Allowances and carefree time
FOCUS fostering is a new form of fostering in Lincolnshire where carers will be supporting some of our most vulnerable children. In recognition of this, FOCUS foster carers will receive up to 28 days’ paid ‘carefree’ time to allow them to rest and recharge. This support will be provided by your own support network or the Support FOCUS carers. This will be planned with you to ensure you can maximise your carefree days.
In recognition of the intensity of this role, Lincolnshire Fostering Service will support FOCUS foster carers with a fostering allowance of £700 per week. All FOCUS carers receive the child’s fostering allowance for any days in which they have a child staying with them.
Full-time FOCUS carers will receive the full professional fostering allowance for a period of up to 4 weeks, should they be available to care, but we have been unable to place a child with them. After 4 weeks, a retention allowance is payable at a rate of £50 per day.
For Transition and/ or Support FOCUS foster carers, their fee is paid pro-rata, and a £50 retainer is paid for any days in which they are available to provide foster care, but don’t have a child staying with them.