Call for all Scottish foster carers to be paid

The Fostering Network has released the results of a recent survey, which shows that 90% of children living with foster families believe that their carers should be paid a wage or fee like staff in children's homes. Currently only around half of foster carers are paid anything at all.

Around 80% also believe that foster carers should be paid an allowance to cover all the costs associated with fostering a child, and this allowance should be set at the same level for the whole of Scotland.

Scotland is currently the only country in the UK that does not have a national minimum fostering allowance, with seven local authorities paying below the rates set in England.

Sara Lurie, director of the Fostering Network Scotland, said: “These findings are fascinating and challenge the typically held view that children and young people in care do not think foster carers should be paid.

“Fostering is a job, and foster carers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not only do they need a fair allowance that covers all the costs of looking after a fostered child, but they should be properly paid for their skills, experience and commitment to each child.”