Are respite foster carers paid for training?

There is no single national payment rule for training undertaken by respite foster carers. The financial arrangements are set by the fostering service’s policy and your fostering agreement, including whether it covers reasonable expenses connected with attending training.

Training is part of demonstrating that you can provide safe, suitable care. Before approval, a respite carer may be asked to complete the same core preparation as other applicants, although the exact programme depends on the role, the ages and needs of the children, and the service’s assessment requirements. Topics commonly include safeguarding, safer caring, child development, managing behaviour, supporting children who have experienced trauma, health and safety, and working with families and professionals.

Some training takes place during the assessment process, while other courses are completed after approval or when a particular placement requires additional preparation. For example, a service may identify further learning before you care for a child with specific medical, emotional, behavioural or communication needs. Ask whether the course is compulsory, when it must be completed and whether it applies specifically to respite placements.

Training costs and expenses can include:

• Course fees or charges made by an external trainer
• Travel and parking expenses
• Necessary materials or equipment
• Refreshments or accommodation where attendance requires travel
• Childcare or other arrangements needed to attend, where the service’s policy allows them

These items are not automatically paid in every case. Before booking anything, confirm what the fostering service will arrange directly, what you may claim back, whether receipts are required and whether approval must be obtained in advance. It is also sensible to ask how online and in-person attendance are treated.

Fostering payments should not be confused with a wage for attending a course. Foster carers usually receive agreed fostering allowances and, depending on the service and arrangement, may receive fees or other payments connected with providing care. Those payments are governed by the placement terms and payment policy rather than by attendance at training. A respite arrangement may therefore have separate financial terms from the preparation or assessment stage.

Training can also continue after approval. Ongoing learning helps carers keep their knowledge current and may be required before particular placements are offered. Keeping a record of completed courses, certificates, dates and any agreed expenses can help you demonstrate compliance and resolve payment questions. Your supervising social worker or fostering team should explain how training is recorded.

Before proceeding, ask the fostering service:

• Which training must be completed before approval?
• Is the preparation programme the same for respite and longer-term foster carers?
• Are attendance time, travel or other expenses reimbursed?
• Do claims need prior approval or supporting receipts?
• When do placement-related allowances or fees begin?
• What further training will be required after approval?

Get the answers in writing and read the payment schedule alongside the fostering agreement. This will show clearly which amounts relate to training expenses, which relate to caring for a child and what happens if a course is cancelled or you cannot attend.