What evidence is needed for foster care funding?
Evidence for foster care funding claims usually includes receipts, invoices or quotes, together with records showing what the expense is and how it supports the child in your care. Requirements vary between grant providers, so check the fund’s criteria and submit clear, relevant documents with your application.
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Evidence for foster care funding should demonstrate four things: that you are eligible to apply, that the request relates to a child in your care, that the proposed spending is necessary, and that the amount requested is reasonable. The exact documents depend on the grant provider, so applicants should use the fund’s own checklist as the starting point rather than assuming every scheme requires the same proof.
Proof of fostering status may be needed to confirm that you are an approved foster carer or are progressing through an approved fostering arrangement. This could include confirmation from your fostering service, details of the agency or local authority responsible for your approval, or a statement from your supervising social worker. If the application is made before a child is placed, the provider may instead ask for evidence that the request is connected to an anticipated placement or an agreed fostering plan.
Evidence of the child’s circumstances helps explain why the funding is needed. Depending on the request, relevant information might include the child’s age, placement arrangements, equipment requirements, educational needs, disability-related needs or agreed contact arrangements. Only provide information that is relevant to the application. Personal details about the child should be shared securely and limited to what the grant provider genuinely needs.
A clear explanation of the purpose is often as important as financial documentation. Describe what the funding will pay for, how it will support the child’s safety, care, education or wellbeing, and why the expense cannot reasonably be met through normal fostering allowances or existing household resources. For example, an application for specialist equipment should explain the child-related need, while a request connected with travel should set out the purpose of the journey and why it is part of the agreed care arrangements.
Financial evidence may be requested where the provider needs to verify the amount being claimed or assess whether other funding is available. Depending on the scheme, this could include bank statements, benefit information, household income details or confirmation of contributions from another organisation. Do not send more financial information than the form asks for, and check whether sensitive details can be obscured without making the document unusable.
Supporting statements can strengthen an application where the need is not obvious from the form alone. A supervising social worker, foster carer’s social worker, school, health professional or other relevant practitioner may be able to confirm the circumstances and explain why the requested support is appropriate. The statement should be specific rather than simply saying that the funding would be helpful.
Before submitting a claim, check that:
- your name and contact details match the information held by the grant provider;
- the application identifies the child or placement in the way the provider requires;
- each item or cost has a clear explanation;
- the dates fall within the scheme’s permitted period;
- any required signatures, declarations or professional confirmations are included;
- copies are clear and all pages of multi-page documents are present; and
- you have retained a copy of the complete application and the documents submitted.
If you cannot provide a particular document, do not substitute unrelated paperwork without explanation. Contact the organisation administering the fund and ask whether an alternative is accepted. It may be possible to provide a written confirmation, a statement from a professional involved in the placement or another form of independent verification, but this depends on the scheme.
Evidence should be accurate, current and consistent across the application. Explain any difference between the amount requested and the supporting information, such as a contribution from another source or a change in the child’s circumstances. Keep records of the submission and any follow-up questions, as the provider may ask for clarification before making a decision. Supplying relevant evidence in the format requested gives the application the best opportunity to be assessed on its actual circumstances, although it cannot guarantee that funding will be approved.
Check whether the grant provider requires approval before you buy or commit to the expense. Some schemes will not consider retrospective applications, while others may accept costs incurred within a defined period. Keep the original date of any order, agreement or payment, and do not assume that a quote can be replaced by a receipt after the purchase unless the provider confirms this. If the child’s needs or the expected cost change, ask how the application should be updated before spending the funding.
Get guidance on evidence for foster care funding
If you are unsure which documents a foster care funding provider will accept, speak to our fostering team for guidance on preparing your application and checking the evidence required.