Here is an information regarding foster care allowance in Ireland in 2022.
- Tusla may also offer financial support to foster carers by providing additional or enhanced payments if necessary.
- Foster carers may be eligible for enhanced allowances if they have a longer-term financial need to provide additional support for the child.
- Foster carers are eligible for a variety of support to help them continue to be a valued and respected part of the alternative care system.
- Tusla has advised that they recently held a consultation with foster carers.
The last increase in foster care allowance occurred on January 1, 2009. Foster carers receive a weekly allowance. This is a payment that meets the needs of the child they care for. Foster care allowances are currently EUR325/week for children under 12 years old and EUR352/week for those aged 12 and older. It is paid for the child and provides support to foster carers in meeting all their daily needs. It is not subject to taxes and is not used for social welfare purposes.
Tusla may also offer financial support to foster carers by providing additional or enhanced payments if necessary.
Additional payments are any payment to a foster caregiver that is not at the standard rate for the fostering allowance. Additional payments can be made for children and young people with additional needs, which are not covered under the standardised foster allowance. Additional payments cannot be made if a child has special educational or medical needs. Authorisation must also have been obtained from the Tusla Area manager. Additional payments will only be approved if the supporting documentation is provided.
Foster carers may be eligible for enhanced allowances if they have a longer-term financial need to provide additional support for the child.
Children between the ages of 0-18 years may receive a maximum of twice the weekly allowance if they need significant care beyond that provided for by other foster children. Children who have significant special needs or require high levels of supervision and personal care are included. Foster carers can provide care for these children by providing support through an increased allowance.
Foster care allowance is for and in the best interests of the foster children and must be used to cover the daily costs of looking after them. The assessing social worker must show that the standard foster care allowance does not cover the costs of caring for the child.
After submitting documentation and an assessment of the child’s need, the Area Manager must approve a request for enhanced support. Approval of an enhanced allowance request must include a review agreement.
Foster carers are eligible for a variety of support to help them continue to be a valued and respected part of the alternative care system.
This includes the foster care allowance. This support includes a link social worker and access to training and support groups meetings, as well as the allocation of a social workers for each child in care. If it is part their care plan, children can be provided with respite care.
Foster carers must be trained and assessed in order to provide the best care possible. Tusla recognizes the unique dynamics and personal nature of foster care. It addresses the training needs of the relatives of foster carers separately. Tusla also funds the Irish Foster Care Association, which provides support to foster carers in the form of advocacy, mediation, and training.
Foster care allowance is just one of the many support Tusla offers carers who offer care and home to children with additional or significant needs.
Tusla has advised that they recently held a consultation with foster carers.
Foster carers suggested that the foster care allowance be reviewed to reflect inflation and increases in social security allowances. Tusla is currently working on a paper in this area.
Officials at the Department are constantly reviewing the rate of the foster-care allowance and there is no plan to change it. The Department is currently reviewing the Child Care Act 1991 extensively and will be looking into foster care arrangements as part this review.