‘Our foster carers are making a real difference to the lives of local children and young people every day of the week’

ALLOWANCES for carers looking after foster children have risen as the county council urgently needs new carers.

This year, as part of the typical annual rise, Staffordshire County Council has increased allowances by 6.88% and fees by 5%.

It means that in total, foster carers can now receive up to £635 per child per week depending on their skills and the age of child they care for.

More than 1,300 children and young people are in care in the region and the council is looking for local people to provide a loving, safe

The county council is appealing for more people to provide a loving and supportive home

and supportive home for them.

Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council said: “Our foster carers are making a real difference to the lives of local children and young people every day of the week. They offer their time, love, and commitment and we are grateful for what they do.

“We know that our foster carers don’t foster for the money, but we know that it is something people need to consider, especially in the current economic climate. The increase in allowances and fees

helps to show our ongoing support to them.

“We do need to recruit more carers to make sure we are offering our children and young people the best support and care they need at a difficult time in their lives. I would urge anyone interested in becoming a foster carer to contact the team.”

Fees have also increased for the specialist resilience fostering scheme, which supports young people to move out of residential care and into a family home.

These fees have increased to up to £822 per week and the council is

keen to speak to anyone who has skills in supporting young people with challenging behaviours and emotional difficulties, who might be looking for a change of career.

Foster carers are self-employed, and most qualify for a tax-free allowance of £18,140. Additional financial payments are also made to carers, including birthday, holiday and festival allowances for the children in their care.

Anyone interested in fostering can request an information pack from the Foster for Staffordshire website or call 0800 169 2061.