Community short breaks

Following discussions between the Scottish Government and COSLA, it has been announced that the Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA) for Foster and Kinship Carers will be introduced and backdated to 1 April 2023.

We are currently working towards the implementation of this and will update the allowances below in due course.

As an approved community short breaks foster carer, you will receive a weekly maintenance allowance for each child in your care, paid on a pro rata basis. The amount of the allowance is dictated by the age of the child.

Child allowances

Age band        Weekly amount

0-4                   £139.33                      

5-10                 £158.72          

11-15               £197.56          

16-18               £240.30          

We operate a Payment for Skills Scheme, whereby short breaks foster carers receive a weekly fee in addition to an allowance, for each child they care for, paid on a pro rata basis. The Scheme recognises the skills and experiences of foster carers and their fee reflects this. There are 3 levels of skill fee; new carers will normally begin on level 1.

Carer fee

Level               Weekly amount

1                      £154.07

2                      £200.31 

3                      £246.49

In addition to fees and allowances short breaks foster carers will also be able to claim for the equipment they need for the fostering task and travelling expenses incurred whilst fostering.

Foster carers are self-employed. More information about finances is available on the Fostering Network website.