How Much Do Foster Carers Get Paid In Australia?
Embarking on the fulfilling journey of fostering comes with remunerations in order to give you the financial support you need to provide for your foster child.
How Much Do Foster Carers Get Paid In Australia?
Embarking on the fulfilling journey of fostering comes with remunerations in order to give you the financial support you need to provide for your foster child.
These payments are offered at varying rates per state and according to the needs of the child.
Payments are non-taxable and should only be used for day-to-day expenses that arise during the provision of care.
They are not a wage, salary or source of income, rather a reimbursement for the expenses of fostering a child.
It is important to note that due to the unpredictable nature of a foster child’s situation, payments will vary.
As a general rule, the payment rates will increase as the child gets older. Also higher rates are usually paid when the child has high emotional, behavioural or health needs.
General Foster Payments
General foster payments cover the foster child’s basic living costs, including food, clothes, travel, household bills, pocket money and presents for Christmas or birthdays.
Establishment payments
Some states pay establishment payments to cover expenses that are required when entering care for the first time.
This includes essential products such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, socks bedroom furniture, bed linen, baby capsules, car booster seats, clothing and footwear, nappies and formula etc.
Any items bought under the establishment allowance become the child’s belongings and should be given to them if they ever leave your care.
Teenage Education Payments
Some states pay teenage education payments to cover expenditures in regard to school. For example, educational supplies and materials such as stationery and school books, school uniform, excursion and camp expenses and other general educational fees.