How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid In NSW?

The NSW government recognises the invaluable role played by foster parents and provides financial support to assist them in meeting the needs of the children in their care. The financial support is known as the Foster Care Allowance and is designed to cover the costs associated with raising a child.

Foster Care Allowance is not considered income but rather a reimbursement for expenses related to fostering. The amount of the allowance varies based on factors such as the age, costs of caring for a child, needs of the child and the level of care provided by the foster parent.

Types of Foster Care in NSW

There are different types of foster care arrangements in NSW:

• Emergency Care: This involves providing immediate care and support to children who require urgent placement due to safety concerns. Emergency care is often a short-term arrangement.
• Short-Term Care: Short-term foster care provides a temporary home for children while family circumstances are assessed or while a more permanent placement is identified.
• Long-Term Care: Long-term foster care can extend over several years and may lead to guardianship or adoption if the child cannot return to their birth family.
• Respite Care: Respite care offers temporary relief to foster parents and allows them to take breaks while ensuring the child’s well-being.
• Kinship Care: In kinship care, children are placed with relatives or close family friends when they cannot live with their birth parents. Kinship carers may also receive financial support.

Calculating the Foster Care Allowance

The Foster Care Allowance in NSW is not a fixed amount and is determined based on various factors:

• Age of the Child: Younger children often receive higher allowances as they require more care and support.
• Level of Care: The allowance may differ depending on whether the foster parent is providing basic, standard, or intensive care. Intensive care typically involves children with more complex needs.
• Special Requirements: A foster child with disabilities or special medical needs may receive additional support to cover associated costs.
• Location: The cost of living can vary across NSW, so allowances may be adjusted accordingly.
• Foster Parent’s Experience: Experienced foster parents may receive higher allowances.

Foster Care Allowance is not intended to provide foster parents with a source of income. Instead, it aims to cover the child’s everyday expenses, including food, clothing, education, and extracurricular activities.