Foster carers in Plymouth are receiving a five per cent uplift on all their allowances as part of Foster for Plymouth’s new financial support offer for 2025/26.
This means that weekly payments now vary from between £350 to £779 per child, depending on how old they are and their specific needs. There are also increased financial packages available for the ‘Step Forward’ fostering scheme, which supports children out of residential care.
Foster for Plymouth is a not-for-profit fostering service which is part of Plymouth City Council.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our foster carers do an absolutely incredible job looking after our children and young people who need a safe place to live. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with our carers and I know that none of them do this for the financial reward, but instead because they are genuinely motivated to care for children in need.
“However, it’s really important that our foster carers are not out of pocket and that they are financially supported to be able to provide this vitally important role. This is why we’re committed to reviewing the financial support package every year and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to offer an uplift this year, as well as a number of other benefits.”
As well as a weekly maintenance allowance and a reward payment for each child, extra financial support is provided for birthdays, holidays and celebrations such as Christmas.
In recognition of feedback from foster carers, the new financial support package also includes an additional payment to be used towards birthday parties for children as well as a £200 prom allowance to help cover the costs of any clothing or attendance.
There is also a new capital grant opportunity available to foster carers to help adapt their homes, either to meet the needs of a specific child or to increase the number of bedrooms they have so they can support more children.
Foster for Plymouth carers may also be eligible for Council Tax discount or a full exemption. This applies to carers who live in other local authority areas as well as those living within the Plymouth City Council boundaries.
In additional to the financial allowances, Foster for Plymouth carers also benefit from a range of support. This includes comprehensive training and development opportunities, regular social events, respite breaks, an online portal with useful information, peer support from other carers and a dedicated supporting social worker.
There are currently more than 500 children in care in Plymouth, but not enough local foster homes available to support them. This means children sometimes have to live in residential care settings or live outside of the city, which can negatively impact their wellbeing by separating them from friends, family and trusted professionals.
Foster for Plymouth is looking for more local adults who could consider becoming foster parents. To be a foster carer, you must be over the age of 21, have a spare room and be genuinely interested in the welfare of children and young people.
There are less barriers to foster care then you may think, and it doesn’t matter whether you are:
- single or in a relationship
- a parent or have never had children
- a pet owner
- renting your home or a homeowner
- employed, unemployed or retired
- living with a disability.
If you’re interested in finding out more, visit fosterforplymouth.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01752 308762.