How is enhanced foster care allowance reviewed during a placement?

An enhanced foster care allowance review is a formal assessment of whether the current payment still matches the placement’s agreed demands. It normally considers the child’s care plan, the skills and time required from the foster carer, and the terms set out by the fostering service or local authority.

What is considered during the review?

• Changes to the child’s health, behaviour, education or emotional wellbeing
• Whether the child now needs more supervision, appointments, transport or advocacy
• Any new risks, safeguarding concerns or restrictions on everyday activities
• Changes to contact arrangements with parents, relatives or other important people
• Whether the placement has become more complex or demanding than originally expected
• The responsibilities agreed with the foster carer, including specialist tasks or additional training
• Whether the placement remains within the service’s enhanced-care criteria

The review may draw on placement records, supervision discussions, reports from professionals and the foster carer’s own account of the care being provided. A foster carer should be able to explain the practical impact of the placement, rather than relying only on a general description of how things are going. Keeping clear records of appointments, incidents, additional travel, disrupted routines and support provided can help create an accurate picture.

When can a review take place?

Some services include planned review points in their fostering agreement or payment policy. A review can also be brought forward if the child’s circumstances change significantly, if a new assessment identifies additional needs, or if the level of support required is different from that anticipated at the start of the placement. A review of the allowance may take place alongside wider placement discussions, but it is not necessarily the same as the child’s statutory looked-after review.

The fostering service should explain who is responsible for making the payment decision. Depending on the arrangement, this may involve the fostering provider, the child’s local authority or both. The decision-maker may need information from the supervising social worker, the child’s social worker and other professionals before reaching a conclusion.

What can happen to the payment?

Following the assessment, the allowance may remain unchanged, increase, reduce or stop if the placement no longer meets the relevant enhanced criteria. The outcome should be based on the service’s policy and the individual circumstances, not simply on the fact that a placement has become more settled. A reduction should not be assumed merely because a child’s behaviour improves; the overall care plan and continuing responsibilities still matter.

Ask for the outcome in writing. It should identify the decision, the date it takes effect, the payment arrangement that applies and the reason for any alteration. If the amount is changing, request a clear breakdown showing how the enhanced element relates to the standard fostering payment and any other agreed components. This helps distinguish an allowance review from separate expenses or payments that may be dealt with under different rules.

If you disagree with the outcome

Start by asking the supervising social worker or the named payments contact to explain the decision and the evidence used. Check the fostering agreement, placement agreement and the service’s allowance policy for any review or appeal procedure. You may be able to submit further information, request reconsideration or use the organisation’s formal complaints process.

It is important to raise concerns promptly, particularly if the proposed change could affect the practical arrangements needed to care for the child. However, financial disagreement should be handled separately from the child’s care and should not be used as a reason to end a placement without professional discussion.

Before accepting a revised arrangement, ask how it will affect existing commitments, whether the decision is temporary or ongoing, and when it will be looked at again. Keep copies of letters, payment statements and review notes. If the explanation remains unclear, an independent advice service, fostering support organisation or suitably qualified adviser may help you understand the policy and your options.