Do fostering allowance rates change for sibling placements?

There is no single payment figure for every sibling placement. A fostering service will normally assess the placement as a group while calculating the financial support linked to each child. The outcome can depend on the children’s ages, care plans, individual circumstances and the service’s published payment policy.

In practice, a sibling placement may involve:

• An allowance for each child: this is intended to contribute towards everyday costs such as food, clothing, personal items, activities and household expenses.
• Additional support for particular needs: a child may require extra transport, specialist equipment, therapeutic support or more frequent activities. Where these costs are identified, the fostering service should explain how they will be funded.
• A foster carer fee: some services pay a separate fee for the carer’s role, in addition to the child-related allowance. The way this operates, including whether it changes for a sibling group, depends on the service.

The fact that children are brothers or sisters does not by itself determine the amount paid. For example, two children of similar ages may have different costs or support requirements, while a larger sibling group may require changes to sleeping arrangements, transport and supervision. These practical factors should be considered alongside the standard payment structure.

Before agreeing to a sibling placement, ask the fostering service for a written breakdown covering:

• the payment for each child and whether the figures are the same or different;
• any separate foster carer fee;
• how clothing, equipment, travel and activities will be handled;
• whether additional costs need prior approval;
• what happens if one child’s needs change after the placement begins; and
• how payments will be reviewed if another sibling joins or leaves the household.

The placement agreement should set out the children’s needs, the support to be provided and the financial arrangements. Read this alongside the fostering service’s allowance policy, rather than relying on a general rate quoted during an initial enquiry. If the proposed payment does not appear to cover the responsibilities involved, raise this before accepting the placement so that the financial and practical arrangements are clear.

Sibling groups can bring additional planning requirements, but keeping children together may also form an important part of their care plan. A fostering assessment will therefore consider whether your household, space, skills and support network are suitable for the particular group. You should receive information about the children’s needs, relevant preparation or training and the ongoing support available before making a decision.