Is there a fostering holiday allowance for respite carers?

Holiday costs for a respite placement are usually dealt with through the placement agreement and the fostering provider’s policy, rather than through a nationally standardised holiday allowance. A respite carer may receive the agreed fostering payment for the days they provide care, while additional holiday-related expenses are considered separately.

The phrase “holiday allowance” can mean two different things:

• Costs of taking the child on holiday: This may include travel, accommodation, meals, entry fees and activities. A provider may include some costs within the usual fostering allowance, authorise extra expenses, or assess them individually.
• Time off for the respite carer: Respite carers do not usually receive an employee-style annual leave entitlement simply because they foster. They should tell the fostering service about planned holidays so their approval and availability records remain accurate.

Whether a holiday expense can be claimed will depend on factors such as the child’s care plan, the length and location of the trip, who has agreed to the arrangements, and whether the activity is suitable for the child. Overseas travel or travel involving additional permissions may require further checks before it can go ahead.

Before accepting a respite placement that includes a holiday, ask the fostering service to confirm in writing:

• the fostering payment or respite fee and the dates it covers;
• which travel, accommodation, food and activity costs are included;
• whether additional expenses need approval before they are incurred;
• what receipts or other records must be provided;
• who is responsible for making travel arrangements and obtaining consent; and
• what happens if the holiday is cancelled or the placement changes.

Do not assume that a standard fostering payment will cover every cost associated with a holiday. Similarly, do not pay for significant arrangements on the expectation that they will be reimbursed unless the provider has approved them. The child’s social worker or the fostering service should confirm the arrangements, including any spending limits and responsibilities, before the trip.

If you are asking about payment for your own holiday, the position is different. You should not accept a placement during dates when you are unavailable, and any planned time away should be discussed with the fostering service in advance. Respite fostering can offer flexibility, but carers still need to follow the service’s requirements for availability, training, supervision and notice.

The most reliable answer will therefore come from the written terms offered for that particular respite arrangement. Ask for the payment schedule and expenses policy during assessment or before accepting a placement, so you understand what is covered and can budget accurately.