in the country will rise from the current level of £95 a week for the youngest child to at least £102.

The increase in allowances is part of a £6m investment in foster care over the next two years, which will include a round-the-clock helpline for carers and additional foster care support social workers.

The Fostering Network welcomed the new rates as a “significant step forward for fostering”.

Fostering allowances in Northern Ireland

Age     Current rate    New rate from 1 October 2006

0-4      £95.11           £102
5-10    £100.54         £113
11-15  £116.47         £129
16+    £138.26          £151