For the first time foster and kinship carers across Scotland will receive at least a standard national allowance to support them in caring for the children and young people they look after. Funded by £16 million from the Scottish Government, the new Scottish Recommended Allowance will benefit more than 9,000 children.
The introduction of the payment means every eligible foster and kinship carer will receive at least a standard, national allowance which recognises the valuable support they provide, no matter where they live.
Following agreement with COSLA, this marks the first time a set rate, which all local authorities must pay, has been introduced across Scotland.
The weekly allowances, which will be backdated to 1 April 2023, are:
- 0 to 4 year-olds: £168.31
- 5 to 10 year-olds: £195.81
- 11 to 15 year-olds: £195.81
- 16-years-old and over: £268.41
Children’s Minister Natalie Don said:
Introducing the Scottish Recommended Allowance for foster and kinship carers is another important step in our commitment to Keep the Promise and ensuring all care-experienced children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected. Our foster and kinship carers play such an important role, and now for the first time every eligible foster and kinship carer in Scotland will receive at least a standard, national level of support to help them in ensuring that care experienced children have the same opportunities as their peers. This support will benefit thousands of families, helping them to provide the standard of living and wellbeing that the children and young people in their care deserve – and can be used to cover the cost of things like clothing, hobbies, activities and school trips. The new national allowance will make a significant difference to the daily lives of some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Scotland.
Allowances are currently provided by all local authorities. However, this is decided at a local level and so varies across Scotland. The introduction of the SRA provides a recommended allowance that all local authorities must pay as a minimum, although they can also choose to pay more.
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