Thinking of giving up

[ThePlumVan]

I’m a respite foster Carer for my LA and although I’ve only done it for about 5 years, I’m thinking of giving up.

Main reason is the amount of time for training, visits, admin involved which seems to be the same as if I was doing it full time. I have a full time job, and I have other responsibilities I’m finding it hard keeping up with it all.

Also, I’m constantly out of pocket by the time I’ve allowed for all their meals, snacks, petrol for 2 school runs every day, after school activities most days (petrol & time not the actual activity), and fun stuff for evenings & weekends that include my own children - It never seems to balance with what I’m getting paid.
Also the amount I’m paid is never the same even when I have the same child for the same time frame, and twice this year payment has been more than 2 months late and after much chasing.

Is this just how it is for respite Carers ? Are these common reasons for not doing it any more ?

Have you thought of joining an agency instead? There's always a need for respite carers.
Sadly, they are common reasons for quitting. LA's are notorious for late/incorrect payments, it's why I stick with my agency.

Agencies are desperate for respite carers (including my own) and payment is there on the nose. They will also give great back-up and support. My 4 siblings went for a week and the agency sent support workers to take them out for one of the days to give the respite carer a break.

I’m with an agency and can say the amount of training and paperwork is ridiculous.
I have a long term male fc. Due to his needs it is doubtful that he will leave, even if he does he will still need our support. If he did we would give up fostering.
I have sourced my own training that supports his needs yet we are still expected to do all of the training that are agency tells us to.
In the past year I have done FGM, unaccompanied asylum seekers, first aid( third time) safeguarding (seems like yearly) and others that I can’t remember!
That along with support group meetings, visits by
both social workers, IRO takes up a lot of time.
As you say by the time you give pocket money, essential savings,activities transport if you only have 1 child or you are a respite carer you mostly end up eating into your savings.
We have never had support from our agency.
When I asked if they could find me someone to look after my child for a few hours one night (maybe a respite carer to come to my house who I would pay) I was told they were running a fostering agency not a baby sitting service.