A recent survey carried out by the Fostering Network has found that 90% of Scottish children in care and sons and daughters of foster carers think that foster carers should receive a proper salary. Around 80% also believe that foster carers should be paid an allowance to cover the costs of providing foster care, and that this allowance should be set at the same level across Scotland.
The survey also showed that half of the children responding think there should be a limit on the number of fostered children living with a foster carer. Others said there should be a limit, except where it made it more difficult for brothers and sisters to live together or to find homes in an emergency.
Sara Lurie, director of the Fostering Network Scotland, said: “Currently there is no limit on the number of children in care living with foster carers, which means some are looking after up to seven children. This can make it very difficult for foster carers to provide all the attention, care and support each child needs.”
As part of the Children and Young People Bill currently being developed, the Fostering Network is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce pay for all foster carers, a national minimum fostering allowance and a limit of three children in care living in any foster home, with exceptions for larger sibling groups.
