We value the hard work and commitment given by our foster carers and offer good payments, support and training opportunities to help develop a fully professional foster care service.
Financial Support:
Fostering Payment
Warwickshire, in line with national fostering standards is keen to reward its foster carers for their skills. Warwickshire believes that fostering payments should reflect the real cost of looking after a foster child and therefore allowances are above the nationally recommended rates and are reviewed annually. Weekly allowances include amounts for clothing and pocket money, and additional allowances are also payable for holidays, birthdays and festivals (usually paid at Christmas).
Payment for Skills
In addition to allowances Warwickshire pays carers fees to reward their particular skills. There are 3 skill levels which reflect the amount of training carers have attended as well as their skills and experience in looking after children. Carers may need to register with the Inland Revenue as self-employed, but Foster Care Relief means that most carers will not pay tax on their allowances or fees.
State Benefits
Income Support and Working Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit are not affected by the foster carer allowances. Foster carers are not eligible to receive Child Benefit for a foster child.
Equipment
Additional equipment you need to help you care for the child can be provided on loan, for instance, beds, bedding, car seats, smoke alarms, stair gates etc. An 'ansaphone' is available to all new foster carers.
Insurance
Warwickshire has arranged specific insurances relating to foster care. Details are available on request. Foster carers will still need to inform their household and motor insurers when they become approved foster carers. |  |
Advice and Information:
Support for Foster Carers
All foster carers have a fostering social worker who is there to offer advice, guidance and support to carers. A comprehensive induction programme will be arranged when you first start fostering, and regular supervision and consultation is offered throughout your fostering career.
All foster children have a social worker who will support them and work with their parents and family. This social worker is there to ensure that each child has a comprehensive child care plan to meet their current and future needs.
Out of Hours Support
If you need help out of office hours you can telephone the 'Help Line' for foster carers or contact the county Emergency Duty social worker.
Peer Support
You will have the opportunity to join a local foster care support group. Experienced foster carers are always happy to offer encouragement and advice.
Anti Bullying Advice and Guidance for Foster Carers
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