Foster carer payment for skills
The payment scheme is reviewed and updated annually.
Household fee payments are made to carers according to their experience, skill and willingness to work in increasingly complex situations.
Under normal circumstances new carers access the scheme at Level 2 and after time, progress to higher skill levels.
Skill level payments are as follows:
| Skill level | Number of children approved for | Household fee (per week) |
| Level 1 | No fee (fostering allowance only) | |
| Level 2 | 1 | £82.78 |
| 2 | £109.25 | |
| 3 | £163.87 | |
| Level 3 | 1 | £127.32 |
| 2 | £219.59 | |
| 3 | £329.37 | |
| Level 4 | 1 | £215.23 |
| 2 | £344.37 | |
| 3 | £516.57 |
Children allowances
Carers also receive an allowance to meet the cost for the daily needs of each child looked after. The allowance varies dependent on the child’s age. Walsall Council base the fostering allowance on the Fostering Network recommended rates.
| Age | Fostering Allowance (per week) |
| 0-4 years | £121.68 |
| 5-10 years | £138.61 |
| 11-16 years | £172.55 |
| 16+ years | £209.86 |
Skill level criteria
All foster carers must evidence competencies in carrying out the tasks specified in the joint working protocol and in accordance with the UK National Standards for Foster Care at their approval stage in respect of:
- caring for children
- providing a safe and caring environment
- working as part of a team
- own development
Contact us
Fostering and Adoption Services in Walsall
106 Essington Road
New Invention
Willenhall WV12 5EX
Enquiries Freephone 0800 923 3706
All other calls 0845 111 2834
Fax 01922 493824
Email familyplacementsservices@walsall.gov.uk