With the number of children in need, fostering is one of the most valuable things you can do.
By fostering, you can make an outstanding contribution to the welfare of a child. For instance, imagine being in care during the Christmas period- it’s often a lonely and confusing experience for young children. Your support can make a genuine difference to their life.
On any one day, it’s estimated there’s more than 63,000 children, living with foster families in the UK. Sadly, a further 8,370 foster carers were needed this year alone.
Anyone can apply to become a foster carer, including those over 65, living in rented accommodation, or who are single. The most important thing is that you understand the complex needs a foster child has, and can fully support them emotionally.
If you’re wondering how much foster carers get paid, every carer receives a weekly allowance to help support you and the child. You also receive generous tax breaks. Thanks to the introduction of tax relief for foster carers in 2003, you don’t need to pay tax on your income from fostering. The threshold for the Foster Care Tax Scheme, which applies to most carers, is £10,000 a year.
