Consultation over National Fostering Allowances
The Government commenced their consultation process on implementing a national minimum fostering allowance at the beginning of 2006.
It became clear from the Governments starting position that the allowances are going to be a very meagre minimum and may fail to take account of matters that might be considered crucial. For example, housing costs have not been brought in to the calculations, a truly outstanding omission.
The Adoption and Fostering Information Line hopes that the Government will have a change of heart. Our very own Chief Executive, Kevin Jones, response to the direction of the consultation so far - "This is all rather dissapointing. Many have placed great faith in the Government making it impossible for some local authorities to pay totally inadequate allowances to some of their foster carers. Now it looks as though inadequate allowances are going to be given Governmental approval. This is clearly a great move in a very wrong direction.
The future of local fostering services throughout the UK, already not in the best of shape, has simply been jeopardised further by the publication of a consultation document with such a low base line."
Update - July 27th
National Minimum Fostering Allowances are to be introduced in April, 2007. Further details.
"All those involved in the foster care field cannot hide the fact that there is considerable disappointment at these minimum levels. Without taking in to account housing costs and transport what we have ended up with is probably the same postcode lottery for fostering allowances and other payments, albeit with a higher minimum. To foster carers who feel exploited and out of pocket now - the news is from April, 2007 you are unlikely to feel very differently." - K. Jones
See the unrealistically upbeat DFES Announcement.
