How are fostering payments reviewed when a child’s needs change?

When a child’s needs change, fostering payments are normally reviewed against the child’s updated care plan and the level of care required. The review considers whether the existing allowance remains appropriate or whether additional, enhanced or different financial support is needed under the fostering service’s payment policy.

A change in need may arise when a child:

• requires more supervision or support with daily routines;
• has additional health, developmental, educational or emotional needs;
• needs specialist equipment, transport or activities;
• moves to a different placement type or level of care; or
• reaches a stage where their independence, risks or support requirements alter.

The review should be based on the child’s actual circumstances rather than on a general assumption that every placement will receive the same payment. The fostering service may consider the time involved, the skills required, changes to household arrangements, additional travel and any agreed expenses that are directly connected with caring for the child.

How the review usually works

The foster carer should raise the change with their supervising social worker or fostering service. The child’s social worker may also be involved, particularly where the change is linked to a review of the care plan, placement plan or risk assessment. Relevant information can include professional reports, school feedback, health recommendations, records of incidents, changes in contact arrangements and evidence of additional costs.

The fostering service then assesses the information against its published or agreed payment arrangements. This may involve a placement review, a meeting between professionals, or a formal decision by the service’s authorised panel or manager. The outcome should explain:

• which payment or allowance has been reviewed;
• the reasons for the decision;
• when any change takes effect;
• whether the arrangement is temporary or ongoing; and
• when the payment will be reviewed again.

Not every change in circumstances results in a higher allowance. Some additional costs may be agreed separately, while other needs may be met through practical support, specialist advice, equipment or changes to the care plan. The fostering service should distinguish between the regular fostering allowance, any fee paid for the carer’s role and approved extra expenses, as these can be assessed under different rules.

Temporary and continuing changes

A short-term increase in support may be appropriate where a child is recovering from an illness, experiencing a period of heightened risk or adjusting to a significant change. A longer-term change may require a more substantial reassessment of the placement and the skills or commitment expected from the foster carer. If the child’s needs later reduce, the payment arrangement may be reviewed again. The service should explain how this will be handled rather than leaving the foster carer uncertain about future payments.

What foster carers should keep

Keep copies of relevant review documents, payment statements, written decisions and receipts or records for agreed additional expenses. A simple note of when the child’s needs changed, what extra care was required and which professionals were informed can also help clarify the situation. Foster carers should not assume that an expense will be reimbursed unless it has been approved under the service’s procedure.

If the proposed payment does not appear to reflect the child’s assessed needs, ask the fostering service for the decision and supporting policy in writing. The carer can request clarification, provide further evidence and ask how to challenge or appeal the decision. Concerns should be raised promptly, especially where the payment affects the carer’s ability to meet an agreed care plan.

Payment reviews should be considered alongside the wider support plan. A change in allowance cannot replace appropriate training, social work support, respite arrangements, health input or specialist services where these are required. The key issue is whether the overall arrangements enable the foster carer to meet the child’s needs safely and consistently.