Can foster carers receive payments for caring for siblings?

When siblings are placed together, fostering payments are usually considered for each child individually, although the exact arrangement depends on the fostering provider’s allowance policy and the needs of the placement. A sibling group may therefore result in more than one fostering allowance, rather than one single payment covering all the children.

Allowances are intended to contribute towards the everyday costs of caring for a child. For siblings, this can include food, clothing, toiletries, household costs, travel, school-related items, activities and equipment. Caring for several children together may also involve additional costs, such as suitable bedroom arrangements, larger quantities of essentials and travel to contact meetings, education or appointments.

The amount paid is not necessarily identical for every child in a sibling group. The provider may take account of factors such as:

• the number of children placed together;
• each child’s age and individual needs;
• whether any child requires specialist equipment, additional supervision or specific support;
• the type and length of the placement; and
• any agreed arrangements for contact, transport or other regular expenses.

Sibling placements can also affect the practical responsibilities involved in fostering. Foster carers may need to manage different routines, school arrangements, appointments and contact plans at the same time. These demands should be discussed during the matching process so that the provider can assess whether the household, space, skills and support available are suitable for the whole sibling group.

It is important to distinguish between a fostering allowance and other money connected with a child. The fostering allowance is intended to support the costs of caring for the child. A child may also have personal allowances or money provided for a particular purpose, such as pocket money, clothing or activities. The fostering provider should explain which payments are included, what they are intended to cover and how any additional expenses can be agreed.

Payment arrangements should be confirmed before a sibling placement begins. Ask the provider to explain:

• how the allowance is calculated for each child;
• when payments begin and how they are made;
• whether sibling placements have any additional payment arrangements;
• which expenses are covered by the regular allowance;
• how exceptional or pre-agreed costs are claimed; and
• what happens if one child’s needs or the placement arrangements change.

Foster carers should keep records of agreed additional costs and retain receipts where the provider requires them. Payment policies can differ between fostering services and may be reviewed when a child’s circumstances change, so the written terms for the specific placement are more reliable than a general estimate.

Before applying, prospective foster carers can ask the fostering team to talk through the likely financial and practical implications of caring for siblings. This should form part of the wider assessment, preparation training and placement planning, helping carers understand the support and resources available before agreeing to a placement.