Bradford Council has announced that the professional fees that foster carers receive will be increased.
The increase of 12.4% comes in light of the cost of living crisis and in recognition of the vital service foster cares provide for the district’s most vulnerable residents.
The allowances foster carers receive to cover the costs of caring for a foster child have also been increased by 12.43% following a recommendation by the Department for Education.
Steven Sagar-Watson, vice-chair of Bradford Independent Foster Care Association, said:
“The Bradford Independent Foster Care Association has been working closely with Bradford’s fostering service on this issue. We appreciate our request for an above-inflation increase was a hard ask in view of the huge pressures on Bradford Council’s budget. The increase of 12.4% in the current circumstances is greatly appreciated by us all. The increase will help ensure that foster carers are able to care for the needs of some of Bradford’s most vulnerable children.”
Jane Johnson, a part-time foster carer, said:
“No one goes into fostering for the money, however the cost of living was having an impact on carers’ ability to pay for household bills. We are delighted that the Council is providing this increase in financial support for children who, for whatever reason, aren’t able to live with their birth family. It’s recognition of the valuable role foster carers play in supporting vulnerable children.”
Cllr Sue Duffy, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, said:
“Our foster carers do a vital job so it is good news that we can make this increase in payments to help them in light of the cost of living crisis. The 12.4% increase in foster carers’ skills payments and allowances is yet another example of the benefits of fostering for Bradford Council.
“We are lucky to have many exceptional foster carers in Bradford but unfortunately the number of children in need of a foster family continues to rise and there is an urgent need to both recruit more foster carers and keep hold of those already caring for our children.
“The increases will mean foster carers are financially able to care for the needs of some of Bradford’s most vulnerable children, who always remain our prime concern when these matters are considered.”
If anyone has ever considered fostering, then now is the right to come forward. As a local authority fostering agency, Fostering for Bradford is a non-profit organisation, that puts children first and at the heart of everything we do.
If you foster for Bradford, you will care for a local child or young person so they can continue to live in Bradford district, close to their friends and school. You’ll receive a professional fee, weekly allowances, additional allowances to cover birthdays and holidays and essential purchases, training, and support throughout every step of your journey.
Anyone interested in fostering for Bradford can find more information on the website www.fosteringbradford.com or can book a call with a member of the Bradford Fostering recruitment team on a convenient day and time.