Fostering allowances and fees
FFI's fostering allowances and fees are provided to cover living costs and offer a reward element in recognition of the demands of becoming a foster carer. Fostering allowances and fees provided by FFI take into account the professionalism and significance of the role that foster carers play in the lives of children and young people in care.
FFI considers foster care as a career, and we believe that our foster carers should be rewarded accordingly. FFI foster carer's allowances and fees are therefore set at a competitive rate.
The amount of allowance/fee that foster carers receive is highly dependent upon the type of placement that is provided. Factors such as the age of the looked after child or young person and if they should have any behavioural difficulties are taken into account.
How much can I expect to receive?
The basic fostering allowance is currently €346 per week per child fostered. FFI provides a 'health & education' payment in addition to this fee for all Team Parenting™ placements. Sometimes, enhanced payments are made (if, for example, a child has particularly challenging behaviour and the HSE has requested that they are a 'solo placement' with no other children in the household). The allowance is only paid when a child is placed.
Cost of living fostering allowances
The fostering allowance fee takes into account the following costs of living:
- Food
- Clothing
- Basic travel
- Household bills
- Everyday living
Foster carer tax relief
FFI foster carers work on a self-employed basis. Foster carers receive very favourable tax treatment on income derived solely from fostering. Currently, foster carers pay no tax on income derived soley from fostering.
Foster care training and qualifications
FFI training for foster carers is provided free of charge. As part of our Team Parenting™ model of foster care, it is our aim to provide FFI foster carers with the very best general and therapeutic foster carer training in order to transfer the highest level of care support to children and young people in care.
Would you like to become a foster carer? Register your interest by enquiring online today.
Shortage Of Carers
Foster carers needed for older children & young people - FFI needs more foster carers for children and young people aged 10-18 across Ireland...
Fostering Events
Event: Information events - 29.09.2010
Venue: Waterford
Date: 29th Sep, 12:00am
Full list of fostering events
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