Cash boost for Isle of Man carers

Foster carers on the Isle of Man are set to receive up to £475
per week after the island transferred its fostering service to the
private sector.

The IoM government hopes the move will reduce the number of
children placed in residential homes or off-shore within mainland
UK, and lead to an extra 10-15 placements with foster families over
the next 18 months.

Foster carers looking after most children will receive between
£150 per week for 0-4 year olds to £220 per week for
11-16 year olds. Those taking on children with specific problems
will receive from £269 for 0-4 year olds to £475 for
11-16 year olds.

Private foster agency Fosterplus won the contract for five years
because of government restrictions on recruitment. It had
previously been run by a charity. The government will manage the
budget and pay carers directly.

Care and contracts manager for Isle of Man social services Ed
Coates said: “Fosterplus will be able to offer professionalism and
proper support for carers and the children and that is just as
important as the scale of allowances.”