Allowances and carefree time

FOCUS fostering is an intensive form of fostering and in recognition of this, FOCUS foster carers will receive up to 28 days’ ‘carefree’ to allow them to rest and recharge. This support will be provided by the Support FOCUS carers and will be planned with FOCUS carers to ensure they can maximise their carefree days. FOCUS carers will be paid their full professional allowance for up to 28 days carefree.

In recognition of the intensity of this role, LFS will support FOCUS foster carers with an additional fostering allowance of £700. 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 suitably match an eligible child to their care. 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. All FOCUS foster carers also receive the child’s fostering allowance for any days in which they have a child staying with them.