SOME foster carers across Bradford could see changes to the amount they are paid under new rules being considered by the Council.

The proposals would see all “family and friends” foster carers entitled to an extra “skills fee” which is currently only paid to a proportion of these carers.

So-called “mainstream” foster carers will continue to receive the payment, which is based on their levels of experience and training, but a new “career pathway” would be introduced.

A report to Bradford Council’s executive sets out a plan that will provide an equal opportunity to all types of foster families working with Bradford Fostering.

The skills fee is on top of the weekly maintenance allowance paid to all foster carers, which ranges from £138 for 0 to four-year-olds, to £202 for 16 to 17-year-olds.

Changes to the foster carers’ payments system would see a move from a four-level system, to introduce an extra “entry-level” tier – at £100 for one child, £150 for two children and £200 for three children. Other rates would not change.

It would be applied to all newly-approved foster carers and all existing foster carers who do not currently receive a weekly skills payment.

In addition, the new policy would introduce set principles by which foster carers could progress, depending on skills, experience and training they undertake.

The recommendations would also see an increase in the number of level 4 fostering households – the highest tier, reducing the need for expensive residential placements, which cost an average of £220,000 a year.

If agreed, the changes would still see Bradford offering the most generous financial support for foster carers as a whole across West Yorkshire.

Councillor Sue Duffy, portfolio holder for Children and Families, said: “We know that foster carers want to make a difference to the lives of the children and young people from the Bradford district.

“But there is a national shortage of foster carers and we need to recognise that if we are asking people to prioritise caring for our children we have to think about what the support offer is including the financial support.

“One of the things that our foster carers have told us is that it’s the support offer and the ‘wraparound’ support that makes a difference. That is why we are happy that this report is being considered as it addresses all the concerns that foster carers rightly have.”

Anyone interested in fostering for Bradford Council can find more information at fosteringbradford.com.

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