Can foster carer pay per week change during a placement?

Changes to foster carer pay should be linked to a change in the placement or to the fostering service’s agreed payment arrangements. The amount is not necessarily fixed for the entire time a child lives with you. A review may be needed if the child’s care requirements develop, the placement type changes, or additional responsibilities are agreed.

For example, a payment review might be considered when:

• the child’s assessed needs become more complex;
• more supervision, transport, appointments or professional involvement is required;
• the child moves into a different age band or type of placement;
• a short-term arrangement becomes a longer-term placement;
• you take on an agreed role involving additional tasks or specialist support; or
• the placement arrangement changes, such as planned respite or a change in the number of children placed.

These changes do not automatically mean that the weekly amount will increase. The fostering service will consider its payment policy, the child’s assessed needs, the responsibilities involved and any agreement made before or during the placement. In some circumstances, a payment may be reduced or stop if an additional arrangement ends, although the basis for this should be explained clearly.

Any proposed change should be discussed with you before it takes effect wherever possible. Ask the supervising social worker or your fostering service to confirm:

• what has caused the review;
• whether the change applies to the fostering allowance, a fee, an additional payment or a separate expense;
• the date from which the revised amount applies;
• whether the change is temporary or ongoing;
• how the amount will be calculated; and
• when the revised payment will appear in your records.

It is useful to distinguish between a regular weekly fostering payment and money agreed for a particular expense. A change in mileage, equipment, clothing, travel or activities may be dealt with separately rather than by changing the standard weekly amount. Similarly, an additional payment for a specific care arrangement may have its own end date or review conditions.

The written placement information should reflect the child’s current needs and the responsibilities you have accepted. Keep copies of updated payment schedules, placement agreements, review notes and messages confirming any change. Written information makes it easier to check that the amount paid matches the agreement and to identify whether a difference is a genuine revision or an administrative error.

If the child’s needs change suddenly, tell the fostering service as soon as possible and explain the practical effect on the household. Do not assume that extra work will automatically result in extra pay. The service may need to assess the situation, update the placement plan and obtain the relevant approval before changing the payment arrangements.

If you do not understand or agree with a proposed change, ask for the decision and the applicable policy to be explained. You can also ask how to raise a concern through the fostering service’s complaints or review process. A payment dispute should not prevent you from reporting concerns about the child’s welfare or asking for additional support.

Before accepting a placement, ask how payment reviews work, which circumstances can alter the weekly amount and what notice is normally given. Understanding those arrangements in advance helps you plan household finances without treating the initial figure as a guaranteed amount for every stage of the placement.