Do emergency placements receive a different weekly fostering allowance?

An emergency placement is generally paid according to the fostering service’s existing allowance and payment arrangements, rather than through an automatic emergency rate. However, an enhanced payment may sometimes be agreed where the placement involves additional complexity, specialist care or exceptional practical demands.

The circumstances of the placement are considered alongside the child’s age, assessed needs and the foster carer’s approval. Factors that may affect the amount or any additional payment include:

• the level of supervision, care or support the child requires;
• whether the placement involves known behavioural, emotional, medical or developmental needs;
• whether specialist skills, training or equipment are needed;
• the number of children placed together, including sibling groups;
• additional travel, appointments or arrangements required at short notice; and
• any payment terms agreed with the fostering service before or when the placement begins.

An emergency placement can be arranged with limited notice, so the financial arrangements should be clarified as part of the placement discussion. The fostering service should explain the weekly allowance, any fee or reward element, and which costs are dealt with separately. Foster carers should not assume that an additional amount applies simply because the placement was made in an emergency.

Where the placement continues beyond the initial emergency period, the payment may be reviewed if the child’s needs become clearer or the arrangement changes. A move from an emergency arrangement to a longer-term placement may also involve different terms, depending on the fostering service’s policy and the agreed plan for the child.

Before accepting an emergency placement, ask the supervising social worker or placements team to confirm:

• the weekly amount that will be paid;
• whether any enhanced or exceptional payment has been agreed;
• when payments will begin and how they will be recorded;
• which approved expenses are separate from the weekly allowance; and
• when the arrangement will be reviewed.

These details should be recorded in the placement documentation or payment agreement. If the child’s needs change, or the demands on the foster household are greater than initially understood, raise this with the fostering service promptly so that the placement and its financial arrangements can be reviewed appropriately.