If you’re considering becoming a parent and child foster carer in Torfaen, one of the questions you may have is about the financial support available. While fostering is never about the money, it’s important to understand how the parent and child fostering allowance works and what support Foster Wales Torfaen provides.
Parent and child fostering is a specialist type of fostering that helps vulnerable parents develop the skills and confidence needed to care safely for their baby. Foster carers play a vital role in keeping families together wherever possible, while ensuring children remain safe and well supported.
In this guide, we’ll shine the light on foster parent pay in Torfaen, as well as what it involves, and what the money needs to go towards.
how much is the parent and child fostering allowance?
The parent and child fostering allowance is £204-£255 per week, however, there’s an additional foster carer’s fee of £175.81 per week.
what does the allowance cover?
how often are payments made?
Fostering allowances are normally paid on a regular basis, usually weekly, helping foster carers manage the day-to-day costs associated with caring for children and families.
Regular payments help cover essentials such as:
- Food and household costs
- Clothing
- Travel expenses
- Activities and outings
- Utilities and other everyday expenses
Your supervising social worker can explain the payment schedule and any additional allowances available for parent and child fostering.
what else can be covered?
Apart from the standard fostering allowance, Foster Wales Torfaen offers a range of additional financial support to help foster carers provide the best possible care.
Depending on the circumstances, support may include:
birthday and celebration allowances
Additional payments may be available to help celebrate birthdays and important milestones.
school essentials
Financial support can help with school uniforms, equipment, and other educational needs.
religious and cultural celebrations
Allowances may be available to support children and families in celebrating important cultural or religious events.
mileage and travel expenses
Eligible travel costs may be reimbursed where journeys are connected to fostering responsibilities.
equipment and set-up costs
Where necessary, support may be available for essential equipment needed to accommodate a parent and child safely.
other support available to foster carers
Financial support is only one part of the package offered by Foster Wales Torfaen.
Foster carers also benefit from dedicated social workers, access to ongoing training and development and peer support networks, and local support groups and events.
This means you’re never fostering alone and always have experienced professionals available when you need that extra bit of support.
next steps
There is a growing need for foster carers across Torfaen who can help parents and babies stay together safely. By becoming a parent and child foster carer, you could play an important role in helping local families build brighter futures. Contact our team to learn more about how you can make a difference.
FAQs about the parent and child fostering allowance
is parent and child fostering different from standard fostering?
Parent and child fostering involves supporting both a parent and their child, rather than caring solely for a child. Foster carers provide guidance, observation, and practical parenting support.
do foster carers receive financial support?
Yes. Foster carers receive an allowance designed to cover the costs of care and a fee which recognises their skills and commitment.
can I work while parent and child fostering?
As parent and child fostering often needs a high level of support and observation, these types of cases require you to be at home and not working.
how do I find out the latest local fostering rates?
The best way is to speak directly with Foster Wales Torfaen and request an information pack, as allowances can vary depending on the type of fostering and individual requirements.
