Are private foster carers paid during training?

Training for a private fostering arrangement is normally preparation and safeguarding support, rather than a paid stage of the arrangement. There is no universal national payment or fixed training allowance for private foster carers. Whether any costs are covered will depend on the arrangement with the child’s parent or person with parental responsibility, and on the information and support available from the relevant local authority.

What training may involve

Training or guidance may cover the practical responsibilities of caring for someone else’s child, including:

• safeguarding and recognising signs of abuse or neglect;
• the child’s health, education and day-to-day needs;
• managing boundaries, routines and behaviour;
• maintaining appropriate contact with the child’s parents;
• confidentiality, record keeping and information sharing; and
• what to do if the arrangement changes or difficulties arise.

The exact content and format can vary. Some preparation may be provided as an information session, while other guidance may be offered through discussions with social care professionals. A local authority may also ask questions about the proposed home, the carer’s suitability and the arrangements for meeting the child’s needs.

Who may pay for training?

Private fostering payments are usually a matter for agreement between the carer and the child’s parent or person with parental responsibility. If training involves a charge, travel, childcare or time away from work, these costs should be discussed before the arrangement begins. The agreement could state whether the parent will pay the cost directly, reimburse the carer, or provide another form of financial help.

It is important to distinguish reimbursement from an allowance. Repaying an agreed course fee or travel expense does not necessarily mean that the carer is receiving payment for attending training. The purpose and amount should be clear, particularly where several types of support are being discussed.

Questions to ask before starting

• Is any required training free of charge?
• Who pays for travel, course materials or childcare?
• Will the parent reimburse costs in advance or after they have been incurred?
• Is further preparation expected after the child moves in?
• Will the financial agreement cover only the child’s living costs, or also agreed training-related expenses?
• What support is available if the placement becomes difficult?

Keep the answers in writing and include them in the wider private fostering agreement where appropriate. This reduces the risk of confusion about whether a payment is for the child’s care, a specific expense or a training requirement.

Anyone planning to care for a child privately should also contact the relevant local authority before the arrangement starts. Private fostering arrangements must be notified to the local authority, which has safeguarding responsibilities and can explain the local process, available guidance and any preparation expected from the carer.

If you are comparing private fostering with approval through a fostering service, ask how training is organised and funded under each route. They are different arrangements with different responsibilities, assessment processes and financial agreements. A West Midlands fostering team can help explain the distinction and identify which questions to raise before you commit to caring for a child.