Do fostering allowance rates cover travel expenses?

Travel costs in fostering are usually dealt with in one of two ways: routine journeys may be expected to come from the fostering allowance, while approved or exceptional journeys may qualify for separate reimbursement. The exact arrangement is set by the fostering provider and should be explained before approval, then confirmed for each placement where a child’s travel needs are unusual.

Journeys commonly connected with fostering include:

• Travel to school, college, clubs, appointments and activities.
• Journeys to and from family time or other agreed contact arrangements.
• Visits to social workers, medical professionals, therapists or other services.
• Travel required for meetings, reviews, assessments and placement-related appointments.
• Transport needed because of a child’s disability, health needs or particular care plan.

Some of these journeys are part of the ordinary day-to-day cost of caring for a child. In that situation, the fostering allowance is intended to contribute towards the cost, alongside other expenses such as food, household bills, clothing and activities. It should not be assumed that every mile travelled will be paid separately.

Other journeys may be considered additional expenses, particularly where they are frequent, unusually long, required by the child’s care plan or arranged specifically by the fostering service. Depending on the policy, the provider may reimburse mileage or reasonable public transport costs, and may also consider associated parking, tolls or other necessary travel charges. Approval may need to be obtained before the expense is incurred.

Travel connected with family contact needs particular clarification. Foster carers may be asked to take a child to contact or to support arrangements involving parents, relatives or other significant people. The fostering service should explain who is responsible for arranging and paying for this travel, whether the journey is included in the allowance, and what happens if contact takes place a considerable distance away.

Holiday travel is also separate from ordinary local journeys. A provider may have specific rules about trips, including whether a child’s travel costs can be claimed, what prior approval is needed and which costs are the carer’s responsibility. Personal travel for the household will not automatically be treated as a fostering expense simply because a foster child is travelling with the family.

Before accepting a placement, ask for clear information about:

• Which journeys are regarded as routine and covered by the allowance.
• Whether mileage can be claimed for approved placement-related travel.
• Which rate applies when a private vehicle is used, and whether the rate changes for different types of journey.
• Whether public transport, parking, tolls or overnight travel can be reimbursed.
• Whether receipts, mileage logs or other evidence are required.
• Who must authorise an unusual journey and how claims should be submitted.
• What support is available if the child’s travel needs change during the placement.

Keep an accurate record of the date, destination, purpose and distance of each potentially claimable journey. Retain receipts where the policy requires them, and record contact and appointment travel separately from personal trips. A clear record helps the supervising social worker and fostering service decide whether a journey falls within the agreed financial arrangements.

If you use your own car, check the provider’s requirements and tell your motor insurer that the vehicle is being used in connection with fostering. You should also confirm that any necessary safety, licensing and insurance conditions are met before transporting a child.

Travel requirements should be discussed during the assessment and matching process, not left until costs become difficult to manage. Ask the supervising social worker to explain the written policy and the arrangements for the particular child. This is especially important where there are regular contact journeys, specialist appointments, education outside the local area or other circumstances likely to create higher travel costs.