Foster Carers not workers????

[Paperdolly]

Didn't realise foster carers had such a poor deal. No wonder they are short. Is it just me?

[Paperdolly]

Anyone a foster carer here?

[wowbutter]

I looked into it and work closely with some.
It's fairly decent money, for what you do, and there is quite a lot of training and support in my area.

What's up?

[YellowMakesMeSmile]

From what I've read, they get a very generous amount per child which strikes me as odd as surely it's a role you play becausr valuable not for the money.

[ReinettePompadour]

I used to be one for the local authority. The 'pay' didn't cover the cost of half the damage to my home or for the items stolen from me or my children. I've had everything thats not glued down stolen over the years and my house insurance stopped paying out years ago. My own children had to do without on many occasions and a day to yourself never happens as I spent most days up the school or in some sort of medical professionals office.

It almost broke my marriage several times. We stopped last year after failing yet again to get the right support for the same issues.

It takes over your entire life. It should be considered a job with proper protection and a proper salary. I'm still trying to repair the damage 14 months on. You get absolutely no help once you 'resign' either.

[Paperdolly]

Blimey Rein. .. It's poor form when they are desperate for foster parents. I've thought about doing this but...

[picklemepopcorn]

Me too. The money can seem superficially fine, but not once you add in things like damage, hidden costs etc.

I loved it, but couldn't do it long term in the end because I was worn to a rag. Think, every area of your life scrutinised, hiding the knives, your birth children not being able to have certain things, do certain things...
And you are bottom of the list in priorities.

[Paperdolly]

From the services or with yourself?

[ReinettePompadour]

From the services or with yourself? both really.