Foster Care Pay: What You Need to Know 

For many people considering fostering, financial concerns can be a significant source of anxiety. Questions like: “Will I be able to afford the additional expenses?”, "What does foster care pay?" or “What kind of support will I receive?” are common and valid.  

Fostering is a life-changing commitment that requires not only emotional investment but also practical financial preparation. 

That’s where Mosaic Foster Care steps in. We understand the challenges prospective foster parents face and have created a robust financial support system to help you focus on what truly matters – providing a safe, nurturing home for children who need it most.  

This blog will guide you through the allowances, payments and additional support Mosaic offers, demonstrating how we allow foster families to thrive. 

Factors That Influence Foster Care Pay 

Several factors determine the amount of allowance foster parents receive. Mosaic ensures these considerations are built into the financial support provided: 

1. Age of the child: As children grow, their expenses increase. For example, teenagers often need more funds for clothing, travel and education. 

2. Specific needs: Some children require additional support due to medical, emotional or behavioural challenges. Mosaic carefully adjusts payments for foster parents to reflect these needs, ensuring foster families are equipped to provide the necessary care. 

3. Region: Allowance rates can vary depending on local economic conditions and agency policies. Mosaic regularly reviews and adjusts allowances to align with rising living costs and evolving needs. 

Read our blog – Do Foster Carers Pay Tax? – here. 

Foster Care Pay Rates: What Can You Expect? 

Foster parents at Mosaic Foster Care receive a payment rate to compensate for their time, commitment and expertise. This payment helps ensure fostering is both rewarding and sustainable. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Minimum weekly payment: Foster parents start at a minimum of £600 per week. 

• Additional payment for training completion: Upon completing the Training Support and Development Standards (TSD) workbook, carers receive an extra £100 per week, bringing the total to £700+ per week. 

Mosaic’s approach guarantees 100% compliance with TSD completion, which not only ensures carers are fully prepared but also motivates them to complete the training promptly. This structured support helps foster parents feel confident and capable in their roles. 

For foster parents who care for more than one child (when deemed suitable), Mosaic pays a full fee for each child. This means some experienced foster families earn more than £2,100 per week for three children, ensuring financial stability when fostering is a full-time commitment. It’s worth noting that Mosaic typically places one child per foster parent. In cases where multiple children are placed, both adults in the household are required to work full-time as foster parents. 

Read our blog – Are Foster Carers Self-Employed? – here. 

Andre Palmer, founder of Mosaic Foster Care, explains: “We pay foster parents higher allowances because we want to attract people who are prepared to commit to a child for the long term.  

“It’s important foster parents are financially stable so they can focus on supporting their foster child without being distracted by money worries.  

“It’s only right they are properly rewarded for the incredible work they do – they are expected to undergo training throughout their time as foster parents and deserve to be properly compensated for that.” 

Read our blog on the financial aspects of being a foster parent here. 

Additional Financial Support Offered by Mosaic Fostering

Mosaic Foster Care provides comprehensive financial and practical support, setting us apart from other fostering agencies and local authorities. Here are some of the ways we go above and beyond: 

1. Supportive foster care (respite care): Foster parents receive up to three weeks of supportive foster care annually to recharge. If additional or emergency respite is required, Mosaic works with local authorities or covers the cost internally to ensure families have the support they need. 

2. Unused respite payments: Carers can receive up to seven days of payment for unused respite, ensuring they benefit even if they do not require time away from their fostering duties. 

3. Therapeutic support for the whole family: Mosaic’s SMILE framework provides immediate therapeutic interventions, not just for the foster child but for the entire family. This holistic approach helps families manage challenges effectively and ensures the well-being of everyone in the household. 

4. Dedicated support workers: Mosaic’s support workers assist with practical and emotional needs. They offer invaluable time-out opportunities for families and are always available to provide help when it’s needed most. 

Real-Life Foster Parent Testimonials 

Sarah, Mosaic Foster Parent: “The weekly payments from Mosaic gave us peace of mind, and the SMILE framework meant we could handle any challenges with confidence.” 

John, Mosaic Foster Parent: “Having access to dedicated support workers and flexible respite care made all the difference in our fostering journey.” 

Foster Care Pay Comparison Table: Mosaic Foster Care vs Other Foster Care Agencies 

(Table reflective of standard placement requirements. Specialist replacement needs often carry an uplift to reflect specialist skills and additional commitment required by the foster parent.)  

Foster Care Pay Frequently Asked Questions 

When are foster care payments made? 

Payments are made weekly and Mosaic ensures a consistent schedule so you can plan your expenses effectively. 

Can allowances and payments be combined if I care for siblings? 

Yes! Mosaic pays a full fee for each child in placement, ensuring financial stability for families caring for multiple children. 

What happens if I don’t use my respite care? 

Carers can receive up to seven days of payment for unused respite, ensuring you still benefit from the allowance even if you don’t require time away. 

Highlighting Mosaic Fosterings Unique Benefits 

At Mosaic, we pride ourselves on our holistic approach to fostering support. Here are a few standout features: 

• Rapid therapeutic support: Our SMILE framework provides immediate, tailored interventions for foster families, helping them address challenges without delay. 

• Long-term success focus: With some of the highest placement stability rates in the region, Mosaic ensures children thrive in nurturing, consistent environments. 

• Personalised training: From TSD compliance to bespoke workshops, our training equips foster parents with the skills and confidence they need. 

Want to find out what it’s really like to foster with Mosaic? Attend one of our informational webinars to hear directly from experienced foster parents.  

Contact Mosaic Foster Care today and take the first step in your fostering journey.