Slough foster carers' fees cut by half

[Alison J Stevens]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-11162434

Slough foster carers' fees cut by half

The fee for the first child will be cut but the amount paid for a second child will remain at £200

Foster carers in Berkshire are facing a 50% pay cut in the money they receive for the first child they care for.

Many foster carers in Slough say they will now have to give up fostering, which could lead to a shortage in foster homes.
Money paid to carers for their first child is being halved to £200. The current rate for subsequent children will stay at £200.
The council said that even after the decrease the pay is still "generous".
The number of fostered children in Slough has risen over the last twelve months - from 137 in August 2009 to 181 in August 2010.
The council said Slough foster carers are still paid more than many of
their counterparts in Berkshire and the rest of the country.
Carers said they were told about the changes, due to be introduced on 22 September, at beginning of summer holidays.
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Value-foster care.

[Alison J Stevens]

This may hinder Social Services, from taking as many children from innocent parents, in the fact that foster carers in this area are having their pay cut by 50%, with reference to the first child.
The former may prevent future foster carers coming forward for financial gain, LA could put their negativity into using the kincare clause, or work with parents more to keep families together.