finance https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ en Annual review 2018-19 https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/magazine/3 <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--magazine-issue.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Annual review 2018-19</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--magazine-issue.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">DavidEggboro</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--magazine-issue.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Sun, 11/10/2019 - 16:33</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-issue-number--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--node--field-issue-number.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--field-issue-number.html.twig * field--integer.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-issue-number field--type-integer field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Issue Number</div> <div class="field--item">3</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-cover-image--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--node--field-cover-image.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--field-cover-image.html.twig * field--image.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-cover-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_formatter' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/image/templates/image-formatter.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image_style' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/image/templates/image-style.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'image' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/image.html.twig' --> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2018-19_cover.jpg?itok=ad2Hjnn7" width="175" height="237" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/image.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/image/templates/image-style.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/image/templates/image-formatter.html.twig' --> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-mag-content-topic--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--node--field-mag-content-topic.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--field-mag-content-topic.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-mag-content-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Content topic</div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1193" hreflang="en">finance</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-mag-editorial-teams--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--node--field-mag-editorial-teams.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--field-mag-editorial-teams.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-mag-editorial-teams field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Editorial teams</div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1643" hreflang="en">Communications</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-page-count--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--node--field-page-count.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--field-page-count.html.twig * field--integer.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-page-count field--type-integer field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Page count</div> <div class="field--item">14</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-magazine--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--node--field-magazine.html.twig * field--node--magazine-issue.html.twig * field--field-magazine.html.twig * field--file.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-magazine field--type-file field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Magazine</div> <div class="field--item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'file_link' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/file/file-link.html.twig' --> <span class="file file--mime-application-pdf file--application-pdf icon-before"><span class="file-icon"><span class="icon glyphicon glyphicon-file text-primary" aria-hidden="true"></span></span><span class="file-link"><a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/system/files/magazines/magazine-11836_2.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=" title="Open file in new window" target="_blank">magazine-11836.pdf</a></span><span class="file-size"> bytes</span></span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/file/file-link.html.twig' --> </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> Sun, 10 Nov 2019 16:33:21 +0000 DavidEggboro 11836 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk Inquiry into children in care and financial education (England) https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/policy-practice/consultation-responses/inquiry-children-in-care-and-financial-education-england <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--page.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name"> Inquiry into children in care and financial education (England)</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--page.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Izzy Roberts</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--page.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2019-01-31T14:21:45+00:00">Thu, 01/31/2019 - 14:21</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--page.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Fostering Network responded to the All-Party Group on Financial Education for Young People inquiry into children in care and financial education in January 2019. We used this opportunity to highlight the barriers foster carers can face when trying to open a bank account for the young person in their care.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--page.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Foster carers play a primary role in teaching the young people they care for about managing money and saving.</p> <p>Opening a bank account is the crucial first step for young people in developing their financial independence, including learning to manage money and use internet and mobile banking. Most young people will have access to a choice of accounts once they turn 11 years old. However, those in foster care can face barriers that make it harder for them to open an account and as a result their financial education can suffer.</p> <p>Financial education is critical to helping young people become independent. Without the ability to practice managing money in a safe environment, while living with their foster carer, those in foster care will be at a disadvantage compared to their peers who are living with their families.</p> <p>In recent consultations with foster carers, they cited examples of having to visit five different banks before their fostered child’s account was opened or having to have a letter from a social worker redrafted three times before finally being accepted. These setbacks can mean delays between deciding to get an account and actually opening one, and for older children the risk of missing out on bursaries and grants if they are attending college.</p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3>Enquiries to our helpline for foster carers indicate that the main barriers are as follows:</h3> <p><strong>Parental responsibility</strong><br /> PR for young people in foster care usually sits with the corporate parent. It is not possible for foster carers to help those in their care to open an account when banks and building societies require the permission of someone with parental responsibility.</p> <p><strong>Linked accounts</strong><br /> The requirement in some cases for young people’s accounts to be linked to an adult’s is also a barrier, particularly for those in short term placements.</p> <p><strong>Proof of child’s identity</strong><br /> Almost all banks and building societies require an original copy of a child’s birth certificate or passport as proof of their identity. Foster carers do not routinely hold an original copy of the child’s birth certificate, and not all looked after children have a passport.</p> <p><strong>Lack of clear and consistent information</strong><br /> Foster carers are unable to get information on what documentation they will need to set up an account for the young person. They often only find out what they need after completing online forms or having gone into branch for an appointment. Inconsistent approaches at different branches compound this problem.</p> <p>For fostered young people to have an equal chance to develop their financial skills, banks and building societies must recognise their unique circumstances and needs. The Fostering Network would like to see the following recommendations implemented. They would not require any changes to the law and would improve the experience of setting up an account for foster carers and the children in their care.</p> <h4>&nbsp;</h4> <h4>Recommendations</h4> <ul> <li> <div>Banks should have an exemption policy for children in foster care, which is understood by all branch staff. It should recognise the need for some young people to be identified using a letter from their social worker.</div> </li> <li>Banks and building societies must recognise that foster carers do not have parental responsibility but may have delegated authority to enable them to open an account on behalf of the young person in their care.</li> <li>Banks and building societies must recognise that it may not be appropriate for a young person in foster care to have their account linked to their foster carer’s.</li> <li>Banks and building societies should add specific guidance for foster carers and fostered young people on their websites.</li> </ul> <p><br /> The Fostering Network welcomes the inquiry into the financial education of children in care.</p> <p>Tags:</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-content-topic--page.html.twig * field--node--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1193" hreflang="en">finance</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-members-only--page.html.twig * field--node--field-members-only.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-members-only.html.twig * field--boolean.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-members-only field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item">0</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> Thu, 31 Jan 2019 14:21:45 +0000 Izzy Roberts 11558 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk Financial support and learning and development for foster carers and staying put carers https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/policy-practice/practice-information/staying-put/staying-put-guidance/implementation-guidance-8 <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--page.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Financial support and learning and development for foster carers and staying put carers</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--page.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Daniel.Sinclairtfn</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--page.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2017-09-01T15:06:35+00:00">Fri, 09/01/2017 - 15:06</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--page.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This chapter forms part of our Staying Put Guidance.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--page.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The local authority will be required to evidence that each staying put arrangement meets ‘basic standards’. It is the local authority’s responsibility to provide (whether directly or through commissioned services) support to both the young person and to the former foster carers. This includes foster carers approved and supported by independent fostering providers. The levels of support to be provided should take account of the individual circumstances and needs.</p> <h3><strong>Financial support </strong></h3> <p>Section 23CZA(4) of the Children Act 1989 requires that local authority support to staying put carers must include financial support. The care leavers’ guidance clearly states that <em>‘local authorities should pay former foster carers an allowance that will cover all reasonable costs of supporting the care leaver to remain living with them’.</em>This includes payments to independent fostering provider foster carers. The good practice guide identifies that <em>‘A good starting point for estimating the additional cost of supporting a young person through staying put will be the fostering allowance paid by the fostering service prior to the young person’s 18<sup>th</sup> birthday, because the statutory guidance for fostering services requires this to be set to cover the full cost of caring for them.’</em></p> <p>Payments to former foster carers should be made through Section 23 of the Children Act 1989.</p> <p>Guidance on financial support can be found in the good practice guide&nbsp;and the DFE/DWP/HMRC joint guidance&nbsp;and should be clearly outlined in the local authority’s staying put policy. The amount to be paid for a staying put arrangement will be determined by local policy but the level of support will be governed by individual needs and circumstances.</p> <p>Financial advice and guidance should be considered as part of the care planning process as detailed in the section on planning a staying put arrangement. Young people and their carers will need to understand their entitlements and their responsibilities.</p> <p>Information in respect of payments should be available in fostering service finance policies. Expectations regarding financial contributions from young people should be available in local authority care leavers policies.</p> <p>There needs to be clear information available in respect of the potential loss of earnings that would arise from cessation of the payment of a fostering fee, and how this may impact on becoming a staying put carer.</p> <p>The good practice guide advises that staying put carers will need to know the following:</p> <ul> <li>the amount to be paid</li> <li>when payments will cease</li> <li>any arrangements for review of the level of payment</li> <li>what the payment is intended to cover, and whether it includes a fee element as well as an allowance</li> <li>whether additional discretionary payments can be made</li> <li>if the young person is expected to make contributions and whether this will affect the level of payment</li> <li>whether the carer’s allowance includes any payments which they are expected to make to the young person</li> <li>what happens if the young person is temporarily away, such as at university or on holiday</li> <li>what happens if the young person temporarily loses their entitlement to benefits through imposition of a sanction</li> <li> <div>how payments will affect benefit entitlement and tax liabilities, and where to get advice.<br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Recommendations for local authorities and fostering services:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>We recommend </strong><strong>that payments for staying put arrangements are set at a level which, after taking account of any contributions by the young person, ensure no detriment of allowances or fees to the former foster carer.</strong></li> <li> <div><strong>We recommend that all staying put payments are reviewed and published each year.</strong><br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <h3><strong>Learning and development</strong></h3> <p>Fostering services should be explicit in their expectations of foster carers from the outset and staying put should be clearly referenced throughout a foster carer’s career, particularly for long-term foster carers. Foster carers need to understand what staying put means for them and any child/young person they are/will be caring for.</p> <p><strong>Recommendation for fostering services:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <div><strong>We recommend that all fostering services should incorporate staying put into the</strong> <strong>foster carers’ charter and into their learning and development programmes.</strong><br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <p>The change of role from foster carer to staying put carer is complex. Carers will require advice and guidance in understanding the changes this transition entails. Ongoing learning and development are crucial in a foster carer’s career and this should be a natural extension for those who become staying put carers. Planning to be a staying put carer is part of the foster carer’s journey – especially for foster carers providing long-term care – and we believe that training should be provided as good practice to help to prepare those carers who will care for young adults aged 18 to 21 and possibly beyond.</p> <p>We recommend that essential learning and development opportunities for staying put carers should build on training completed to date as part of the continuous development a foster carer receives. Training and development opportunities should include:</p> <ul> <li>preparation for staying put including record keeping, caring for a young adult</li> <li>delegated authority</li> <li>safer caring</li> <li>relationships including family contacts</li> <li>child sexual exploitation</li> <li>mental health and wellbeing</li> <li>drugs and alcohol – use and misuse</li> <li>therapeutic life story work</li> <li>preparation for independence including entitlements re welfare benefits, housing benefits and post-staying put contact</li> <li>life skills</li> <li> <div>caring for a young adult – including legal considerations.<br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <p>Learning and development opportunities should be made available that will enable the carer to manage their changed role, living with an ‘adult’ member of the household and opportunities that will help them to assist the young person develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities that they will need to take their place in society as an adult.</p> <p>Support to staying put carers should include advice and guidance. This could be provided via their supervising social worker, therefore providing continuity to both the former foster carer and the young person;&nbsp;research findings show that continuity of care and of maintaining relationships greatly improves outcomes for care experienced young people.</p> <p>Support services should include where possible peer support/support groups. &nbsp;</p> <p>If the carer retains their approval as a foster carer in addition to providing a staying put arrangement then they will be subject to the requirements of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 (as amended), even if they have no vacancies due to the staying put arrangement.</p> <p>Tags:</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-content-topic--page.html.twig * field--node--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1079" hreflang="en">becoming a foster carer</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1193" hreflang="en">finance</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-members-only--page.html.twig * field--node--field-members-only.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-members-only.html.twig * field--boolean.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-members-only field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item">0</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> Fri, 01 Sep 2017 15:06:35 +0000 Daniel.Sinclairtfn 10929 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk Claiming benefits https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/finances/claiming-benefits <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--page.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Claiming benefits</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--page.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">admin</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--page.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2015-12-15T13:25:50+00:00">Tue, 12/15/2015 - 13:25</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--page.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The benefits system in the UK is changing rapidly at present. At The Fostering Network, we have resources and helplines to help foster carers better understand what benefits they may be entitled to and how existing benefits could be affected.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--page.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Foster carers are approved rather than employed by their fostering service, and this status has a particular effect on means-tested benefits. In the main, fostering payments when a child is placed with a foster carer are disregarded when calculating welfare benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h2>How we can help foster carers</h2> <h3>Benefits: Signposts in Fostering</h3> <div>We have produced a paid-for publication to provide foster carers with information about benefits. It explains some of the benefits that foster carers might be able to claim, how to claim and some of the special rules that apply to foster carers.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>You can purchase our <a href="http://www.fosteringresources.co.uk/?pid=321&amp;p=0&amp;s=benefits&amp;sao=1">Benefits</a> publication online.</div> <p>This publication is available to our members at a discounted price.</p> <h3>Advice for our members</h3> <div>We have provided more information to help members of The Fostering Network understand benefits.&nbsp;<a href="/advice-information/finances/claiming-benefits/claiming-benefits-advice-members">Log in to find out more</a>.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3>Our helplines</h3> <div>Our <a href="/advice-information/advice/fostering-network-helplines">member helplines</a> provide confidential, independent and impartial advice for foster carers in the UK.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3>Our online community</h3> <div>Our members also have exclusive access to our <a href="/community">online community</a> where you can log in to share your experience and get advice from other foster carers. The community is a safe and secure area to discuss topics including being a foster carer and looking after a child, as well as advice on finances.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3>Useful website</h3> <div>The charity Turn2us provides an online benefits calculator. You can upload information about your household and finances and find out which benefits you might be entitled to claim. <a href="http://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou?gclid=CNqIo6z1sscCFcZ02wodyi0LNQ">The benefits calculator is&nbsp;here</a>.<br /> <br /> Tags:</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-content-topic--page.html.twig * field--node--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1193" hreflang="en">finance</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-members-only--page.html.twig * field--node--field-members-only.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-members-only.html.twig * field--boolean.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-members-only field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item">0</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:25:50 +0000 admin 9821 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk Tax and National Insurance https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/finances/tax-and-national-insurance <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--page.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Tax and National Insurance</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--page.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">admin</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--page.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2015-12-15T13:23:09+00:00">Tue, 12/15/2015 - 13:23</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--page.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Many people may find it daunting to understand how fostering affects their tax and National Insurance contributions. We have a range of resources to help foster carers better understand what it means for them and their finances. These include <a href="http://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/finances/tax-faqs">FAQs</a> and <a href="https://bit.ly/fosterTAX">a tax video</a>&nbsp;presented by our colleagues at Williams Giles Accountants explaining issues such as Qualifying Care Relief, calculating your taxable profit, registering with HMRC and more.</p> <p>You can also <a href="https://bit.ly/fosterTAX">register for upcoming tax webinars</a> that include&nbsp;the opportunity to listen to a presentation by Foster Carer tax experts from Williams Giles Accountants. The webinars include the opportunity to ask questions.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--page.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>All foster carers are treated as self-employed for tax purposes. There is a specific tax scheme foster carers can use called Qualifying Care Relief. The scheme calculates a&nbsp;tax threshold unique to the fostering household and when compared with their total fostering payments, determines if a foster carer has to pay any tax from their fostering or not. For many foster carers their total fostering payments are below their tax threshold and they do not have to pay any tax. &nbsp;</p> <p>Anyone who is self-employed must register to pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions. If a foster carer has no taxable profit from their fostering, or if they have taxable profit (the amount over the threshold) by up to &nbsp;£6,725 (2023-24) (£6,725&nbsp;also in 2022-23), they will automatically not have to pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions.</p> <p>The individual circumstances of the foster carer will determine if this is the best option for them or whether they have to make other arrangements to maintain their National Insurance record, for example applying for National Insurance credits or opting&nbsp;to pay the Class 2 contributions voluntarily.</p> <p>Further information about tax and national insurance is available from HM Revenue and Customs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualifying-care-relief-foster-carers-adult-placement-carers-kinship-carers-and-staying-put-carers-hs236-self-assessment-helpsheet">HMRC's help-sheet 236</a>: A&nbsp;help sheet explaining qualifying care relief, the tax scheme for foster carers. You can also go to the <a href="http://www.gov.uk">www.gov.uk</a> and type HS236 in the search box.​​​​​​</p> <p><strong>Making Tax Digital</strong></p> <p>Making Tax Digital is a new digital tax system that is being introduced by the government for self-employed people. Under the original proposal, foster carers would have had to send in quarterly tax returns and use 'compatible software' to do all their tax administration online. Our members shared serious concerns about the extra&nbsp;time and financial burdens this would place on foster carers and fostering services, so we lobbied HMRC to argue that foster carers should not be included in this change. We are delighted that, following that campaign, foster carers will&nbsp;now&nbsp; be exempt from Making Tax Digital.</p> <h2>How&nbsp;we can help&nbsp;foster carers</h2> <div>We have a short presentation on tax for foster carers&nbsp;to help our members&nbsp;understand their tax and National Insurance contributions. <a href="https://bit.ly/fosterTAX">Watch it here</a>. You can also register for tax webinars with Williams Giles Accountants <a href="https://bit.ly/fosterTAX">here </a>and&nbsp;<a href="/advice-information/finances/tax-faqs">read our tax FAQs</a>.</div> <div><br /> Our <a href="/advice-information/advice/fostering-network-helplines">member helplines</a> provide confidential, independent and impartial advice for foster carers in the UK.<br /> &nbsp;</div> <div>We have also produced an <a href="https://www.fosteringresources.co.uk/?cid=1&amp;sid=3&amp;pid=330&amp;p=0">Income Tax and National Insurance Signpost</a> booklet&nbsp;to help provide foster carers with information about income tax and National Insurance. It covers the following:<br /> &nbsp;</div> <ul> <li> <div>How the qualifying care relief scheme for income tax works.</div> </li> <li>How foster carers should calculate their tax threshold and complete a tax return if they need to.</li> <li>How fostering affects National Insurance contributions.</li> <li> <div>What happens if a young person stays on after their 18<sup>th</sup> birthday.</div> </li> </ul> <p><br /> You can purchase our <a href="https://www.fosteringresources.co.uk/?cid=1&amp;sid=3&amp;pid=330&amp;p=0">Income Tax and National Insurance Signpost</a>&nbsp;booklet for just £3&nbsp;if you are a member of The Fostering Network. Bulk discounts are available for fostering services.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you would like support from an accountant, our partners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.williamsgiles.co.uk/specialist-sectors/fostering/foster-carers">Williams Giles</a>&nbsp;have developed a tailor-made fixed fee tax return service designed to meet the needs of foster carers.&nbsp;<a href="/williams-giles">Find out more</a>&nbsp;about Williams Giles or call&nbsp;<strong>01795 478044</strong>.&nbsp;If you are a member of The Fostering Network and a new customer of Williams Giles, please&nbsp;<a href="/user/login?destination=node/9739">log in</a>&nbsp;to the membership section of our website to access a&nbsp;<strong>five per cent off</strong>&nbsp;discount code.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p> <div>Tags:</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-content-topic--page.html.twig * field--node--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1193" hreflang="en">finance</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1200" hreflang="en">income tax/national insurance</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-members-only--page.html.twig * field--node--field-members-only.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-members-only.html.twig * field--boolean.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-members-only field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item">0</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:23:09 +0000 admin 9796 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk Fees and allowances https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/finances/fees-and-allowances <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--page.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Fees and allowances</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--page.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">admin</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--page.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2015-12-15T13:20:35+00:00">Tue, 12/15/2015 - 13:20</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--page.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Understanding what allowances and fees a foster carer is entitled to can be a challenge due to differences throughout the UK and different policies adopted by fostering services. At The Fostering Network, we have resources, information, campaigns, helplines and an online community that can help foster carers understand more about what they are entitled to.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--page.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><h3>Allowances</h3> <p>All foster carers receive a weekly fostering allowance which is designed to cover the cost of caring for a fostered child. This should cover food, clothes, toiletries and all other expenses incurred in looking after a fostered child. &nbsp;</p> <p>Allowances are set at local level and vary widely across the UK, and according to the age and needs of a child. Foster carers should receive at least the national minimum rates set in each country, which can be viewed <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/policy-practice/research/allowances-surveys">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Read The Fostering Network's <a href="https://www.fostering.net/policy-practice/policies/allowances">policy on allowances</a>.&nbsp;The Fostering Network is no longer publishing recommended minimum allowances. <a href="/policy-practice/policies/allowances/recommended-allowances">Find out more</a>.</p> <h3>Fees</h3> <p>Fee payments can be made on top of allowances to recognise a foster carers’ time, skills and experience. While all foster carers receive an allowance, there is no requirement for fee payments to be made. As a result only around 50 per cent of foster carers receive a fee or ‘reward’ element for the work that they do caring for children, and the amount varies hugely. Usually fee-paid carers receive payment only when they have a child in placement.</p> <p>Payments and allowances should be separate and clearly identified so that foster carers know which portion of their fostering income should be spent on caring for the child in their care, and which is for the job that they do. However, some fostering services will make a lump sum ‘financial package’ which does not make the split clear.</p> <p>As a foster carer you are classed as self-employed for <a href="/advice-information/finances/tax-and-national-insurance">tax and national insurance</a> purposes, so you need to register with HMRC. You may also be able to claim a range of <a href="/advice-information/finances/claiming-benefits">benefits</a>.</p> <p>Read our <a href="https://www.fostering.net/policy-practice/policies/pay">policy on pay</a> for foster carers.&nbsp;</p> <h2>How we can help foster carers</h2> <h3>Our recommendations and campaign work</h3> <div>The Fostering Network is calling on governments across the UK to provide urgent funding to cover the cost of fostering so children and young people do not miss out.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a class="button" href="https://thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/thecostoffostering">The Cost of Fostering campaign</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>We carry out an <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/policy-practice/research/allowances-surveys">annual survey</a> of fostering services to ensure that they are all paying allowances above the national minimum levels. If you think you receive less than the national minimum level, email our <a href="mailto:campaigns@fostering.net?subject=Foster%20carer%20allowances">campaigns team&nbsp;</a>with more details.</div> <p>We push for improvements and offer advice to foster care associations and foster carers to help with local level negotiations.</p> <p>We believe that all foster carers should be paid for the job that they do, and campaign to change the current lottery of fee payments.</p> <h3>Our helplines</h3> <div>Our <a href="/advice-information/advice/fostering-network-helplines">member helplines</a> provide confidential, independent and impartial advice for foster carers in the UK.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3>Our online community</h3> <div>Our members also have exclusive access to our <a href="/community">online community</a> where you can log in to share your experience and get advice from other foster carers. The community is a safe and secure area to discuss topics including being a foster carer and looking after a child, as well as advice on finances.<br /> <br /> Tags:</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-content-topic--page.html.twig * field--node--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1957" hreflang="en">Fees and Allowances</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1193" hreflang="en">finance</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1199" hreflang="en">fees</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1194" hreflang="en">allowances</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-members-only--page.html.twig * field--node--field-members-only.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-members-only.html.twig * field--boolean.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-members-only field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item">0</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:20:35 +0000 admin 9846 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk