Aims and Output

The aim of this study commissioned by the Fostering Network is to produce a supplement to The Cost of Foster Care
http://www.fostering.net/resources/reports/cost-foster-care
comprising information and calculations that reflect the changes that have taken place in monetary values, government policy and more generally in the economy as a whole since the publication of the original report in 2005. This supplementary report will provide revised cost calculations to inform responses to questions about foster carer pay within the current vision for foster care which focuses on carers’ status and authority, together with their support and learning development.

Methodology

Revised data on fostered children, foster carers and fostering expenditure is being obtained from government web sites and other sources. Data from the Fostering Network’s recommended minimum weekly allowances and survey of foster carer allowances will be utilised, together with government national minimum allowances where these are set. Costs for which revised figures are not available will be increased in line with inflation using the GDP deflator series.

Contact

Jean Soper, Visiting Research Fellow
Email: Jean.Soper@gmail.com