financial support in between placements?

[lorrmill38]

hi there.

thanks to everyone whos answered my queries so far - much appreciated.
Just a little thought that occured to me the other day - that hasnt yet been discussed with my sw.
What happens financially inbetween placements? Is there still a nominal amount paid to the foster carer, or is there no payment at all?
I asume it should be the same policy with the la, throughout the uk.

many thanks again.

Hi lorrmill. I think it varies between differant agencies and LAs.
We foster for the LA and don't get anything if we don't have a child in placement. Although we take 3 children at a time and have never had a bed free for more than a couple of days.

I know some private agencies pay a retainer. You would need to ask your SW to be sure.

we get no payment between placements, no child-no pay. has been very dificult sometimes when placements have been scarce.

We also don,t get paid if no placement .
We are with a p/a and have been approved as long term /permanent foster carers .
We are at the moment being matched with a little girl aged 9 so she will be with us at least 9 years .
Best wishes Caz

There is no retainer for us either.

As others have said-your little person space will not be empty for long!.