Fostering. A benefits handbook, Adam Smith, BAAF

Fostering: A benefits handbook

Adam Smith, BAAF

ISBN 9781905664252

Adam Smith has done well to distil his subject down to 98 pages yet still keep it useful to its target audience, writes Helen Musto. Although individual advice is so often vital, this book provides a valuable starting point to a complex subject.

The first chapter provides an overview of fostering, benefits and allowances. The rest of the book is divided into various fostering situations, including private fostering, kinship placements and respite fostering as well as full-time carers caring for the looked after child, and applies the various benefits and allowances to these roles.

A case study and “benefits snapshot” chart at the end of each chapter provide useful illustration and quick reference. The chapter on caring for young people aged 16 and over could have been expanded to consider the position of carers who continue caring for young people over the age of 18, such as when providing supported lodgings.

This book is especially useful for new and applicant carers who are considering whether to register as self employed, or who may be worried about the impact of fostering on existing benefits.

It’s an essential guide for the fostering agency office as supervising social workers and others working with foster carers will also find this book relevant.

Helen Musto

Independent social worker