Salford’s foster carers are to get a 40% pay rise in their skills payment to acknowledge their commitment to the children and young people of Salford.

Salford City Council has voted for the increase to recognise the skills and dedication it takes to foster children or young people.

The move also aims to help with recruitment and may also save money in the long run. If more council foster carers can be recruited the council can avoid using more expensive agency placements or residential care.

Foster carers are paid a boarding allowance, a rate set nationally by the government, and an additional skills payment which rises according to the amount of training they undertake. It’s that payment which Salford City Council will increase by 40%. Foster carers will receive a minimum of £24 a week rise up to a maximum £40, taking their overall weekly payment from a minimum of £211 to a maximum of £316.

Salford City Council also offers a full training package, 24 hour telephone support, a discount scheme for days out and trips and support groups and says that demand for places mean foster carers will rarely be without children.

Charlotte Ramsden Strategic Director of People said: “Foster carers do an incredible job and I’m pleased that we can recognise and reward this.

“I hope this increased payment will also encourage new foster carers to come forward so we can increase the choice of placements for children and young people who need that extra support. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and situations who have space in their homes and hearts for children.

“All our foster carers tell us it is the best job in the world and there is nothing more special than seeing a child thrive under their care. Many of them really do change lives and make life-long bonds with the children they foster.”

Salford City Council currently has 226 fostering households, caring for 336 children – but needs more carers each year to meet demand. Children need foster care for a variety of reasons from short term support through a family illness to long-term care because they cannot remain with their birth parents.

 

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