I want to foster, but not sure how the finances will stack to allow me to make that commitment?

It’s a question we get asked quite a lot…

Foster care is definitely a unique kind of career. Perhaps the kind of job you dreamed you would one day have, far from the regular 9 to 5?

…A vocation through which you can ‘give something back’, share inspiring and uplifting experiences with your family and friends, meet extraordinary people and change the course of a young person’s life for the better…

But reality creeps in…

Can I afford to feed another mouth at the table?

What happens if I’ve already retired?

If I have to be available for childcare and appointments, how will I be able to work?

What if I’m on benefits?

That’s why our foster carers get paid an allowance when they have a child in their care.

The actual amount depends on the age of the child but it will cover the extra household bills and be enough to meet the child needs, from new trainers to savings for their future. It also provides a personal reward element for your commitment and dedication and we can talk to you about that in more detail if you want to have a further chat.

Some of our foster carers have other jobs and that’s great, as long as you can prioritise the needs of your foster child, if they are unwell for instance. Plus you’ll need to attend meetings, appointments, training events and support groups throughout the year. Some of these can be held in the evenings, but others will be during the day.

You may be reading this and doing some mental ‘checks and balances’ yourself. Perhaps you are still keen to be a foster carer but aren’t sure that your circumstances are a good fit right now?

We’re always here to have a chat about your own situation and, if necessary, we can revisit the idea of foster care at a time more suitable for you.

All you need to do is pick up the phone and give us call on 0800 652 6955 to speak with one of our experienced and friendly members of the team or click HERE to send us a message.

We’re here for you…