News

The governments of the UK must spend an extra £748 million to bring fostering services up to a decent standard, according to a report launched today, writes Simeon Brody.
 
The study, the first to calculate the cost of a fully-resourced foster care service, estimates that the governments of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will need to spend £1.7billion next year, against an actual spend of £932 million this year.
 
Published jointly by the Fostering Network and Baaf Adoption and Fostering, the report has gained broad support from local government representatives in all four countries as well as the Commission for Social Care Inspection and children’s charities.

 
The authors argue that the extra funding is needed to tackle a 10,000 shortage of foster carers across the UK, resulting in inappropriate placements which often break down.
 
The study bases its calculations on the assumption that foster carers will be paid a minimum allowance of at least £112 a week to cover the full cost of providing care – more than many now receive.
 
It also assumes that the 85 per cent of foster carers, who are not the child’s friend or family member, will receive a fee of at least £120 a week in recognition of their role as members of the children’s workforce.

 
The report argues that the demands of foster caring make it unlikely that carers will be able to hold down another full-time job. But it says currently less than 50 per cent of foster carers receive any fee on top of their allowance.
 
Increased training for foster carers, improved management and support systems and respite provision are also included in the total figure.