Are foster carers paid between placements?

Between placements, a foster carer’s income depends on the payment policy of the fostering service they are approved with. Some services may offer a fee, retainer or other payment where carers are expected to remain available and meet specific conditions, while others only pay when a child is placed. These arrangements should be explained clearly before you apply.

A fostering payment can contain different elements, so it is important to distinguish between:

• the fostering allowance , which is intended to contribute towards the day-to-day costs of caring for a child;
• a professional fee , where the fostering service provides one for the carer’s skills, time and responsibilities; and
• any availability or retainer payment , which may apply only under particular terms set by the fostering service.

An allowance for a child’s care will generally stop when that placement ends. A separate payment between placements is not automatic, and it should not be assumed that a previous placement will continue to generate an allowance after the child has moved on.

However, the end of a placement does not necessarily mean that all fostering-related responsibilities stop immediately. A carer may still need to complete records, attend review meetings, take part in training or work with the fostering service to prepare for a future placement. Whether these responsibilities attract payment depends on the written agreement and the service’s payment structure.

It is also important to check what the fostering service means by “between placements”. A child who is temporarily away from the foster home may still be considered to have an ongoing placement, whereas a child who has moved permanently to another home will normally represent the end of that placement. The payment position can differ in situations such as respite care, hospital stays, planned breaks or a transition to another placement.

Before applying, ask the fostering service to explain:

• whether any payment is available when you have no child placed with you;
• whether payment depends on being approved for a particular type of fostering or accepting a specified range of placements;
• what availability, training and communication requirements apply;
• when a payment starts and ends;
• what happens if a placement ends unexpectedly; and
• whether the figures discussed are allowances, fees, retainers or a combination of these.

Do not assess fostering based only on a headline weekly figure. The amount, purpose and conditions attached to each part of the payment matter. You should also plan for periods when no allowance is payable, as the timing of placements cannot be guaranteed.

The most reliable information will be in the fostering service’s payment policy, your fostering agreement and any terms provided during the application process. If you are considering fostering in the West Midlands, the regional team should be able to explain how its own arrangements work, including what support and expectations apply between placements.