Can private foster carers receive additional payments for complex placements?
Private foster carers may agree an additional payment for a placement involving complex care, but there is no automatic statutory supplement or standard national rate. Any increase should be discussed with the child’s parents before the arrangement begins, taking account of the child’s needs, expected expenses and the level of care required; the local authority can provide guidance.
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Yes, an additional payment may be agreed where a privately fostered child needs care beyond what was originally expected. This is a private arrangement between the child’s parents and the carer, rather than a nationally set complex-placement allowance. The amount should reflect the actual demands and costs of the placement, not simply the use of the term “complex”.
Additional support may be relevant where a child has needs such as:
- a disability, health condition or medication routine requiring extra supervision;
- significant emotional or behavioural needs linked to previous experiences;
- frequent appointments, specialist transport or additional travel;
- requirements for equipment, adaptations or other care-related items; or
- a need for substantially more time, supervision or practical support than was anticipated at the outset.
The parents and carer should identify which costs are ordinary household expenses and which arise specifically from the child’s additional needs. The agreed payment might therefore include reimbursement of particular expenses, a higher regular payment, or both. It is important to avoid treating every payment as an unrestricted fee when some of the money is intended to meet the child’s costs.
Before the placement begins, the parties should record:
- the child’s known care needs and the duties the carer is expected to undertake;
- the regular amount to be paid and what it is intended to cover;
- how exceptional expenses, such as equipment or travel, will be approved and reimbursed;
- when payments will be made and how changes will be handled; and
- when the arrangement will be reviewed.
A higher payment should not be used as a substitute for proper planning. The child’s parents should provide accurate information about health, education, behaviour, routines and previous support. The carer should be satisfied that they can safely meet the child’s needs, with any necessary advice or services identified in advance.
The local authority has a safeguarding and oversight role in private fostering arrangements. It can assess the circumstances, speak with the child and the adults involved, and advise on whether the proposed care arrangements are suitable. It may also help clarify what information should be shared and whether other services need to be involved. This does not make the local authority responsible for setting a private payment or guaranteeing that parents can meet the agreed amount.
If the child’s needs become more demanding after the arrangement starts, the payment should be reviewed rather than changed informally. Keep a written record of new responsibilities, additional costs and any agreement reached. If the parents cannot agree to a reasonable change, the carer should raise the issue promptly with the supervising local authority instead of allowing financial disagreement to affect the child’s care.
Private fostering should also be distinguished from fostering through a fostering service. Approved foster carers normally receive allowances and any applicable professional or specialist payments under the relevant fostering service’s framework. A private foster carer does not automatically receive those payments simply because a placement involves complex needs. The financial terms must be considered within the private arrangement and alongside the child’s welfare and legal requirements.
Before accepting a complex placement, take independent advice if the proposed terms are unclear. Ask for the payment arrangement, expense process and care expectations to be set out in writing, and ensure the local authority is aware of the arrangement. This provides a clearer basis for reviewing whether the support remains suitable if the child’s circumstances change.
An additional payment should be based on the child’s individual care requirements, rather than on a diagnosis or the label “complex placement”. Two children with the same condition may need very different levels of supervision, practical help and involvement from their carer.
When discussing the amount, consider the functional impact of the child’s needs, including whether they affect:
- the carer’s ability to carry out ordinary household routines;
- the level of supervision needed to keep the child safe;
- attendance at education, health or support appointments;
- the carer’s ability to work, study or care for other household members; and
- the need for guidance from health, education or social care professionals.
This approach creates a more accurate basis for agreeing support and avoids making assumptions about a child’s abilities or behaviour. The arrangement should be reconsidered if professional advice changes or the child’s day-to-day needs develop, with the child’s welfare remaining the main consideration.
Discuss support for a complex placement
If you are considering a private fostering arrangement involving complex needs, speak with our fostering experts about the questions to raise before agreeing the placement. You should also involve the relevant local authority so the proposed care and payment arrangements can be properly understood.